My Riding Goals

For equestrians, transitioning to a new season means pulling out sheets for our horses, wearing more layers when we ride, and adjusting our ride times as the days get shorter. But it’s also a good time to think about riding goals and prioritize any dreams a rider may have for the next show season.

I am forever grateful for the two amazing horses I get to ride. They’ve both been amazing partners as I’ve gotten back in the saddle, and, now a year in with them, I feel like I know their personalities, likes, and dislikes quite well. It’s been so much fun establishing that bond again with horses, and it makes me love my time out of the saddle alongside them just as much as my actual riding time. Plus, both boys seem to love the camera and always provide me with tons of entertaining content to make Reels with. 

While my competitive equestrian days are likely over, here are a couple of goals I have for my riding: 

1. Take regular lessons: I took my first jumping lesson (with a new trainer, no less) over the summer, and I loved it. I missed jumping so much, but after so much time away from it, I felt like it was safer to do it with a trainer present. No matter how long you’ve been riding, lessons are always a good idea, as they can help you and your horse continue to advance and develop your partnership. I definitely want to get into a semi-regular routine of having some lessons scheduled. 
   
   
2. Ride in a local show: This is a long shot, but I would not be opposed to taking part in a local show while the weather is still warm enough. It has been a very long time since I showed, but I always enjoyed the thrill of competition and coming away from a show knowing what I needed to work on to be better next time. 
   
   
3. Participate in a riding clinic: Having the ability to ride in a clinic and take a lesson with an Olympic rider has always been a dream of mine. I think training with as many people as you can get access to is helpful, especially if you are looking to develop your riding. 
   
   
4. Go on a beach trail ride: I would settle for going out on a regular trail, but I would love to ride on the beach. There’s a ranch out in Montauk that I believe still lets you take their horses on the beach, and it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. 
   
   
5. Ride internationally: I was hoping to get a ride in when I was in Europe, but with the heat wave that was ongoing during my entire trip, it just didn’t happen. I’m fascinated by how other countries train their horses and develop riders, so I would love the opportunity to ride at different barns when I travel. 

Those are just a few of my equestrian dreams for the coming year (and likely beyond). If you’re an equestrian, drop some of your riding goals in the comments below.