New Year’s resolutions require reflection. We must be able to understand what goals we would like to achieve, but more importantly what is driving and causing us to want to reach that goal. Resolutions are much more than solely making a physical change, but a mental or emotional change as well.
Equestrians often see the new year as a new level, horse, score, placing, competition, opportunity, etc. because in this industry you and your accomplishments are never enough. Many equestrians, including myself, are never satisfied. When we step out of our competitive mindset, we often find holes in our personal lives, training, horse’s behavior, and overall happiness. It is not the time to set extravagant competitive goals when you and your horses’ happiness is unbalanced. As you look ahead to the new year, think about how you can improve your own mental, emotional, or physical state that will allow you to succeed in reaching those goals.
Improving our mental health must be at the forefront of our minds. We need to better understand ourselves and our health, and sometimes that means taking a step back from competition, and that is more than okay. Whether you may be struggling with your own health, your horses’ health, or just need to reset, we all need to remember to ride and spend time with our horses outside of the ring. Remember why you started riding in the first place and make your goal to reignite that passion.
Check out some resolutions below that you can incorporate into your routines as we head into 2025!
#1. Prioritize Physical and Mental Health
- Focus on reducing stress, combating burnout, and maintaining a refreshed and healthy mindset.
- Action: Spend 10 minutes daily on mindfulness, meditation, or journaling.
#2. Reconnect with Your Passion
- Reflect on why you started riding and find ways to reignite that joy. Dedicate one day a week, month, etc. to simply enjoy riding without an agenda—go for a trail ride, play bareback games, or just simply spend time with your horse outside of the ring.
- Action: Mark a specific “Fun Ride Day” in your weekly calendar.
#3. Practice Gratitude
- Shift your focus to what’s going well in your equestrian journey by cultivating appreciation for your horse and the progress you’ve made.
- Action: Start a gratitude journal and write down three things that went well after each ride.