Horseback Riding Goal-Setting: It's Not Just About Ribbons

Every January, riders everywhere dive into horseback riding goal-setting mode, dreaming big for the year ahead:

• "I’d love to compete in my first event."
• "I want to move up to my first 1.10m class."
• "I’d love to jump a full course."

Sound familiar? While these goals are inspiring, they might be the very thing standing in the way of your progress!

That’s why we teamed up with Kerrits Team Rider and World Cup Eventer Jessica Heidemann to uncover her game-changing approach to goal setting. With accomplishments like winning individual gold, individual silver, and team gold at the North American Youth Championships, placing 3rd in dressage at Rolex and running a clean cross country there twice, and competing at the World Cup in Malmo Sweden, Jessica’s proven method is the key to setting goals like a pro—and achieving them.

Get ready to transform your riding journey with Jessica’s insider tips, step-by-step plan, and a downloadable goal-setting PDF!

How to Set Goals for Horseback Riding:

1. Download the Goal-setting Sheet.
2. Read the tips from Professional Event Rider Jessica. 
3.  Fill out the 2-month goal and 8-month goal section.
4. Work independently or with your trainer to create actionable steps to achieve these goals.
5. Add photos or quotes around the sheet to create a vision board.
6. Review these steps regularly and make changes as needed. Remember, with horses, plans don't always go as expected. Be resilient, revisit your action items, and don't be afraid to adjust your goals if they no longer align with your journey.

Why is it important to set goals?

Let’s face it—every rider and horse owner loves their horses, but even the most passionate equestrians can feel stuck or unmotivated at times. Without a strong sense of community or an achievement to work toward, it’s easy to lose that spark.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need a massive goal to find joy—sometimes, it’s as simple as connecting with barn friends or embracing the wins along the way. These moments can reignite your love for horses and remind you why you started this journey in the first place.

I also work with riders who have big dreams but feel overwhelmed by the daily grind. They know where they want to go but aren’t sure how to get there. Sound familiar? My approach helps riders create a plan—step by step—so they can tackle their daily rides with purpose and stay on the path to progress.

Is goal-setting only for people who compete?

Think goal-setting is just for competitors? Think again! Whether you’re a dedicated eventer, a trail-riding enthusiast, or someone dreaming of bringing horses back into your life, setting goals can be a game-changer.

From building confidence in the saddle to reigniting your passion, goal-setting isn’t just about ribbons or rankings—it’s about creating a clear path to the joy and progress you’ve been longing for.

Why do you break goal-setting into 2-months and 8-months?

8-Month Goals

When it comes to goal-setting, I like to hit the ground running in the first month of the year, using that time to get everything organized and mapped out. Think of your 8-month marker as your end-of-season goal—your big, overarching achievement to aim for.

Why 8 months? Because let’s be real: life with horses is anything but predictable! Keeping your goals within a shorter time frame gives you room to adapt and stay focused, no matter what surprises come your way.

2-Month Goals

Let’s talk about the magic of 2-month goals—they’re the stepping stones that bring your big 8-month ambitions to life. By breaking your larger objectives into smaller, actionable pieces, you can start making progress right now.

For example: if your 8-month goal is to compete in your first dressage test but your 10-meter circles need work, your 2-month goal could focus on perfecting them. On the flip side, if you’ve nailed that 10-meter circle at the 2-month mark, think ahead: how will this skill contribute to your 8-month milestone?

Jessica's goal-setting sheet and vision board.

 Why should I make a vision board with my goals?

Your goal sheet is a great daily reminder that you can look at every day. It should make you feel excited and inspired by those goals. The photos don't have to be you, they could be a rider you look up to, a photo that makes you love the sport all over again, or quotes that just feel right. This is your personal space for motivation, passion, and growth. 

Supporting or hindering factors when reaching your goals:

• Creating action steps
• Working with your trainer or support buddy
• Being adaptable with your goals (if you need to change your goals or do not reach mile markers)

Get started on your horseback riding goal-setting journey. 

See your goals come to life:

Download the Goal-Setting Sheet