As a rider and trainer, I often have to reflect on my goals and ambitions, whether it be on a daily, weekly, monthly or yearly basis. Personally, this gives me drive and purpose, as I’m always wanting to improve myself, horses and clients. I have ridden competitively in many disciplines at National and International level, but now lean more to the dressage, but I can still be seen popping a hedge in the Berkeley country. Running a large livery yard in Gloucestershire takes up quite a bit of my time now, but I still compete regularly.

I find that goals and ambitions can focus the rider, and provide a purpose for their efforts. They can be long, intermediate or short term goals. Goals should be set so they are specific and measurable. They should be moderately difficult, but realistic, so that they are both challenging and achievable. These can be performance goals and competitive. Performance goals can result in good competitive results.

Short term goals can show immediate improvements and increase motivation and confidence. This can be anything from going to your first rally, remembering a dressage test, going clear show jumping or achieving something in the school at home.

What is your short term goal for 2018?

Short term goals change regularly, especially having spent time reflecting on your performance… often done in the lorry on the way home!

At my last horse trails I focused on a competitive Dressage and double clear. This was an achievable goal. The result was positive, so next time out I will focus on the same goal, but set a challenge of being inside the time. Again achievable, but more challenging.

In Dressage on a young horse a simple short-term goal for me is regularly trying to stay in the arena on all four legs. Achievable, but challenging!

What would your Intermediate goal be for 2018?

An intermediate goal for me would be to be able to perform a Dressage test on that same horse with him listening and performing as well as he does at home. If I can achieve that goal my results will improve so that I can qualify for the Regionals.

What is your long-term goal?

As I get older I find that my Long-term goals have changed since I was younger. We all want to win Badminton! Realistically, with life and logic that was not going to happen for me. I now aim towards a Long term goal of making the horse a happy athlete so that he can perform at his best, whether he be the next Valegro, or a pleasant hack.

Setting your goals also can make the communication between rider and coach easier. The coach will then have a positive direction in which to take the training, helping the rider achieve their goals.

I wish you all the best for 2018, and hope you all achieve your goals and ambitions.

Helen James

FB, Hollow Farm Livery

www.hollowfarm.co.uk