Goal-Setting Made Simple: How to Use SMART Goals to Achieve More On and Off the Horse

Dec 20, 20222 min read

Often as trainers and riders, it can feel like we are chasing progress in circles. When this happens, having a clear set of goals can help us get moving towards success. It's not a fool-proof program but it can help you find the direction out of these endless circles.

The best way to start creating goals to drive achievement is to make SMART goals.

What is a SMART goal?

Horse rearing in front of woman — Setting goals can help you work through the highs and lows of training horses.

A SMART goal is a structured template for planning goals and creating a path to success. This format gained popularity in education, but the applications are endless. For horseback riders and trainers, it helps create goals that are specific and achievable.

What does SMART mean?

S - Specific

M - Measurable

A - Attainable

R - Relevant

T - Time-Bound

SMART goals in practice

Once you get the hang of the SMART goal format, you can create attainable goals for all aspects of your riding and training journey. Better yet— you can use SMART goals for more than just working with horses.

Example SMART Goals

Posting At The Trot:

SMART Goal: S - Post at the trot for a whole lap without falling behind or losing rhythm M - Post one whole lap around the arena in balance both directions A- I have been riding for over a month and have trotted on the lunge line R - I want to become a better rider and progress in lessons T- By the end of February

Improving Canter Depart:

SMART Goal: S- Be able to strike off cleanly from the walk to a correct lead canter on both sides and maintain a three beat rhythm M- Get a 6 or above on a local dressage test for a walk-canter transition A- My horse has been working on cantering from the walk with only two trot steps in between R- My horse and I have done the prerequisites to getting a good canter-walk transition T- For the show on August 1st, in three months

Improving Horse's Fitness:

SMART Goal: S- Take my horse through a 6-week fitness regime to prepare them for a 10-mile trail ride. M - Be able to pass a vet check after a 10-mile trail ride A - My horse has been barrel racing all winter and is already fit, just needs more stamina R - We did a 15-mile trail ride last summer T - At the end of a 6-week fitness program, date TBD

How to use SMART goals to achieve more on and off the horse

Girl leading a tacked up horse — Set goals to maximize success with horses

Many riders and trainers go to each session with an idea of what they want to do but don't always have a specific vision for the future. Always keeping an eye on the bigger picture helps us keep our progress on track. The SMART template allows you to create goals that can be achieved.

Once one short-term goal is achieved it can be hard to know where to go next and stagnation occurs. Having a set of both short and long-term goals is a good way to ensure you are always headed somewhere. Thus, training sessions can become streamlined and progress made quicker.

Setting concrete goals is a good way to build drive and motivation to work towards something. Creating goals and achieving them can become an addictive venture once you knock off your first few SMART goals.

Start setting goals today and go further in your horse journey with the template below!