Setting Goals

Tommy Garland, owner and operator of Garlands Ltd.

by Tommy Garland

Summer is the most active time for riding for horse owners. Working towards goals can make working with horses more challenging and rewarding. You don’t have to compete to set goals. Set short-term goals that are realistic. If you have a  3-yr-old Thoroughbred who is fresh off the track – don’t set a goal of making it to Preliminary eventing by season’s end. That would be more appropriate as a long-term goal.

Make sure that your goals are realistic financially as well. If your goal is to have your horse ready for Quarter Horse Congress in October – make sure you realize the expenses that come with attending a show on that scale.

Examples of short-term goals include – getting your new foal halter broken; teaching your trail horse to cross water; perfecting lead changes on your young show hunter.

Examples of long-term goals include – qualifying for the North American Young Riders Championships; selling a young performance horse you started from scratch for a nice profit; or competing in a long-distance trail ride next spring.

Setting goals will keep you focused in your horse activities. The sense of accomplishment you will feel when your trail horse crosses water without batting an eye – or your young show hunter changes leads right after you land from a jump – will make you feel so good! You can’t put a price on a sense of accomplishment! Enjoy your horses this summer!