How to set and achieve goals in 2025!

December is just around the corner, and we know lots of our customers and followers will be caught up in the magic of Christmas - the season of fun, food and festivities! And that means that before we know it, the new year will be here, bringing with it the promise of fresh starts and endless possibilities. Traditionally, it’s the perfect time to start jotting down a few New Year’s resolutions, but with 80% of people abandoning them after just a month or so, why not take those ideas a step further?

By turning resolutions or dreams into actionable goals, you can create a clear roadmap to success, whatever success means to you. Maybe you’re aiming to compete in your first ever competition, step up to a new level, change disciplines or simply spend more quality time with your horse, your goals are yours alone. They might even be personal aspirations like getting fitter, working toward a half marathon, or growing a business. Whatever your ambitions, in this blog we’re sharing our step-by-step guide to setting and achieving goals in 2025.

1. Dream big but start small

Begin by visualising your perfect 2025. Do you want to jump a course of 1.10m show jumps at a competition? Or maybe you’ve set your sights on hacking 100 miles a week during the summer or bringing on a young horse. Once you’ve defined your dream, break it down into smaller, achievable goals that feel less overwhelming and more actionable. E.g., successfully jumping a 1.10m fence, then tackling it on a circle, then jumping a 1.10 double!

2. Make your goals SMART

To set yourself up for success, why not apply the SMART framework. This means your goals should be:

Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve - otherwise, how will you know when you’ve reached your goals?
Measurable: Set milestones to track your progress - this will help you stay motivated as you can celebrate each milestone.
Achievable: Ensure your goal is challenging yet realistic. What can you achieve with your resources, time and some consistency?
Relevant: This one is all about aligning your goals with your overall ambitions.
Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline and work back to where you are now. What do you need to do now, next and later to achieve your goal?

For example, instead of saying, “I want my horse to be fitter ready for spring” try, “I will ride four times a week, every week from January to March, including one session of gymnastic grids and one faster work session.”

3. Break your goals down into manageable steps

Once you’ve identified your goals, break them into smaller tasks. Jumping a 1.10m fence, the first goal in completing a course at 1.10m, might involve:

● Work on rhythm and tempo on the flat, especially in canter
● Build your horse’s confidence over smaller fences and work up
● Book a jump lesson to check your technique is solid as you progress!

Each step brings you closer to your stepping stone goal and keeps progress manageable.

4. Be consistent

You will have some weeks when progress feels effortless and others where it feels like wading through mud. (NB there’s a chance the mud might be real, we are horse owners after all). Aim for consistency and showing up, even if you accept your energy levels and motivation will change!

5. Build in rewards

Staying motivated is key to achieving any goal, so make sure you celebrate the small wins along the way! Completed your first dressage test? Treat yourself to that gorgeous saddle pad you’ve been eyeing. Hit a personal fitness milestone? Indulge in a spa day or treat yourself to a new pair of riding boots. Rewards help keep momentum going and make the process more enjoyable.

6. Try to be flexible

Life happens, and sometimes even the best-laid plans need tweaking. If something doesn’t go to plan, don’t be discouraged. Revisit your goals and adjust where needed. Flexibility ensures that setbacks become opportunities to learn, rather than reasons to give up.

7. Track your progress

Write your goals down in a notebook, planner or app and regularly check in on your progress. Not only does this keep you accountable, but it also helps you reflect on how far you’ve come. Looking back at your achievements can be incredibly motivating and provide a confidence boost when you need it most. There will be ups and downs in the road, so remember how far you’ve come

8. Get some help!

Goals are easier to achieve with a support network. Share your ambitions with friends, your coach or even a social media community. You’ll find them an invaluable resource to offer encouragement and advice or simply remind you of why you started when the going gets tough.

So, just before we get wrapped up in Christmas jobs (pun intended!), see if you can carve out the time to map out what you want to achieve next year. Whether your goals revolve around your horse or your own personal growth, setting them with intention and breaking them into actionable steps will help make them a reality. Cheers to a 2025 of development and plenty of time spent in the saddle!