5 Tips for Successful New Years Riding Resolutions
by Amanda Krakow
As an adult amateur rider who runs an Equestrian Marketing and Social Media Business, it's crucial to establish suitable goals and support them with a timeline and a well-planned strategy. This not only applies to business but to riding as well!
Set a reasonable goal:
One of the keys to success is setting a reasonable goal. When setting a goal, it's important to be specific and realistic. If you and your horse are doing well at a certain level perhaps set your goal to show at the next level up while schooling a bit bigger at home.
Set small goals along the way:
Break down your goal into smaller, more manageable steps. This way, you can track your progress and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way. Remember, it's better to achieve a smaller goal than to never achieve a larger one. Try mapping out your riding plan with exercise rides, your lessons and also some just some relaxing hacks! Remember your horse and you are not machines and steady work will create the best foundation for your larger goal!
Be flexible and OK with setbacks:
In life, it's important to be flexible and open to change. Sometimes things don't go according to plan and setbacks occur. This has never been more true than it is with horses! Our daily schedules can become hectic, horses can become injured and even sometimes the weather is not on our side. It's easy to get discouraged and give up, but it's important to remember that setbacks are a natural part of the process and growth is never linear. When a setback occurs take a breath, analyze the situation, and come up with a new plan.
Be okay with setbacks, embrace them, and use them as a learning experience to grow and improve.
Celebrate the smaller wins:
Successful horseback riding is a combination of many small moments that culminate in a perfect course or test. It takes time and practice to get there, so don't forget to celebrate the small wins along the way. Start by incorporating a few challenging elements into your rides before attempting the more difficult ones all at once.
Maybe you nailed the one taller fence in your course or perhaps you finally got a flying change! Embrace those moments and remember, your horse can't do it all at once, and neither can you.
Always do right by your horse:
Perhaps I should have made this Tip #1.
Horses are magnificent creatures. They are loyal, intelligent, and often times our best friends! As a responsible horse owner, it's important to always do right by your horse and as hard as that can feel sometimes that means putting their welfare above all else. Not only do we need to support them physically with proper riding technique, appropriate tack and daily care to prevent injury as best we can, but also paying special attention to their emotional mental health as well.
By doing right by your horse, you'll not only ensure their health and happiness, but also build a strong bond with your equine companion that will last a lifetime. And that of course is the biggest win of all.
Meet Amanda, the Owner of "On Course Digital LLC"
Amanda is the proud owner of "On Course Digital LLC" where she offers various services such as Marketing Strategy, Social Media Content Creation and Management, Photography, and Event Services to Equestrian Brands. When she's not managing her business, Amanda loves to ride and show her two jumpers, Captain and Dougie! Her New Years Riding Goal is to qualify and compete in the 2024 USHJA Low Adult Jumper Championships.
Follow here on Instagram: @oncoursedigital
Why Amanda loves BOTORI: Women Supporting Women!
There are countless reasons why I adore BOTORI, but what stands out the most is their dedication to supporting fellow women. The brand's community is unbreakable, and PJ's exceptional customer service is always available. BOTORI produces high-quality products that are made in the USA and can be worn anywhere!
Currently, my must-have item is the BTR Active Seamless Baselayer, which fits perfectly, keeps me warm, and even features thumbholes.
