With 2010 coming to an end it can be hard to stay motivated – however, if you start now by outlining your goals, you can hit the show circuit next spring ready to go and with clear ideas for the future in mind.
The best way to get ready is to include your trainer. Your trainer is there to help you and your horse reach your potential – but they can’t do it without help!
Look back over the past year. What did you like? What didn’t you like? What would you like to do next year? What are your BIG goals, and what are some smaller ones? Write them down so you are clear, and then take the time to talk to your trainer. Let your trainer know that you have been working on your goals for 2011 and would love the opportunity to chat, that way your trainer can make sure to set time aside to focus on you without too many distractions and give you the best feedback possible. By knowing that you want to talk about the upcoming show season, it gives your trainer the opportunity to think about what they want you to be working on as well – they are the people on the ground and on your horse and will have the best ideas as to what is realistic, and what is not.
Don’t spend too much time telling your trainer about your ride. Clients often make the mistake of critiquing their own rides and telling their trainers what they think they need to change. Although it is good to have an idea about your strengths and weaknesses, it is up to your trainer to tell you what you need to change based on your goals. If you decide you want to win the Equitation Finals, it should be your trainer telling you what position changes you need to make in order to have that happen – not you telling your trainer that you need to get your heels down more often.
Most importantly; listen. In a good working relationship, when your trainer tells you that your horse can no longer do the jumpers, won’t be a Grand Prix Dressage horse or hates barrel racing – listen to them. No trainer wants to tell you your horse won’t be everything that you want them to be, so if they are trying to have that conversation with you, be open to it. Look back on the past year and see why they may feel that way – and always ASK. The best relationships are based on open communication and every trainer wants the best for their clients. If your trainer feels like they can have an open and honest conversation with you, you may be surprised at what you hear: after all, your horse may not be the next star reining champion, but an FEI Dressage horse instead, and hey, that can’t be all that bad.
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