There is something refreshing about the beginning of something: a new calendar year, school year, even a new month. For me, it feels like a opportunity to correct and improve. But setting goals really helps me to achieve them. So let’s set some goals for 2018 and look back at the ones of 2017.
This post is part of the Equestrian Blog Hop hosted by Heather Wallace of Bridle and Bone. Giving equestrian bloggers a neat opportunity to talk about a common topic each month.
REFLECTING ON 2017
Last year was a pretty chaotic year with the move and everything. I end up not riding for about half of the year, so measuring the achievement of those goals is somewhat subjective. But let’s give it a try (you can find the 2017 resolutions here).
The ones that I definitely achieved were: changing barns to our own place :D, reach Rumor’s optimal weight, post more often here. Regarding riding a test per month I somewhat achieved it, if you count that I rode for 6 months and I rode in competition 6 times.
Keeping record I must say that is pretty difficult when you are not there. And refining my aids was a main focus of the first part of 2017 a improved a lot, but not riding all of those months made me go to some of my old ways, so there was an improvement but a step back. Should we call it even then? The others I’m ashamed to say that there were not achieved to the fullest. Looking at them in retrospective I was quite ambitious and there were a lot.
So I failed in the resolutions department ….. but I did move to another country partly to become a GP rider. The part of the show season that I did with Rumor was really good, having most of the times above 65’s. I gained a lot of confidence in myself as a rider and learned to listen to the people that I trust the most when they tell me something. For all that I call 2017 a big success.
GOALS FOR 2018
1. Find a horse related activity to do
As I mentioned in my previous post this is the first time in my life that I’m ”horseless” wich feels pretty weird. My task is to find a riding school or barn to go to and do something: volunteer, groom, ride or whatever. The key here is to learn something new or become better.
2. Expand The Equestrian Stop
Last year was pretty exiting, the blog got it’s first nomination for an award. So this year I want to go above and beyond. Take you with me to exiting places (spoiler alert!!) as the finals of the World Cup in Paris and the Grand Prix in Monaco. And I want to begin to work with some companies in partnerships and sponsorships. Also begin to do videos ….. with a big maybe, I just like to be in the back organizing and writing gives me that. But the future is in videos so I will try.
3. Improve my fitness and nutrition
To athlete level. If I want to become an athlete then I have behave as one. That includes sweating in the gym and eating the right way.
4. Organization & keeping record of progress
I need to be more organized with my time and with my goals. My new 2018 agenda and fancy notebook will help me to do that, I just need to do the rest.
5. Know more
I have a special passion for biomechanics and nutrition. This year I will improve my knowledge of those and if it’s possible of horse anatomy in general.
6. Save money
Also as I mentioned in my previous post the plan is to have Calipso inseminated. So that plus the cost of a new born foal….. I gotta start saving money.
I want to hear your 2018 resolutions! What are they?
