Smart Goal Setting Practices for Horse Professionals

A few weeks ago, we discussed the motivational challenge many of us face when working on the business side of our horse businesses. The first article on this topic outlined why we lose our motivation In the second article, we talked about how to reduce the people problems that suck our motivation dry. In this article, we are going tackle how to increase and sustain your motivation to work on the financial end of your business. Why does motivation matter so much?...More

Learning how to set meaningful goals for yourself and with your clients is a critical for success. In this webinar, Equestrian Mental Skills Coach, Tonya Johnston takes listeners through a step by step process to help them implement a powerful goal setting strategy for themselves and their riders. Whether it's in the show ring or at home, it takes hard work and dedication to succeed in equestrian sports. This webinar will give you inspiration and tools to help you and your clients stay motivated and on track to achieve your goals....More

A few years ago, at Christmas dinner, a friend asked me if I believed in setting New Year's Resolutions. I said "No, not really." He looked perplexed and being a holiday celebration, I decided to gracefully change the subject, but I will revisit it here with you. I don't like New Year's Resolutions because they imply that something will be "resolved" by making them. For me, that's just not how life works. If I could resolve my life by making a decision once a year, I would be a perfectly kind human being, I would no longer be a procrastinator, and I would have six pack abs. We can't improve our lives by thinking life can be resolved. Life is an ever changing, unpredictable, wonderful thing and we are given just one. The only time a life is truly resolved is when it is over. So, to heck with New Year's Resolutions!...More

Because I am an equestrian business consultant, equestrians often ask me for help with their business plans. People new to the horse business want me to give them a pre-fabricated model that works so that they can take this *magic plan* and create a successful horse business. But people who've been in the business a while don't want or expect magic; rather, they want real-life solutions to make their business more financially successful...More

In riding and competing, planning for success is crucial, as is remembering to reward yourself for a job well done. Accomplishing goals you set out for yourself will build confidence in yourself in a variety of areas. It may be in your training methods, business acumen, competitive abilities, and/or in your skill as a horseperson. There is always a list of things to improve, but first we must take time to list the things that have improved. In addition, your continued growth and development as a rider and trainer requires conscious thought -- hence the importance of setting well-crafted and strategy-supported goals....More