This post was originally published with resolutions for 2022, but has been updated for a new year of putting your equine first in 2023. And – shameless plug – if you’re looking for a 2023 planner tailor-made for horse training, don’t miss the 2023 Horse Training Planner!
2022 was a whirlwind, and your New Year’s resolutions for 2023 might just involve more simplicity and time with your horse. Or you might have big goals for a more normal and exciting show or trail season. But if your horse could help you make some equestrian New Year’s resolutions, what would they want? Let’s go beyond the every-year resolutions (Ride more! Do equestrian workouts! Bombproof my horse!) with some equestrian 2023 New Year’s resolutions that put your horse first.
These five equestrian New Year’s resolutions cover different areas of your horse’s life. Each one has an explanation of why it’s an important resolution. Then, you’ll find find actionable, attainable goal ideas that will help you bring each resolution to life.
Equestrian New Year’s Resolution #1: Your Horse’s Care and Welfare
I will make changes and decisions in 2023 that improve my horse’s welfare and lifestyle.
It’s great to make resolutions that target your riding abilities, and make goals for more fun equestrian activities with friends. But what about your horse’s life outside of riding time?
Make a resolution to make a few (you decide the number) positive changes to your horse’s lifestyle. You probably know a few things that you wish you could change or give to your horse to improve their welfare – whether you’re on a tight budget or board your horse at the fanciest stable.
Look to the Five Opportunities to Thrive for Equine Welfare for some inspiration points. And keep yourself open to learning more about how to keep your horse happy and healthy.
Your horse can’t be at their best without you, so make improving their quality of life your number one equestrian New Year’s resolution for 2023.
Action Goals for the Lifestyle and Care Resolution
- I will find a way to give my horse 24/7 forage.
- I will budget for 2 or more bodyworker visits for my horse in 2023.
- I will speak with my barn manager this month about increasing my horse’s turnout time.
Equestrian New Year’s Resolution #2: Your Horse’s Mental Health
I will improve my horse’s mental health and our relationship in 2023, even if that means riding differently or accomplishing less.
We’ve all made New Year’s resolutions like I will ride 3 days a week minimum or I will take my horse to more shows or I will jump X height by summer. There’s nothing wrong with creating motivating riding goals – but don’t let your personal goals overshadow your relationship with your horse.
Many of us make New Year’s resolutions related to our mental health and relationships. Ask yourself: are your riding goals this year good for your horse’s emotional wellbeing and their relationship with you? Preparing for that busy show season or aiming for that big group trail ride could involve using more pressure or force with your equine companion than they need or want.
Instead, strive for riding that is anchored in compassion. Aim to decrease the intensity of the aids you use while riding. Strive to ride with less force or frustration, and be kind to yourself if putting your horse first means less impressive rides.
This is a brave resolution, because you may have to ride counter to the cultural current. You may face peer pressure or even judgement from other equestrians. There’s a chance that you might place lower in shows or have to bow out of a trail ride if your horse isn’t ready.
But if you make this resolution and stick to it, your bond with your horse will be much stronger. And, you’ll probably notice improvements in their behavior on the ground and undersaddle.
Action Goals for the Mental Wellbeing Resolution
- I will take 1 lesson per month that focuses on softening my aids or releasing my tension.
- I will join a support group or use another method to target my riding anxiety.
- I will switch to a milder bit, and do the training needed for my horse to succeed in it.
Equestrian New Year’s Resolution #3: Enrichment
I will invest in enrichment items and activities in 2022 that encourage my horse’s natural behavior and curiosity.
Equestrian New Year’s resolution #2 was a little heavy, right? Lighten things up with this one: giving your horse more enrichment!
Enrichment for animals is a fundamental part of their care. Your horse needs to express their natural behaviors and experience variety.
This resolution isn’t just a good way to improve your horse’s quality of life – it comes with a stack of benefits. Relieving boredom can improve your horse’s behavior. You might see fewer unwanted behaviors like stall vices, and your relationship with your horse will improve as they associate you with fun toys and puzzles.
Action Goals for the Enrichment Resolution
- I will budget for and purchase 1 enrichment item per month.
- I will make 3 DIY enrichment items or toys for my horse this year.
- I will talk to my fellow boarders about setting up a communal toy box for everyone to use.
- I will give my horse one enrichment item or activity per day.
Equestrian New Year’s Resolution #4: Communication
In 2023, I will invite two-way communication with my horse, respecting when their behavior says both yes and no.
If your own New Year’s resolutions involved improving your relationship and communication with the humans in your life, why not extend that to your equine companion as well?
This year, resolve to listen more to your horse and to give them more voice in your relationship. This can mean giving them more choice and control, and letting them say no to some things.
This horse-first New Year’s resolution may be challenging just like Resolution #2. This is especially true if your area has a culture of dominance and me-first behavior around horses. Accepting communication – yes and no answers from your horse – is a big change.
Listening to your horse means paying attention to what their behavior means and what their actions say about their mental state. When they say yes through willingness and participation, it means respecting that yes by being fair and keeping them safe and motivated.
And when your horse’s behavior indicates refusal or discomfort, it means respecting that no. After all, horses don’t disobey or misbehave to be jerks! Instead, find out why your horse isn’t willing and make a plan to support them, fix the issue, or teach them how to succeed.
There will still be times where your horse won’t have much choice, like medical emergencies. But where you can, aim for more listening and give-and-take in your relationship. Don’t be afraid that letting your horse have more agency means they’ll be spoiled or run all over you. Most horses really appreciate feeling like they have more choices and control over their lives, and will repay your efforts with more trust and willingness.
Action Goals for the Communication Resolution
- I will regularly create experiences where my horse’s wants come first, like going for grazing walks.
- When my horse is resistant or fearful, I will evaluate and soften my approach before deciding whether or not to power through it.
- I will talk to my farrier or vet about giving my horse rest breaks during appointments.
- I will teach my horse some consent cues for basic care.
Equestrian New Year’s Resolution #5: Think Positive
I will use more reward-based training in 2023.
This New Year’s resolution goes hand in hand with the previous one. One of the best ways to give your horse more choices while still having great training results is by using reward-based training, or positive reinforcement, with your equine friend.
Positive reinforcement means following up a desired behavior with a reward, like a bite of food. When you reward your horse for participating, it’s like paying a salary rather than insisting that your horse work with you for free.
The result is usually a horse who has much more motivation and interest in handling and riding. It’s a great way to build a bond with your horse based on trust, and to use less pressure or force.
If you’re new to positive reinforcement, it’s important to start correctly so that your horse stays calm and understands the rules of their new, exciting training. Working with a positive reinforcement trainer is a good idea. So is using a training planner and journal to set your goals.
Action Goals for the Positive Resolution
- I will do some research this month on how to correctly use treats in my training.
- I will teach my horse three new behaviors using positive reinforcement.
- I will reteach one skill my horse already knows using force-free, positive methods.
With these equestrian New Year’s resolutions that put your horse first, you and your equine friend will have a stronger bond and kinder relationship – no matter what 2023 throws at us. Happy New Year!
Great content! Keep up the good work!