Goal Setting and Horses
By Lydia Bagley
Many people love the idea of owning a horse, but horse ownership comes with big responsibilities and a long term commitment. Unlike dogs and cats that have a life span of about 10 years, horses now live well into their 20′s and even 30′s when cared for. To help you decide if ownership, leasing, or lessons is the best option for you I have developed a goal worksheet. Goals will aid in the decision to purchase, lease, or take lessons. These questions will also help you determine if finding a professional to assist you in lessons and purchasing is necessary.
The questions you need to ask yourself, children, and spouse are listed below. The answers will also help you decided which breed you are best suited to and the discipline you wish to ride.
Ask Yourself and Family:
What are my goals?
Spouses goals?
What are my child’s goals?
What kind of riding do I want to do?
What kind of riding do my kids want to do?
What level am I? Beginner (less than 1 year) Intermediate (2-7 years) Advanced (7+ years)
What level are my children?
How much time do I have to spend with the horse? 1 day a week, 2 days, 3 days, 5+?
How much money do I have to spend on feed, care, stabling, and other expenses?
How much money do I have to spend on a horse? $500, $1500, $5000?
Do I want to own or lease?
How many years do I want to be invested in horses?
How interested in my family?
About Lydia Bagley
Lydia Bagley has been riding and showing horses for 22 years and has been an instructor for the last 6 years. Today she focuses on using proven Classical Dressage methods and Natural Horsemanship to create partnerships between horse and rider. Lydia enjoys teaching children & adult beginners up to intermediate level riders. The original article can be found here: http://lydiabagley.wordpress.com/2010/08/15/goal-setting-and-horses/