{"id":2083,"date":"2025-01-08T15:43:04","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T15:43:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/?p=2083"},"modified":"2025-11-27T01:10:33","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T01:10:33","slug":"new-years-horse-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/08\/new-years-horse-goals\/","title":{"rendered":"New Year’s Horse Goals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s a new year, full of new challenges, new opportunities and for some of us, maybe even a new horse!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes it can be totally overwhelming. There are so many things we can do with horses! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In no particular order, we’ve compiled a list of exciting ideas – along with our suggestions – that you can use to get inspired for your equestrian pursuits in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Build your confidence<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

And your horse’s, too. A partnership requires that both ourselves and our horses have confidence – and the best way to do that is to build it together with our horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We can’t just flip a switch in our (or our horse’s) brain to move from anxiety to confidence, but when we learn how to develop it together, we can achieve so much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Clinic Choices: Connected or Progressive<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Leona<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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2025 Connected Clinics<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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2025 Progressive Clinics<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Get out and Explore<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Make it a point to ride someplace new. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although riding the same trails repeatedly can create a sense of normalcy, it can also lead to complacency and boredom – for yourself, your horse or both of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we explore a new place, we bring passion and a sense of adventure back into our riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Clinic Choice: BackCountry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2025 BackCountry Clinics<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Up your horsemanship<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Narrow down a skill or two you want to work on and make it a focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s easy to fall into a bit of a trap of continuing to do the things we excel at, but we all know where we can improve or learn more. A focus on specific items helps our brain organize and integrate our learning experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Clinic Choices: Progessive or Dedicated<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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2025 Dedicated Days<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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2025 Progressive Clinics<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Connect<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Honestly, the more time I spend with horses and people, the more I’ve grown to understand just how important a strong connection is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On our end, connection involves learning to communicate, understand and use empathy and energy as tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On our horse’s end, connection evokes a sense of pride and belonging and a desire to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clearly we need both to be an winning team!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our Clinic Choices: Freedom or Connected<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2025 Freedom Clinics<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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2025 Connected Clinics<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Start a colt<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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“Me? Start a horse?” YES! Without question, the best person to start your horse is YOU. You know your horse better than anyone, and you are going to have a continuing relationship with them that might last a lifetime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The knowledge required to start a horse is the same knowledge required to ride one. Learning about your horse’s unique way of thinking and building a partnership with them is the only way to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Our Clinic Choice: Foundation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2025 Foundation Clinics<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Health and fitness goals<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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It goes without saying: we all want to be healthy and fit. But sometimes it can seem like such a chore!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I want to share what we do here, and invite you to come and try it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take your horse for a hike on the trails! Before Jerry was old enough to ride, we spent hours and put miles on the trails, just hiking together. It was a perfect way, not only to build our partnership for riding, but get that step counter spinning!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our suggestion: book a room or the cabin for yourself, a pen for your horse and come hit the trails!<\/strong> P.S. Hiking and showshoeing are really popular here too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7 Tails Guest Ranch<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Do something you haven\u2019t done<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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And I don’t mean something in your bucket list. I mean something you haven’t yet considered doing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe it’s learning a precision arena-type manouvre when you generally only ride trails. Maybe it’s working on advanced obstacles when you normally only ride dressage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe it has nothing to do with horses – like spending a day at the Telus Science Centre or Dinosaur Museum! Or taking an origami course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we step out of our routine ways of thinking, we allow our mind to open up to new possibilities and new avenues of thought. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Our suggestion: get a friend to think of something totally random for you and then…you do it!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Work with a new horse<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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I’ll let you in on a little something. I feel confident and comfortable working with any horse I meet. Any idea how I got to that point?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You got it! Working with hundreds and hundreds of different horses! Now you might not have the opportunity to work with that many but even working with a different horse now and then, swapping with a friend for a session – or getting another horse (even a project) can open up a whole new world of learning and acquired skills.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

We recently had some gals from overseas that spent a few days working with several of our horses. The skills you pick up can be applied to any horse you work with in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our suggestion: Take a clinic with one of our horses!<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Master athletic moves<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Sure, maybe with time, we can get the job done. But how about making it quick and precise? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a huge satisfaction in knowing you can do something complex with your horse, and do it well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about opening a gate. Did you ever consider all the microscopic moves and thoughts that are required to pull that off? It’s not easy. But it’s a must for the trail.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Our Clinic Choices: Connected or Progressive<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2025 Connected Clinics<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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2025 Progressive Clinics<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Enter a show<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Don’t hold back because you think you’re not ready or not good enough. Every discipline has divisions for entry level or novice participants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try it out! You’ll meet new people and challenge your team (that is, you and your horse). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was competing in Cowboy Challenge, I’d memorize the course and then promptly forget it when it was my time to ride. Performance anxiety is normal, so don’t make excuses!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It’s about fun, camaraderie and laughs. And yes, that is me riding Belle in the picture!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our suggestion: pick a show, even if it’s a fun non-sanctioned event, and go enjoy yourself!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Leadership development<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Here’s the reality if you haven’t discovered it yet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Riding has much LESS to do with reins and aids. Riding has infinitely MORE to do with being able to lead effectively and confidently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A horse will willingly, and with trust, follow a leader. And every single one of us is capable of that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Becoming a better leader of horses requires an aspiration to master their language. And it’s not a hard thing to do; in fact, it’s an incredibly enjoyable pursuit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Our choice: any clinic we offer. Really, if horsemanship stems from leadership, all of our clinics meet the requirement!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2025 Clinic Schedule<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Riding vacations<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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So many options here! Traveling to other countries and riding is the best way to see the landscape and really get a feel of another land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A less costly option, and one that you can ride your own horse, is a staycation. Head to one of our many equine-friendly camping areas and enjoy getting out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you’re not interested in crowded campgrounds, you can stay at our own 7 Tails Guest Ranch. We have large private pens for horses, arenas and trails, and a cabin and guest rooms if you’d like to relax in comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7 Tails Guest Ranch<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Join a community<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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From Facebook groups to forums to online equine programs, there are many options to network and associate with like-minded equine enthusiasts. Why not join one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amazing Horse Country has a Facebook group that we’d love to have you as a part of. We also have an online program with webinars, streaming training videos and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Our Live and Interactive Community<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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AHC Facebook Group<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Make your horse happy<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Just as you feel great when engaging in activities like riding or hiking, it’s equally important for your horse to be comfortable when you ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you ride, it’s crucial to know how to properly fit a saddle. Your horse’s body changes shape as they age and from season to season, so being able to adjust the saddle fit to accommodate these changes is vital for their health and happiness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our Clinic Choice: A saddle fitting clinic!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2025 Saddle Fitting Clinics<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Emergency Preparedness<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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We don’t like to think about it, but sometimes things happen. First Aid courses are a great idea. Whether you take a human or equine course, the same fundamentals apply to both species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing that is seldom considered is Emergency Avoidance. For example, there are courses that teach you what to do if your horse runs off on you. But doesn’t it make more sense to avoid that in the first place? That’s where a confident horse with a confident rider – with a solid connection – saves the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And guess what? That’s our specialty.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Looking forward to connecting with you in 2025!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scott and Leona<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It’s a new year, full of new challenges, new opportunities and for some of us, maybe even a new horse! Sometimes it can be totally overwhelming. There are so many things we can do with horses! In no particular order, we’ve compiled a list of exciting ideas – along with our suggestions – that you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2095,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[8,7,6],"class_list":["post-2083","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-horsemanship","tag-horse-training","tag-horsemanship","tag-horses"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2083","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2083"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2083\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2119,"href":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2083\/revisions\/2119"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2095"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2083"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2083"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.amazinghorsecountry.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2083"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}