Planning your eventing season isn’t about filling the calendar; it’s about setting clear, achievable goals that help you and your horse progress safely and confidently. Winter and early spring offer the perfect time to reflect on the previous season and decide what you want to improve before competition begins.
With a structured approach, you can break down progress into manageable skill-based steps, giving your horse the best possible experience while protecting welfare.
Why planning matters
Smart goal setting:
• Protects horse welfare by pacing work
• Makes training purposeful, not random
• Reduces stress and last-minute scrambling
• Helps you measure real progress
Reflect before you project
Start by reviewing the previous season with a calm, honest eye. Watch videos, read judges’ comments, and note recurring patterns. Identify what worked and where improvement is needed.
A simple framework is Gibbs’ reflective cycle:
Reflection cycle
1. What happened? (facts)
2. What did you feel or think? (reaction)
3. What was good or bad? (analysis)
4. What did you learn? (conclusion)
5. What will you do next? (action)
Writing down reflections or discussing them with your coach helps translate observations into actionable goals.
Setting smarter targets
Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, aim for small, measurable skill targets:
• Riding three clear, balanced transitions in each test
• Holding balance for three strides after landing over a fence
• Maintaining rhythm and straightness through canter work on hills
These targets are achievable, trackable, and directly linked to performance. Build them into weekly work and review them regularly with your coach.
Top tip — SMART targets
• Specific — be precise about the skill you want to achieve
• Measurable — know how success will be judged
• Achievable — set realistic goals
• Relevant — support your season objectives
• Time-bound — set a review date
Building a roadmap
Identify 1–2 key aims for the season. These could be a championship, stepping up a level, or improving confidence in a specific phase. Work backward from these goals:
• Select preparation events that genuinely mirror your target’s demands
• Include contingency runs to manage cancellations, minor injuries, or logistical issues
• Consider starting one level lower to build confidence if you’re stepping up
• Review and adjust your plan monthly with your coach
Top tip — mapping your calendar
• Focus on key target events
• Include prep runs and rest weeks
• Adjust for unforeseen changes
• Track progress regularly
Fitness and preparation for your goals
Even at 80/90 level, a day’s eventing places high demands on both horse and rider. Align your fitness training with your season goals:
• Schedule fitness sessions twice a week or every four days
• Mix long, slow hacks, hill work, gallops, or interval training in the arena
• Gradually build strength, stamina, and skill in line with upcoming competitions
• Don’t forget rider fitness — balance, core strength, and endurance support your horse’s performance
Alongside fitness, ensure pre-season checks are completed: saddle and bridle fit, physio, dentistry, vaccinations, and BE registrations.
Tactical goal setting
Goals aren’t only about skill development; they also shape competition strategies:
• Develop warm-up routines that match your horse’s needs
• Identify how long your horse requires to settle and achieve balance
• Plan jumping sequences and cross-country runs efficiently
• Prepare mentally by walking courses, attending clinics, or watching judged rounds
This ensures your horse feels secure and ready, and you can focus on performance rather than firefighting on the day.
Mindset and review
Successful goal setting requires a flexible, positive approach:
• Celebrate small improvements
• Treat setbacks as learning opportunities, not failures
• Keep honest communication with your coach
• Prioritise welfare while pursuing performance
Quick takeaways
• Reflect before you plan
• Focus on skill-based targets
• Build fitness specific to your horse’s needs
• Choose prep events that mirror your goals
• Keep warm-ups purposeful and consistent
• Plan contingencies — life happens
• Prioritise welfare and enjoy the ride
By focusing on specific, realistic, and measurable goals, you set a framework for a successful season.
Thoughtful planning ensures steady progress, protects your horse, and makes the journey as enjoyable as the results.
