“Coach’s Comment’

with Jeanette Garrett B.H.S.I. B.H.S.I. ESNZ Registered Performance Coach and Coach Educator

Jeanette holds the Advanced Diploma in Adult Learning and Teaching. One of her current roles is training, mentoring and assessing equestrian coaches for Equestrian Sport NZ and the NZ Pony Club Association - creating a step by step pathway to achieving coaching skills, recognition and qualifications.

Jeanette’s articles are aimed at promoting thought and reflection on your performance as a rider and the coach. Click here to give feedback, comments and ask questions.

Part 3 of 5 How is your training and competing programme going – structured and organised yet flexible? Or is it a matter of “she’ll be right”?

When the goals and ambitions have been identified, what next? A step by step plan to reach your goals and achieve your ambitions is needed. Sounds logical, but do you have a well thought out plan? Until you do have it is only words with no back up, focus or direction. Motivation can be driven by a plan to keep you on track.

It has been said that some riders only seem to want to apply ‘participation’ level input but expect high performance results. There are many to blame if the high performance is not achieved – first in the firing line is the horse followed by the coach, as close second.

If you are going to be in the game to win or just out there doing it for your horse’s sake as well as your own make a plan and commit to it. I have seen it many times over – the horse sits in the paddock all week, then I get asked to give a lesson on Friday ( the brief being “I need to be able to do lengthening strides for the dressage test tomorrow” or “I want to do the 1.10cm. show jump class, he can do it just help me tell him when to take off”) and the horse is out competing on the Saturday.

The key points are attitude, motivation and a good realistic and flexible plan put together with a qualified experienced coach to support you.

Let’s say you have never made a plan before – all a bit daunting – and do not know where to start. Ease into it – for a few weeks just jot down in your diary or calendar on what day you rode, how long you rode and what you did – example Wednesday 3/4hr flat schooling Friday rode out 1 ½ hrs. This will give you a feel for where you are now and where to start your plan from, hopefully making you realise more quality time needs to be spent with your horse and training. Better time management in other areas of your life will be a step in the right direction.

Then dream a little! What are those goals going to be? Do not think too small, the time frame can be stretched a little for you to reach it. Think of the bigger picture and visualise and feel what it would be like to have reached your goal.

Now you are ready to make a start. Definitely involve your coach in this, along with your immediate family and friends - support crew etc. Talk about it. Put it ‘out there’ so that people close to you really get what you want to achieve with your goals. This will start to bring the dream to reality. Their input at this point is vital for a great outcome.

Sit down and write out your goals

Put the plan on paper in whatever way makes sense to you.Click here to order your free copy of our 'Goal setting Chart'

Get your goals down on paper – in what ever way works for you – not only will it clarify where you are and where you want to go, it can identify what things you need to put in place for the ‘journey’. Your coach and others around you will see your focus and that you mean business and will be there to offer help and support. A shared vision – the rider sets the goals, the coach supports and provides the ‘know how’. Realistic and achievable goals with motivation a good attitude, and a love of your horse/s will get you there.

Key points :-

• Have a plan – big picture and realistic break down

• Don’t set your goals to low

• Attitude and motivation are vital

• Have your plan on paper for all to see

• Reviewing your plan adapting plans and goals is all part of the ‘journey’

• Share your goals – speak about them to keep them firmly in your focus

When you meet setbacks just remember

“ Barriers are things we only see when we lose sight of the goal”

We are interested in your feedback, comments and questions click here to contact Jeanette