Setting Realistic Goals

Setting Realistic Goals for Your Endurance Season

When I first started endurance riding, my dreams were big— why wouldn’t they be? I’d spent hours scrolling through photos of riders crossing iconic finish lines and imagined myself achieving the same milestones. But as any endurance rider will tell you, this sport has a way of humbling you. That first, second, and third (especially the third, aka 2024) season taught me a valuable lesson: success in endurance isn’t just about determination; it’s about setting realistic goals that honor both your abilities and your horse’s well-being. Now, as the new season approaches, I want to share what I’ve learned about goal-setting, especially for ambitious novice riders eager to dive into this challenging yet rewarding sport.

Why Do Realistic Goals Matter?

It’s tempting to dive headfirst into the endurance season with plans to tackle 50s or even 100-mile rides right away. After all, endurance riders are often driven by big dreams. But the reality is, setting goals that are too ambitious can lead to burnout, frustration, and even setbacks for your horse. Realistic goals serve as stepping stones that allow you to build confidence, experience, and resilience—for both you and your equine partner.

Early in my endurance journey, I made the mistake of aiming too high without fully understanding what it would take to get there. I remember I was wayyy too ambitious and I rode my horse significantly harder than he needed to be ridden. He developed ulcers and dropped weight and it put a huge dent in my season. You don’t want to compete on a skinny horse, so I didn’t. That experience taught me that rushing the process doesn’t just risk failure in the moment, it can have lasting impacts on both your horse’s physical health and your partnership. By stepping back and recalibrating my expectations, I discovered the importance of building a strong foundation, and over time, I saw how this approach allowed us to grow stronger and more capable together. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate the value of pacing myself, and I’ve seen how this mindset benefits novice riders who are just starting out. Over-conditioning is a whole different topic that I’ll get to on a different day.

Factors to Consider When Setting Goals

Before you put pen to paper and map out your season, take a moment to evaluate a few key factors that will shape your goals:

1. Your Horse’s Readiness

Your horse’s fitness level is one of the most important considerations when planning your season. Has your horse been in consistent work? How does he handle longer rides? Keep in mind that it takes months to build the strength, stamina, and recovery ability needed for even shorter distances like 25 miles. Rushing this process can lead to injury or long-term setbacks.

For example, when I first started working with Tank, my young Arabian gelding, I knew he had the potential for endurance, but I also knew he needed time to develop physically and mentally. Our first season was focused on slow, steady miles rather than pushing for completions at challenging rides. That foundation has made all the difference in his long-term success.

2. Your Own Fitness

Endurance riding isn’t just demanding on your horse; it’s physically and mentally challenging for you, too. Think about your own fitness level and what you need to do to prepare for long hours in the saddle. Building your core strength, stamina, and flexibility will not only make you a better rider but also help you enjoy the journey.

3. Time Commitment

Training for endurance takes time. If you’re juggling school, work, or family responsibilities, it’s important to be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to conditioning rides, travel, and competitions. A well-planned schedule that includes shorter rides during the week and longer conditioning rides on weekends can help you balance your commitments without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Season Goals vs. Long-Term Dreams

Big dreams, like completing a 100-miler or tackling a prestigious ride like the Tevis Cup, are incredible motivators. But they often require years of preparation. Instead of focusing solely on those end goals, break them down into smaller, achievable steps. For example, if your dream is to ride Tevis one day, start by completing a few shorter rides (25-35 miles) to build your horse’s base. Then work your way up to 50s and multi-day rides.

Practical Tips for Setting Realistic Goals

Once you’ve assessed your starting point, it’s time to map out your goals for the season. Here are some tips to help you create a plan that sets you up for success:

1. Start Small

If you’re new to endurance, consider starting with shorter rides (25-35 miles). These shorter distances allow you to gain experience without overwhelming your horse or yourself. They’re also a great way to learn the logistics of ride day, from vet checks to pacing.

2. Create a Training Plan

A solid training plan is essential for preparing your horse and yourself. Start with shorter rides at slower speeds and gradually increase the distance and intensity. Remember to include rest days to allow your horse to recover and build strength. Consistency is key, so aim for regular conditioning rides rather than sporadic bursts of training.

3. Be Flexible

Life happens, and so do setbacks. Your horse might lose a shoe, you might get sick, or the weather might not cooperate. Build flexibility into your goals so you can adjust as needed without feeling discouraged. The important thing is to stay focused on progress, not perfection. It can be very disheartening to have things not go according to plan, I’ve been there! I’ve been set-back by ulcers, minor tendon strains, vehicle malfunctions, etc., and it SUCKS, I know. But it’s important to do your best to stay flexible. Your horse doesn’t care if you don’t make it to that specific endurance ride on that specific day.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Every milestone is worth celebrating. Did you complete your first conditioning ride without issues? Did your horse pass a vet check with flying colors? Did your horse load into the trailer without fuss? These small victories build momentum and keep you motivated throughout the season. Winter is also a great time to practice these small things! Practice your trot-outs. Have your friends palpate your horse’s gums and stick their fingers in his mouth. Practice loading. Practice ponying… all that jazz. It makes for a well-rounded horse. Vets don’t really appreciate your horse channeling his inner giraffe at the vet check.

5. Prioritize Your Horse’s Health

Always put your horse’s well-being first. If your horse is showing signs of fatigue or soreness, it’s okay to back off and reassess your goals. A healthy, happy horse will perform better in the long run. Do your aftercare routine. Feed the right things. Let your horse play in the field. I personally use a BEMER horse blanket every single day. If I’m riding that day, I use it twice. BEMER has made a tremendous difference in my horses’ performance. If you’re curious about how it works, shoot me a message. My mom and I are BEMER distributors and we are proud of that fact! I don’t promote things that don’t work. 😉

Personal Anecdote

Looking back on my own journey, I can see how setting realistic goals has shaped my endurance career. Two of my proudest moments last year were finishing my first 100 at the Mary and Anna Memorial Ride and earning my first buckle at the Virginia City 100 just a few months later. That achievement didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of years of preparation, learning from mistakes, and building trust with my horses. By taking things one step at a time, I’ve been able to enjoy the journey without feeling pressured to rush. Catch-riding a 100-miler is no easy feat and I am so fortunate that I spent the time learning how to better understand horses so that I can be a better teammate.

I’ve also learned that comparison is the thief of joy. It’s easy to look at other riders and feel like you’re falling behind. But everyone’s journey is different, and what matters most is that you’re making progress toward your own goals. Focus on what’s right for you and your horse, and don’t let external expectations dictate your path. Don’t feel ashamed because you’re not riding as many miles as somebody else.

As you plan your endurance season, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your goals. Are they realistic? Do they align with your horse’s current fitness level and your own experience? Write them down, share them with a friend, or shoot me a message. I’d love to hear about your plans and help you stay motivated along the way.

Remember, endurance riding is a marathon, not a sprint. By setting realistic goals, you’re not only setting yourself up for success this season but also laying the foundation for a lifelong love of the sport. Here’s to a safe, fun, and rewarding year ahead!

–Emilee Randal