Last year I made a post about all the things I wanted to accomplish throughout the year and when I looked back on it, I didn’t really meet any of my goals. So, here is a little recap of how last year’s goals went before I show my new ones. Click the link for a reminder of the 2024 goals (New Year, New Goals).
I didn’t get to run at the slot race. Although it still worked out in my favor, life got in the way, and it just wasn’t in the cards for us. At first, I was really disappointed for not being able to complete this goal, but I knew it would have been a disaster if I would have tried to run, if I could have even got up the alley.
I did ride outside more than I previously had, but it definitely wasn’t once a week. I wrote this goal as a way to try and help get my confidence back, although I felt better riding outside as the year went on, my confidence in the pattern is where I struggled the most. It is still something I really need to work on.
If there was one goal I kind of pushed aside, it would be completing my Equine Anatomy Coloring book. I just plain and simple didn’t do it. I spent most of my free time riding or cleaning stalls or working on my blog posts and I didn’t make any time for it.
Speaking of the blog, I wanted to post three times a month. I mostly published two, sometimes just one. I think I underestimated how much time it takes to write, edit, and upload media for each post. There were some months I posted three times, but I ended the year with 25 posts total. I also started posting on social media more than I thought I would by making videos on TikTok/Reels.
I technically entered three APRA rodeos last year, but I didn’t actually ride at any of them. I couldn’t get Stinger up the alley at one and had to turn out of the other two because we couldn’t make it with Diesel’s accident.
My last goal was to improve my riding. I think I did improve some, I didn’t fall off at all, but I wanted to fine tune things during a run. I wasn’t able to do that with Stinger because of his injury, but now that I have a new horse, I will have to learn how to ride his style and I can work on my hand position and improve my seat more.
Now onto my 2025 goals.
2025 Goals
1. Run at an APRA Rodeo
This is a goal that I am carrying over to this year, but it is only step one. I also want to work my way up to placing at a rodeo and eventually winning one. They seem impossible right now, but I believe I can accomplish them in time with hard work.
2. Win a Year-End award in a series
I want to not only compete in a summer barrel racing series, but I want to be consistent enough to win something at the end of the year. I haven’t decided which series to enter yet, but I will keep everyone updated!
3. Improve my riding
This is probably an obvious goal, if I plan to accomplish 1 and 2, then I will definitely need to improve my riding first. I have some things to work on already, keeping my hands low and using my legs more, but I expect to find others as Reno and I figure each other out. I also need to keep myself calm and get my confidence back which should help me ride better overall.
4. Post more consistently
I wrote this goal a little broader, because I want to post consistently on my blog and social media. I find myself writing multiple posts at once and then posting a bunch of stuff within a couple days and then nothing the rest of the month. I have a ton of ideas for social media posts and some goals on blog views/interactions. Keep an eye out for more outfit transition videos (my favorite to make so far).
5. Complete Equine Anatomy Coloring book
I still want to finish this, but in order to reach this goal, I’m going to go about it a different way. Instead of just working on it in my free time, I am going to dedicate time to working on it each day. This way I can make sure to finish a little bit at a time, so it isn’t as overwhelming.
6. Rehab Stinger
This goal is a little bit different than the rest. Depending on our next vet checkup, we will either be progressing to the next step in Stinger’s rehab plan or continuing with stall rest. I want him to heal, but I have no timeframe on when that will happen or his riding expectations afterwards. I have been using his XLR8 redlight boot about two times a week. I want to increase the frequency of that, and we might also begin a round of shockwave treatments after depending on our vet visit.
7. Have fun again
Last year was really hard and I began to dread going to the barn and riding. Finally finding a diagnosis for Stinger and buying a new horse has already helped me feel hopeful for the future. I just want to find the joy in riding and competing again. I am already feeling brighter even if it is just spending time at the barn with the horses and working on Stinger’s rehab.
Cheers to a new year, a new horse, and new goals! Watch out 2025 here we come!
The Barrel Racer's Journal 