Riders talk a lot about goals. Whether it’s moving up a division, riding more consistently, or qualifying for a major championship—we’re a goal-oriented group. But in Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation, Teall explains that goal setting is more than wishful thinking or motivational slogans. Done correctly, it becomes a roadmap for progress. Done poorly, it can overwhelm a rider, drain their confidence, and pull their attention away from the work that matters most.
Good goals are clear, realistic, and broken into steps that support long-term development. Teall emphasizes that riders must learn to set goals in a way that encourages growth rather than discouragement. The process begins by understanding where you ultimately want to go, then working backward with patience and perspective.
Know the Destination
Teall encourages riders to start by identifying their “ultimate goal.” This is the long-term aspiration that shapes the rest of their training, whether it’s moving into a new division, foxhunting safely, or competing at the highest levels of the sport. The specific dream doesn’t matter as much as the clarity behind it. Once a rider knows where they want to end up, the rest of the plan becomes easier to build.
But Teall is careful to point out that dreaming is not the same as expecting. Ambitious goals are fine—he notes that even the Olympics can be a reasonable dream for someone with the time, talent, and resources—but those goals must be viewed honestly. Riders must understand their circumstances and abilities so they don’t build a plan on unrealistic expectations.
Set a Realistic Timeline
Once the destination is clear, the next step is to establish a reasonable timeframe. Teall stresses that riders often misunderstand how long genuine improvement takes. He offers the example that a twelve-year-old just learning to ride may legitimately have decades to work toward something as enormous as the Olympics. But a beginner in their forties must recognize that the same goal is unlikely to be attainable.
The point is not to discourage anyone from dreaming. It is to ensure the timeline matches reality. Without that grounding, riders end up feeling frustrated rather than motivated. Teall’s approach balances optimism with honesty: setting a meaningful goal requires understanding the time it will take to get there.
Identify What Must Happen First
After establishing the long-term aim and the timeline, Teall advises riders to ask the most practical question in the process: “What will I need to know in order to make my goal possible?” The answer becomes a series of smaller, achievable objectives, which he describes as “mini goals”, that form the actual structure of a rider’s progress.
For example, Teall notes that a rider with Olympic dreams might decide that competing in the equitation finals is a useful step along the way. That smaller goal then becomes the immediate focus. The rider’s time, training, and resources shift toward equitation, with objectives such as qualifying for the finals, making the second round, or eventually earning a ribbon. Each step builds toward the next, but only one step is worked on at a time.
Teall emphasizes that finances, horses, and personal circumstances must also be considered in this stage. A rider who can afford only one horse may need to ride in a particular division now, then sell that horse and purchase another more suited for the next stage.
Reevaluate Regularly
Goal setting is not a one-time exercise. Teall recommends that riders write their goals down and revisit them on a regular basis. At the end of each year, riders should check their progress honestly, identify where they’ve grown, and determine what needs to be addressed next. If the goals were too ambitious, they can be adjusted. If progress was faster than expected, they can be expanded.
The purpose of this reevaluation is not judgment. It is clarity. Teall reminds riders that “there’s no shame in failure,” and that the only true failure is refusing to try. Reevaluating goals allows riders to stay on track without rushing, forcing, or skipping essential steps.
Keep Expectations Manageable
One of the most striking themes in Teall’s approach is his belief in modest, reasonable expectations. He jokes with students that “the key to success is low expectations,” but the idea holds real value. When riders set goals that are too aggressive, they become discouraged. When they set goals that are too large, they rush. But when goals are broken into small, achievable pieces, riders give themselves enough time to learn thoroughly and correctly.
Teall encourages riders to take whatever goal they first imagine and “cut it in half.” If they think something will take a month, he recommends allowing two. If they want to set ten perfect jumps, he suggests aiming for five. In his experience, riders reach their goals more quickly when they approach them with patience rather than urgency.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Teall offers examples of goals that support steady improvement, such as jumping a crossrail comfortably, learning to pick up the correct lead consistently, riding without stirrups, or moving into a new competitive division. These goals are meaningful because they build skills that matter, not because they promise perfection or a particular result in the show ring.
The goal setting process is about creating direction. Riders often struggle because they expect to accomplish everything at once. Teall’s method slows that impulse down. With clear steps, realistic expectations, and consistent reevaluation, riders avoid feeling overwhelmed and stay focused on the work that truly helps them improve.
At its core, Teall’s philosophy on goal setting is a philosophy about learning. Riders who plan carefully are more likely to train effectively, stay motivated, and understand their own development. Riders who skip steps or expect too much too soon often find themselves frustrated or discouraged.
Good goals give structure to a rider’s education. They balance ambition with realism. And most importantly, they keep the rider focused on steady progress rather than distant results.
Read more of Geoff Teal’s riding philosophy in Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style on Audible and Kindle.
