New Year, Better Barn: Resolutions Every Horse Trainer Should Make

The New Year is here, and it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button and set some goals for your training program.

Resolutions aren’t just about personal growth—they can also help you build a smoother, more successful barn life. And let’s face it, we could all use a little more organization and sanity in our day-to-day.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating New Year’s resolutions that you’ll actually stick to, plus some practical tips tailored for horse trainers.

Step 1: Reflect on Last Year

Start by thinking about what went well in 2024—and what didn’t.

• Did you find yourself double-booking lessons or forgetting important paperwork?

• Was communication with clients smooth, or did you spend hours chasing responses?

• Were you able to make time to ride your own horse (or even eat lunch)?

Write down what worked and what didn’t. This will help you focus your resolutions on areas that need improvement.

Step 2: Set SMART Goals

Make your resolutions Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
For example:

• Not SMART: “Get more organized.”

• SMART: “Implement a new scheduling system by January 15 to avoid overbooking lessons.”

Keep your goals realistic—start with small changes, and build from there.

Step 3: Focus on What You Can Control

Barn life is unpredictable, but you can control certain things.

Here are a few resolution ideas:

• Organize lesson schedules so clients know when and where they’re riding (and who’s riding which horse).

• Streamline communication with a system that reduces endless text threads.

• Track horse care and paperwork in one central place so nothing gets missed.

• Prioritize self-care by scheduling time for yourself, whether it’s to ride, rest, or eat something other than granola bars.

Step 4: Use Tools to Make Life Easier

Running a training business is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Apps like HeyHorse can simplify everything from scheduling lessons to managing horse care, leaving you with more time to focus on your horses and clients.

With HeyHorse, you can:

• Keep your schedule in one place and avoid double-booking.

• Store waivers and contracts so you’re not digging through your tack trunk.

• Send updates and communicate in real-time with clients and staff.

Step 5: Track Your Progress

Once you’ve set your resolutions, don’t forget to check in regularly.

• Are your new systems making life easier?

• Are you staying on top of tasks, or are there still bottlenecks?

Adjust your goals as needed—there’s no shame in tweaking them along the way.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Kickstart Your 2025

To help you get started, we’ve created a New Year’s Resolution Checklist for Horse Trainers. This free download includes:

• A goal-setting worksheet to map out your resolutions.

• To the scheme

• A communication checklist to streamline client and barn staff updates.

Click here to download
and start 2025 off on the right hoof! 🐴

Setting resolutions doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little reflection and the right tools, you can create a smoother, more organized barn life—and have more time for what matters most: your horses and clients.