Welcome to 2026! The holiday dust has settled, the tack rooms are swept (hopefully!), and we are standing at the threshold of a brand-new season. There is a crispness in the air that always accompanies the start of the year—a sense of blank pages waiting to be written and a renewed commitment to our equestrian ambitions.
As a Performance Psychologist, I see this time of year trigger a lot of “Resolution Panic.” Riders often scramble to set big, shiny targets, driven by a desire to finally achieve that long-held dream. These goals sound great: “I will qualify for Regionals,” “We will jump 1.20m by June,” or “I will score a 70% .” They are specific, measurable, and exciting.
While ambition is wonderful, these types of goals have a hidden, problematic flaw: they focus entirely on the outcome. And here is the unwelcome truth about horse sports—you cannot control the outcome. You can’t control the judge’s subjective preference, the shift in the footing after a rain shower, the sudden change in the weather, or whether your horse decides that a carefully placed flower pot is actually a horse-eating monster that warrants a dramatic spook.
When we pin our hopes, our self-worth, and our enjoyment on results we can’t fully control, we invite anxiety and frustration into the saddle. The moment a rail falls or the judge gives a lower score than expected, the entire season can feel like a failure, regardless of how well you rode. This outcome-focused mindset is a psychological trap that derails motivation and confidence.
So, for 2026, let’s flip the script. Instead of obsessing over what you want to get (the ribbons, the scores, the qualifications), let’s focus entirely on what you are willing to do. Let’s build a season based on process, presence, and controllable actions—the only things that truly influence long-term success.
Moving from “What If” to “What Is”: The Power of Process
Now, let’s look at how we set targets for training and competition. Usually, we set outcome goals (“Ride a clean round,” ”Improve my trot work”). The problem is, if your horse knocks a rail or loses rhythm, you instantly feel you’ve failed, even if your riding was objectively brilliant.
This year, I want you to set Process Goals.
A process goal focuses exclusively on your own behavior—the specific, workable actions that are 100% within your control. These are the inputs that create the outputs.
The Difference:
- Outcome Goal (Avoid this): “My horse will stand perfectly still at the mounting block.” (You can’t force the horse to be still).
- Process Goal (Do this): “I will maintain a calm, breath and keep contact on the reins while waiting at for the behaviour I want.”
- Outcome Goal (Avoid this): “I will get a perfect transition to canter.”
- Process Goal (Do this): “I will prepare for the transition by weighting my inside seat bone, opening my chest, and applying the aid with a clear, specific timing.”
See the difference? The first relies on the horse complying flawlessly. The second relies on you showing up as your best self and executing your job.
Peak Performance: The “Control the Controllables” Mindset
As you head into the show season later this year, this process-focused approach becomes your superpower. Nerves usually come from worrying about the future (the score) or the past (the mistake in the warm-up).
Process goals keep you right here, right now.
When you enter the ring, it’s not helpful to have all your focus on “winning” (something that is largely out of your control (hello, horses mood, judges opinion) but to keep your focus on successfully executing a series of committed actions that will increase your chances of a winning result
Your Challenge for the New Year
Stop measuring your rides by “good” or “bad.” Stop counting how many times you got it right or wrong.
Instead, measure your rides by your intention. Did you focus on your controllable actions? If you did, then that was a successful ride. Then the ribbons and the accolades become the happy side effect of doing the work with consistency and presence.
Ready to Build Your Road Map?
As a competitive rider myself, I have walked the path from anxiety to performance, and I am passionate about providing the guidance riders want to make their goals stick.
As a gift to readers, for the months of Jan and Feb, I am offering my online mini course, Beyond the Ribbon: Mastering Process Goals for Peak Performance for free.
Use Code PHM26 at sign up
(terms & conditions apply, see website for details)
Here’s to a 2026 filled with presence, purpose, and the joy of the process. Enjoy the ride!
About the Author
Deena Cooper is a registered Performance Psychologist (AHPRA) with a unique edge: she is an active competitive rider who understands the saddle as well as she understands the science.
Having navigated her own path from performance anxiety to confidence, Deena combines personal experience with evidence-based psychological strategies to help riders of all disciplines. She specialises in helping equestrians conquer nerves, recover confidence after setbacks, and build the “mental muscle” required for peak performance.
Based in Australia, Deena works with riders globally via Telehealth, offering 1:1 coaching, clinics, and online workshops designed to turn anxiety into your competitive advantage.