Jan 04, 2021

USEA Podcast #274: Start Your New Year Strong

By USEA

Happy New Year from the USEA Official Podcast! As we kick off 2021, Host Nicole Brown is joined by Tony Sandoval from Coach Sando Training and Diarm Byrne from EquiRatings to get some practical advice on top tips to get your New Year off to a strong start.

  • The first topic Brown dives in with is “What should people do if they are looking to improve their fitness in 2021?” Sandoval says, “My first piece of advice is to make a goal and actually write it down on a piece of paper.” That makes the goal real and then the person can make a plan to achieve it. He suggests going big with the goal and then reverse engineer it and break it into smaller do-able chunks. Sandoval also suggests celebrating each little habit that will add up to your ultimate goal.
  • Byrne agreed with Sandoval about “defining a purpose – making micro improvements to help you achieve your goal.” But he also emphasized figuring out why you want to achieve the goal and the key driver in ensuring that you can stay on track.
  • Byrne suggested thinking about it as a pyramid: at the top set your purpose, below that you set goals or objectives, and below that you set your tactics or micro-steps to begin to build habits.
  • Sandoval agreed with Byrne’s pyramid example and said that keeping the top of the pyramid steady and then having the next levels be agile – plans will change, but your constant will be your purpose and there are plenty of ways to get there, but that only comes with writing down that specific goal.
  • “Where would you start with goal-setting as far as performance-related targets?” asked Brown. Byrne responded that people often set goals of “I want to get better,” or “Win an event,” or “Finish in the top-five.” And he said that those are dangerous because there is no benchmark and it is impossible to manage. Byrne said that you need to start with knowing where you are now. “You need to take the time to stand on the scale,” he added. Byrne suggested starting with your six run average (6RA).
  • Sandoval suggests getting a coach to help you self-assess, get your baseline, and stay agile which he explained in a recent Facebook post. He also added to make sure this is fun and enjoyable – at the end of the day, this is supposed to be something you really enjoy – and celebrate all of the wins you have.
  • Byrne concluded with a reminder that “you should be kind to yourself to recognize that sometimes standing still is still making progress. Don’t fall into the curse of comparison.”

Do you have any suggestions for podcast topics, special guests, or episodes you want to hear on the USEA Podcast in 2021? Email us at [email protected] or get in touch on any of our social media platforms.

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Sep 27, 2023 Rules

New Eventing Rule Changes Going into Effect October 1, 2023

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has made five rule changes which will go into effect October 1, 2023. Familiarize yourself with these rule changes below to make sure you are in compliance before heading out for your next event.

Sep 27, 2023 Competitions

Fast Facts: 2023 USEF/USEA Developing Horse Eventing National Championships

With the goal of creating a pathway for young horses in the U.S. and participants of the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Program, earlier this year the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and USEA joined forces to launch the USEF/USEA Developing Horse Eventing National Championships for 6- and 7-year-olds.

Sep 26, 2023 Eventing News

The Race to Le Lion: Gina Set to Receive 2023 Holekamp/Turner Grant

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce that Gina, owned by Corwin Sport Horses, LLC, is the likely recipient of the 2023 Holekamp/Turner Grant and The Dutta Corp. prize. Gina (Gentleman x Ballerina) is a 7-year-old Hanoverian mare ridden by Chris Talley and was bred by Hartwig Von Holten in Germany.

Sep 26, 2023 Competitions

Start Your Engines—Starter Level to Be USEA Recognized for 2024 Eventing Season

At the August USEA Board of Governors meeting, a proposition was brought forth to officially recognize what is commonly referred to as “Starter level” as a USEA division. For many years now, Starter level has been offered as a test at USEA approved events. The decision to recognize the level officially would allow those competing in Starter level divisions to receive recognition on the USEA Leaderboards and to compete at the Starter level at the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) in the future. The motion was approved to recognize this level, and the USEA staff have been hard at work preparing all of the rules, guidelines, and standards that will go along with this level’s recognition for the 2024 season.

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