Do you have a pile of bridles sitting in your tack room? Or maybe too many old show clothes in your closet? Organization is a crucial component to achieving success in the show pen.
Organizing helps you get your work done accurately and efficiently. It also helps reduce stress for the upcoming show season.
This invaluable skill allows you to focus on achieving your goals both in and out of the arena.
These simple tips and tricks will help save you from a chaotic frenzy during show season.
Arrive at the shows ready to go in 2019 by following these ten organization tips.
1) Don’t procrastinate
Procrastination has killed more dreams than anything else. Do not fall victim to “I will clean the trailer tomorrow” or “oh, I am too tired this week to go through my tack”. Set your mind on a goal and accomplish it in a reasonable amount of time. Do not push off your responsibilities until the week before your next show.
2) Write things down
It is scientifically proven that you remember things more when you physically write them down. Take a scrap piece of paper, notebook, or a post-it note and write your thoughts throughout the day. For example – you are sitting at your desk and remember that you need to take your show clothes from the dry cleaner. Simply write it down, and you are sure to remember it later in the day.
3) Declutter
Have you ever heard the saying “Too much stuff, not enough space?” We all are guilty of having a few too many bridles, bits, show pads…you name it. However, you have to define the line between hoarding and collecting. Tack sales are an excellent way for you to declutter some of your old items. Selling online on Facebook groups is another convenient and efficient option.
4) Prioritize
With any goal, prioritization is critical. In this case, your goal is to be better organized for 2019. Set a clear target of accomplishing something new every day. Rate your actions depending on the level of importance to the overall objective. By prioritizing your goals, you can reduce stress, become more efficient, and save time overall.
5) Set aside 15 minutes a day
Sounds easy, right? Only 15 minutes a day. This is for the people who do not have time to use the weekend and organize. The important aspect of trying to accomplish a goal in small increments is that you stick with the action every day. The only way to complete the objective of organization is by putting in the work.
6) Use planners, calendars, etc.
It is an essential tool for planning for show season. Mark down anything you have on the “to do list.” Also, decide which shows you want to attend for the season.
7) Keep it simple
When in doubt, keep it simple. Complete organization does not happen overnight. Start each day with an easy task that you will complete. Allow that to keep building and eventually, you will be organized in no time.
8) Clean your show clothes and tack
No one likes show saddles and jackets coated with a layer of dirt. Set aside time before your first show of 2019 to clean all your tack and clothing. Prepare in advance and take your clothes to the dry cleaners before the season begins. That way you will not be in mad chaos the week before you head to the show.
9) Discuss your plans with your trainer
It is essential for you and your trainer to communicate your strengths, weaknesses and goals. Make a list of shows you want to attend this year. Also, include your primary goals for 2019. This will better help you achieve your dreams this season.
10) When all else fails, make a checklist
You can never go wrong with a good old-fashioned list!
Do you have other tips on how you stay organized? Let us know.
About the Author: Cat Guenther is a devout equestrian and a senior at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. She has been riding horses for almost nine years and has loved every minute of it. Cat started and runs her successful show clothing business, Behind the Bit Show Clothing. Her favorite classes are horsemanship, showmanship, and trail. She plans to attend Michigan State University in the future to study veterinary medicine and possibly also business. Cat is excited to show the all-around classes in 2019 with Zippos Kat Man Do aka Teddy.
