Any ideas or just suggestions? I would like to hear as many as possible to get a really good idea!
Well, just 'go in big shows'
is sort of a vague goal. I mean, you can go out there and do nothing but show in walk-trot and ground pole classes for the rest of your life.
So, what are you currently doing in your lessons? What height are you jumping? What kind of flat work have you been doing? Are you riding just hunters, or are you riding equitation or jumpers?
Maybe do bigger jumps? Do you want to try another discipline? Is there anything you want to get better at or you think needs improvement?
You could also divide up your goals into long-term and short-term goals:
Short-term goals:
-- Ride an entire month without stirrups.(!)
-- Show 3 or 4 shows this spring in equitation. Hopefully get to lay down an 18" course at least once.
-- Place first in at least one flat class.
-- Do a full 2' course (in a lesson).
Medium goals:
-- Do some IHSA alumni flat classes next fall. And in 2 years, maybe do a 2'6" course in the alumni classes.
-- Within 5 years, I want to show both flat and fences at an A/AA rated show.
-- Doing hilltoppers with a foxhunt club.
-- Buying my own horse.
-- Buy an Hermes Steinkraus.
Long-term goals:
-- Foxhunt. First flight! :shock:
-- Ride in a Hunter derby and/or classic.
-- Back my own horse. (10-15 years down the road.)
Those are just some examples, of course, but they could help you in determining what goals you may have that you don't realize yet. But yes, it's always a good idea to let your instructors know your goals so they can try and get you to where you want to go.