Is this a good showing schedule/plan?

[julia.eq.h]

Hi! I am a junior rider that competes in the hunters and eq for the most part. I want to hopefully get to the 3’6 level in three years (by the time I am 18). My family isn’t made of money or anything like that, but they can finance competitive riding and AA shows kind of regularly, with my help.

The plan is to lesson 3 times per week, and go to shows on the lesson horses until second semester of my school. The lesson horses are quality so I don’t have any issues with that since I am just doing the 2’9 now. Then, in the second semester I start full/half leasing and gear up for the summer and fall season and just show continuously and as much as I can.

My parents are worried about my grades and education with riding since I am very invested in my studies, so they won’t let me lease again until I prove I can handle it.

Then, for the next years I’ll lease and show.

Does this sound reasonable and competitive or am I dreaming too much?

[Irene2022]

The biggest advice you’ll probably get from this forum is to work with your trainer! There are so many nuances when it comes to riding and showing, especially at your goal height, so make sure you are on the same page. However, without knowing the specific context of your situation, the plan on paper does sound reasonable to me. Many riders are achieving these kinds of goals in similar timeframes because they work hard and are willing to sacrifice and be creative. And even if you’re unable to accomplish your end goal, there are plenty of very successful steps between the 2’9 and 3’6 so don’t rush the process. Good luck!

[julia.eq.h]

Thank you! I am looking into riding at another barn so I haven’t found a trainer yet because everyone is at shows right now, but I of course will tell my trainer the goals I have and everything else. I just wanted to see if this is a plan I could bring forward to a trainer that could be achieved.

I’m willing to work super hard so I hope everything will fall into place!