process v outcome: a look to the future

Upper level event rider Matt Brown wrote in part 1 of his series for Chronicle of the Horse about the importance of focusing on process goals rather than outcome goals.

While outcome goals are often the big shiny Holiest of Grails --- and make for the easiest representation in a single photo or sound byte: "We Did The Thing!" --- Matt's whole point was that they're somewhat false and unreliable goal posts.

That a fixation on that specific outcome leaves us vulnerable to all manner of forces beyond our control. From the untimely abscess or unforeseen financial hiccup, to the plain old uncharacteristically bad day in the show ring, or the altogether unthinkable.

pc Amy Flemming Waters 

And when the unforeseen and uncontrollable does inevitably strike (bc doesn't it always with horses?) we are that much more likely to find ourselves disproportionately disappointed, demoralized, and depressed.

Instead, Matt says we're more likely to find satisfaction, fulfillment, and happiness in reaching our goals when we focus instead on the pieces of the puzzle within our control: those small progressive steps in building up to that holy grail. The pieces that need to happen in order for the Outcome to become possible, but that don't rely on the Outcome actually happening.

Does that make sense?

Anyway, it's a useful framework for me. Especially bc this year.... might be different.

 pc Austen Gage

For years now, I've written about not feeling incentivized to compete in recognized events. Area II in general and Maryland in particular have such a rich and vibrant eventing community; the calendar is packed with awesome unrecognized events held by the same venues (and often over the same tracks) as recognized events.

I've derived immense satisfaction from starter trials (for roughly half the dollars per entry), and have not felt much incentive to change. Personally I don't see value in the extra cost unless I'm trying to develop a record for a sales horse or qualify for something (ymmv obvi!!).

Except. Well. Charlie is not a sales prospect. BUT. Qualifications. It turns out there *is* something out there piquing my interests. I'm not exactly sure how (or if) it'll all work out - it's not a big show or championship and actually doesn't explicitly involve riding at all - but it's interesting to me and is sketched roughly into my 5 year plan.

The catch? There are ridden prerequisites. Specifically: a certain number of points earned by qualifying results at USEA sanctioned events at Training level or above. The number of points earned from each completion depends on the level - more points for higher levels.

But the minimum qualifying level remains: USEA Recognized Training.

 pc Vispera Photography

I don't have a burning desire to do upper level eventing, and am not necessarily confident that Charlie's body would hold up to it. But T seems attainable. And for Charlie, as a horse, getting these qualifications seems like a good and realistic goal for him (although it's worth noting the qualifications are based on rider and can be earned with multiple horses).

Luckily the points can be earned over a period of many years - it's not like Waredaca's Classic 3DE or the AECs where you have to earn qualifying results over the course of a season or specific timeline. So from a timing perspective, there's no urgency to accumulate all the points this season -- there's no rush.

From a pressure perspective, the qualifying results aren't impacted by any poor performances along the way. Meaning, any bad results (let's say we had a bunch of jumping penalties, or a repeat of Plantation) won't nullify the qualifying results earned previously, like you might see in cases where a rider is trying to qualify for a 4* or whatever.

And going back to where we started, the Process v Outcome perspective, it's giving me some food for thought. Obviously the Outcome here is pretty clear: earn the qualifying results by completing the necessary number of recognized events at T.

So let's break that down into component Processes. Per Matt's earlier article, these processes should fall fully within my own control. And ideally they could each be successfully fulfilled even if we don't achieve that overarching Outcome (altho the reverse wouldn't likely be true).

With that in mind, I've arrived at the following (each of which have sub-bullets that may or may not get broken out into eventual future posts):

1) Continue preparing for a move up to T
2) Organize necessary paperwork + memberships
3) Plan a thoughtful calendar considering favorable venues
4) Budget appropriately and realistically (and early)
5) Maintain a comprehensive wellness plan for Charlie
6) Invest in developing my skill set and toolbox as a rider
7) Focus on positive experiences and additive mileage
8) Be flexible and accept setbacks with poise, bc #horses
9) Enjoy the ride!

 pc Austen Gage

In writing this out, I'm hoping to accomplish two things - First obviously being a road map to a successful season complete with qualifications.

More than that, tho, if everything goes well but we don't move up to Training? Or do any recognized shows? Or earn any qualifications? I still want these goals to reflect what it'll mean to have a good, happy, and fulfilling year with my horse.

In other words, even if my stated Outcome for the year is a total bust -- let's say I change my mind or, ya know, one of any myriad other things changes.... -- focusing on the above processes should by design still put me on track for happy horsing. Theoretically haha.

So we'll see how it goes haha. It's mildly terrifying to write this out, vague and fuzzy around the edges tho it may be. But also really exciting and energizing, which is kinda the whole point anyway, right? We'll see tho, wish me luck!