Brightwood Dressage New Year’s Challenge
Ride into the New Year with intention, confidence, and a plan.
- 8-week winter structure that keeps you consistent.
- All levels welcome—beginner through experienced.
- Flexible options for weather or schedule changes.
- Complete the checklist and earn the Brightwood Challenge Ribbon.
Winter is where progress quietly happens… or quietly slips away.
If you’ve ever felt unmotivated, inconsistent, or unsure what you should be focusing on—this is for you.
- Replace the winter slump with clear direction.
- Stay engaged, even when riding isn’t possible.
- Build confidence through small, measurable wins.
- Start 2026 feeling proud of your progress.
Accountability + Structure + Flexibility
This challenge supports real winter life: footing, daylight, weather, and horse needs.
How It Works
Simple steps. Real progress. No perfection needed—just consistency.
Reserve your spot and get access to the materials.
Mix and match activities to meet requirements.
Track rides, training, fitness, and horsemanship.
Submit your completed log by March 7, 2026.
Challenge Categories
Complete activities from each category over 8 weeks. Use the lists below to complete the challenge.
Create clarity, organization, and momentum for your 2026 season.
Build strength, balance, and confidence—on and off the horse.
Stay consistent with rides or smart winter substitutes when needed.
Deepen partnership through care, groundwork, and thoughtful management.
New Year Planning & Organization — activity ideas
- Create a riding journal (notes app, calendar, notebook—whatever you’ll use regularly).
- Identify your top 3 equestrian goals for 2026 + a brief plan.
- Create a winter training schedule.
- Create a 2026 show/clinic wish list.
- In your journal: list your riding strengths.
- In your journal: list one technical area to improve constructively.
- In your journal: list one mental area to improve constructively.
- Review highlights/challenges from 2025 and what you’d like to improve.
- Organize horse health records (vaccines, deworming, dental, farrier, Coggins, supplements).
- Renew memberships (USEF/USDF/USEA/local clubs).
- Organize tack trunk/locker; restock first aid kit.
- Clean/condition tack; polish boots; wash pads/boots/coolers.
- Check trailer tires and lights.
Rider Fitness & Awareness — what counts
Complete 4 rider-specific workouts during the challenge. Workouts can be done in a gym, at home, in a professional program or simply from following a youtube or online video – it’s up to you! Use this as a chance to explore new workouts or simply repeat your favorite exercises. Always use caution and listen to your body. Log dates and the type of workouts you choose.
Workouts Ideas:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Cardio
- Strength training
- Mobility & flexibility
Training & Riding — sessions & winter substitutes
Complete 10 rides or training sessions
If you are unable to ride due to an injury, safety, extreme weather, or other unavoidable circumstances, you may substitute with the following: groundwork, handwalking, lunging, longlining. This challenge is about staying connected with your horse through the yucky-est part of the year!
Activity Ideas:
- Training Ride
- Lesson
- Hack/trail ride
- Bareback leisure ride
- Groundwork session
- Lunging or Longlining
Bonus: Free 8 Week Dressage Basics Training Program Included!
Horsemanship & Horse Care — activity ideas
- Groundwork (in-hand work, lunging, long-lining, yielding to pressure).
- Manners: mounting block, crossties, leading, etc.
- Trailer loading practice.
- Full grooming session.
- Bodywork (massage, Magnawave, etc.) or carrot stretches.
- Handgrazing or handwalking
- Select a book on dressage/horsemanship to read this year.
- Tack fit check (saddle flocking/topline changes; bridle/bit fit).
- Know your horse’s normal vital sign ranges.
Earn the Brightwood Challenge Ribbon
Complete the full checklist and submit your log to receive your ribbon—a symbol of dedication and partnership moving into the new season.
Who This Challenge Is For
All levels. Real life friendly.
Perfect for riders who want structure and motivation through winter—without feeling behind or pressured.
- Riders preparing for the 2026 show season
- Equestrians looking to build better habits, confidence, and partnership
- Anyone who enjoys tracking progress and celebrating accomplishments, big and small
- Riders needing flexibility and ride-free alternatives during winter
January 1 – February 28, 2026
Log due March 7, 2026 for ribbon eligibility.
FAQ
Q: I’m not sure I can complete all 10 rides/training sessions, can a friend help me?
A: Yes! A friend can help with the riding/ training category of the log. But only 1 ribbon per entry.
Q: Do I have to ride 10 times even if the weather is bad?
A: No. Substitute with groundwork, hand walking/hand grazing, lunging, or long-lining when riding isn’t safe or possible.
Q: Is this only for dressage riders?
A: It’s dressage-inspired, but the skills developed (solid dressage basics, partnership, and consistency) help riders in any discipline.
Q: I ride multiple horses, do activities count for each horse I ride?
A: Yes, you can use more than one horse to fulfill the requirements of your log. But only 1 ribbon per entry.
Q: Do I have to turn in copies of my journal or proof of completing activities?
A: No, this is an honor based program. You’ll get out of it what you put in!
Q: What if I start late?
A: The sign-up and payment deadline to reserve a Challenge Ribbon is January 31, 2026. You can start anytime before the challenge window closes, however you’ll need to leave enough time to complete all activities by Feb 28, 2026. Submit your completed challenge log by March 7, 2026 to receive your ribbon.
Q: Do I have to complete activities in a certain order?
A: No, this is a self-guided challenge. Use the guidelines to create a schedule and plan that fits you and your horse.
Q: How do I submit my log?
A: You will receive a confirmation email with links to the challenge documents, along with a link to submit your digital log form.