Many people make the same New Year’s resolutions every January 1, such as exercise more, eat healthier, budget better, spend less time on social media, or give up a personal vice. While all of these things lead to self-improvement, they are usually focused on things we are doing wrong in our lives, or bad habits we think we should quit. Here at US Equestrian, we believe that resolutions should be positive and focus on what truly fulfills our lives – the joy of horses! Here is a selection of our staff’s equestrian-themed goals, which aim to improve riding, learn new skills, or to prioritize horse welfare and happiness. Above all else, we wish our members and fans a very happy new year and a successful 2025!
Name: Christy Hawkins
Department: Sport Department
Equestrian discipline: Dressage
Horse-related resolution for 2025: Compete again (I haven’t been in a show arena for 28 years and it is a goal to get in to do a small lower-level class!).
Name: Isabella O’Brien
Department: Licensed Officials
Equestrian discipline: Eventing
Horse-related resolution for 2025: Get my semi-retired gelding Sam back out there and compete at Starter!
Name: Kristin M
Department: Finance
Equestrian discipline: Spectator
Horse-related resolution for 2025: Learn the names of the resident horses that live at the Kentucky Horse Park
Name: Maddie Ozbun
Department: Marketing
Discipline: Eventing
Horse-related resolution for 2025: My 2025 resolution is to continue to strengthen my partnership between me and my horse, Louis. Louis is a young horse, who started his eventing career in 2024. He is a bit of a funny horse who requires a lot of patience, so we have been taking our time introducing him to the show horse world. In 2025, I am hoping to continue to show him at whatever level feels comfortable for him to develop confidence and allow him to enjoy himself.
Name: Isabelle Whiteside
Department: Marketing Department
Equestrian discipline: Hunter/Jumper
Horse-related resolution for 2025: Get back into the show world and continue building rated horse show experience.
Name: Nicole Zerbee
Department: Sport Department
Equestrian discipline: Endurance
Horse-related resolution for 2025: To have my daughter explore horseback riding through some lessons over the year, something she has begun asking about in recent months.
Name: Leslie Potter
Department: Marketing
Discipline: Dressage and trail riding
Horse-related resolution for 2025: This year I resolve to work on training my dogs to be good barn dogs. They’ve come a long way, but it’s going to take more consistency and focus on my part to get them to the point where they can be safe and reliable and enjoy barn time as much as I do.
Name: Christina Lockhart
Department: Compliance
Equestrian discipline: Eventing
Horse-related resolution for 2025: Complete a CCI2*-L with my horse, Eeyore. Complete the Retired Racehorse Project with my mare, Edna, in the eventing discipline.
Name: John Finegan
Department: Information Technology
Discipline: Western – Cowboy Mounted Shooting
Horse-related resolution for 2025: Officially start competing in Cowboy Mounted Shooting events after helping out and learning the sport throughout 2024.
Name: Danielle Henson
Department: Marketing
Equestrian Discipline: Eventing
Horse-related resolution for 2025: Compete in a Beginner Novice horse trial. I switched from hunters to eventing last year, so I am eager to do my first eventing competition ever!
Name: Jennifer Day
Department: National Breeds and Disciplines
Equestrian Discipline: Hunter
Horse-related resolution for 2025: Go on more trail rides with my horse, Eli.
Name: Debbie Elliot
Department: Marketing
Discipline: Jumper
Horse-related resolution for 2025: My stepdaughter and I have both started leases on new horses, so my goal for 2025 is to ride with her more in lessons, on trail rides, and, ultimately, at shows.