This story originally appeared in the January 2026 issue of Premier.
As the calendar turns, we asked the industry a simple but thoughtful question: What are your New Year’s resolutions? From personal growth to professional goals, their answers offer insight, honesty, and a glimpse into what’s ahead.
Spencer Groth – In 2026, as I start my own training business, my goal is to continue growing as a trainer and coach while helping my clients reach their personal goals. I also want to continue learning from other experienced professionals in the industry to further develop my own knowledge and skill set.
Rachel Schoepf – My New Year’s resolution is to take more pictures and videos at horse shows. We make so many memories on the road with our horse show friends and equine companions—life’s too short not to capture them.
Anthony Leier – I would say my New Year’s resolution is to learn and take on a new hobby. I devote so much time to the horses, which I love, but I’d like to set aside some time to enjoy something new as well.
Photo © Premier Sires
Beth Case – I’m going to try to be better at shaking the hay, dirt, and shavings out of my jeans, jackets, and bras before I walk into the house and scatter them all over the kitchen.
Vanessa Froman – I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions. For many, they just don’t seem sustainable, and by February they’ve often been forgotten. However, I am an over thinker and am constantly replaying situations, my feelings, and how I want to spend my precious time on this earth. So here are a few of my “resolution” type musings. In recent years, I’ve given up social media for Lent. It’s marvelous—except for missing a few reminders about entry due dates and events for my boys’ schools. I intend to continue being more selective about what I share on social media and to spend less time comparing myself to what others are sharing on these platforms. One important goal for me is to worry less, and to help with that, I’m trying to start each day by reading one scripture from the Bible, reciting my blessings each night before bed, and letting God work out the details in between. As for horse goals, 2026 is going to be a rebuilding year of sorts for me. I have a new young horse who is just learning the all-around events, and we don’t want to rush him into the show pen. In addition, our youngest son only has two and a half years left of high school, and I don’t want to miss any of his big moments because of a horse show. These years with our kids our fleeting, but there will always be another horse show to go to.
Photo © Premier Sires
Alexis Gooding – One of my resolutions for 2026 is to stop always playing it safe, particularly in the pattern classes. This will be my first all-around season in the regular amateur, and I’m really looking forward to stepping up to the challenge. I’ve always shown green horses, and naturally you have to be somewhat conservative when doing that. I’m excited to finally keep a horse longer than a single show season, set new goals, and build on all the progress we made last year. Another resolution for next year is to unpack our new house quickly—I cannot stand living out of boxes, which we’ve been doing for the last year. I can’t want to finally find some normalcy once our house is finished. My goal is to be completely moved in by the time our first show of 2026 rolls around.
Carolyn La Rose – From an equine standpoint, my primary goal is to have a successful breeding season for all my reproduction clients. I’d also like to be more consistent about filming and sharing educational content related to breeding, foaling, stallion collection, and overall reproductive management. On a personal note, I will be getting married in 2026 and want to be more present with my fiancé, family, and friends. Spending more time with my parents is especially important to me as they get older, and I want to be intentional about prioritizing that time.
Liz Teagan – I’m a very intense individual, so for 2026 I want to work on finding a balance between setting realistic standards and recognizing the value of progress over perfection.
Jaida Dreyer – To hold myself to a higher standard of being present in whatever moment I’m in—whether that’s in the barn, the writing room, or anywhere in between.
Madeline Rippeon – My New Year’s resolution is to win a gold globe at the World Show and earn my first point when I ride for Auburn University in the fall!
Michelle Walters – My New Year’s resolution is to stop worrying about making a mess with my horse! I’m going for it in 2026—and if I do make a mess, my trainer can fix it!
Photo © Premier Sires
Gemma Kaye-Hudson – As we head into the new year, my primary goal is to be more intentional and thoughtful as Iron Lion Zion prepares for his inaugural breeding season. Zion has already proven himself at the highest levels of competition, and now our focus is on setting him up for a long, successful future as a breeding stallion. One of our most important goals is to limit his book and ensure that his first group of mares represents the kind of programs, owners, and pedigrees that align with the legacy we want him to leave. I strongly believe that a stallion’s first foal crop sets the tone for everything that follows, and we’re committed to doing it right. Being nominated to Premier Sires is a key part of that vision. Programs like Premier Sires reward both the breeders and owners, elevate stallions that reinvest in the industry, and help ensure that quality horses are recognized and supported. Above all, our resolution is simple: to stay grounded, transparent, and breeder-focused as we take this exciting step with Zion—and to build something meaningful that lasts well beyond one season.
