As horse mums, we see the big picture. We cheer for our kids when they achieve a new milestone, whether it’s mastering rising trot, confidently cantering, or bringing home a ribbon from their first competition. But what about the moments in between? The small wins that build their confidence and shape them into resilient, capable riders?
At RIDING BRAVE, we believe that growth isn’t just about the big achievements - it’s about celebrating the little victories along the way. And as mums, we play a big role in helping our young riders recognise and reflect on their progress.
Why Small Wins Matter
Every time your child faces a challenge in the saddle and keeps going, they’re growing. Maybe they finally remembered to keep their heels down, sit on their pockets, stayed patient with a pig rooting pony (like my daughter, Matilda's, Raven), or got back on after a confidence knock. These moments may seem small, but they lay the foundation for lifelong resilience - both in riding and in life.
Helping your child acknowledge and celebrate these small wins:
✔ Boosts their confidence and self-belief
✔ Encourages them to stay motivated on tough days
✔ Helps shift their focus from perfection to progress
✔ Helps them develop a positive mindset
How Journaling Helps Young Riders Reflect and Grow
One of the best ways to help your child see their progress is by encouraging them to journal about their riding. The RIDING BRAVE Journal is designed to guide young riders in reflecting on their experiences, tracking their achievements, and setting goals - all in a way that feels fun and empowering.
Here’s how journaling can support your young rider:
They can see how far they’ve come – Looking back on past entries reminds them of progress they might otherwise overlook.
It teaches resilience – Writing about tough rides helps them process challenges and build mental strength.
It keeps them engaged in their journey – Setting and tracking goals makes riding more rewarding.
It creates a positive routine – A few minutes of journaling after each ride builds a habit of self-reflection.
A Daily Reminder of Their Progress
Sometimes, kids need a little reminder that they’re doing better than they think. The RIDING BRAVE Bracelet is a simple but meaningful way for them to carry that encouragement with them - whether they’re at school, in the saddle, or just going about their day. It’s a symbol of their journey, their bravery, and every step they take toward becoming the rider they dream of being.
How You Can Encourage Their Small Wins
As mums, we naturally want to support and uplift our kids. Here are a few simple ways you can help them celebrate their progress:
Ask them about their rides – Instead of focusing on what went wrong, encourage them to share what felt good or improved.
Help them set realistic goals – Small, achievable goals keep them engaged and motivated.
Celebrate effort, not just results – Praise their hard work and bravery, even if things didn’t go perfectly.
Encourage them to use their journal – A quick entry after each ride helps them see and appreciate their growth.
Your Challenge This Week: Find a Small Win to Celebrate
Take a moment this week to recognise a small but meaningful achievement your child has made in their riding journey. Maybe they kept going when they felt frustrated, handled a new challenge with confidence, or just showed up with a great attitude. Share it with them, write it down, and let them know how proud you are.
And if you want to help them keep track of their progress in a meaningful way, check out our Journal and Bracelet - designed to support and inspire young riders every step of the way.
I’d love to hear from you! What’s a recent small win your child has had?
Sass x