08/22/2026
100% this. I’ve seen the looks of triumph on faces that previously had said “I can’t “ These days I ask the students to say “I cantry “ instead of “I can’t”
💛I’m Going to Let Your Child Struggle 💛
When your child comes for lessons with me, I’m going to let them struggle sometimes.
They may have never fastened a buckle on a piece of tack. A saddle might be heavy and awkward. Their lead rope may be a tangled mess. And something that would take me ten seconds might take them five minutes.
I’m not going to immediately step in and do it for them. *Unless its a safety issue.*
Because someday, I want your child to walk into the barn, catch their own horse, tack up, and head out feeling completely confident in their own abilities.
Why?
Because they’re learning that they can do hard things.
So yes, I’ll help when something is beyond a child's physical ability. I’ll encourage, demonstrate, and keep them safe.
But when they *can* do it? I’m going to give them the time to fumble with the buckle. Untangle the rope. Try again. And figure it out.
Parents, I know watching that can be hard. You’ll want to jump in and make it easier.
But sometimes the greatest gift we can give a child is not making the hard thing easier.
It’s standing beside them long enough for them to discover:
“I can do this myself.”
💙 ~Abbie
