Boxing Day Reflections: Finding Stillness and Celebrating Small Wins

Gemma's Elmo :) Photo by: Poppy Parker

Having horses often means rushing from one chore to the next: fitting in a quick muck out between family arrangements, school pick-ups, and work commitments, or squeezing in time for a ride before the daylight fades. In the midst of it all, it’s easy to focus solely on the end goals—whether it’s a competition, a training milestone, or just getting through the endless to-do list.

Caitlin and Mollie. Photo by: Becky Bunce Photography

But how often do we pause to savour the little steps that lead to those outcomes? The soft nicker of welcome as you walk into the barn, the first time your horse relaxes into a stretch, or the quiet rhythm of grooming on a frosty morning. These moments, small as they seem, are where the joy truly lives—yet they’re often lost in the rush of daily life.

Boxing Day offers us a rare chance to slow down. It’s not quite a day for action but a time for stillness—a time to reflect. Instead of gearing up for the “new year, new goals” mindset, what if we used this day to appreciate the small wins that have brought us closer to our horses?

Maybe this year you worked through a sticky patch in your training or learned to listen a little better to what your horse was trying to tell you. Perhaps you overcame a confidence wobble or simply made time to enjoy your horse’s company, even when life felt hectic.

A Horsewoman’s Journal is designed to help you capture these small, meaningful victories. By writing them down, you start to notice the beauty in the little things—the quiet progress that builds the foundation of a deeper partnership. It’s not just about achieving a goal; it’s about finding pleasure in the pursuit.

Celebration moment caught by Christine Dunnington Photography. Little Caitlin & Kizzy.

So, today, take a moment. Wrap up warm, head to the yard, and just be. Reflect on the year gone by—not with the pressure of what you could have done differently, but with gratitude for the steps you’ve taken. Celebrate those small wins, the ones that make the journey so worthwhile.

Here’s to a peaceful Boxing Day and the joy found in life’s quiet moments.

If you’d like to dive deeper into these reflections, download our Free PDF with 10 thoughtful prompts, available via Aspire Equestrian Riding Academy, designed to help you look back on the year with gratitude and clarity. It’s a simple way to pause, reflect, and savour the little wins that make the journey with your horse so special: End of The Year Reflections