The Winning Mindset: How We Teach Confidence In and Out of the Arena
- afenner
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
People think rodeo is about talent. Some think it’s about grit. And sure, it takes both. But you know what separates the ones who keep showing up — win or lose — from the ones who fade out?
Confidence.
Not cockiness. Not entitlement. Real, earned, weatherproof confidence.
At Rad Rodeo, that’s what we’re building — in the arena, in the barn, in the lives of the kids we raise. Because when you’ve got a strong mindset, the world’s a whole lot easier to ride through.
Confidence Starts Before the Run
You can’t wait to feel ready. Confidence isn’t something that magically shows up in the alleyway — it’s built in the moments no one sees:
At home in the practice pen.
In the mornings when they tack up without being told.
On the long drives, talking through game plans and big dreams.
It’s repetition. It’s preparation. It’s being over-prepared and under-estimating nothing.
We Coach Their Voice, Not Just Their Ride
It’s one thing to teach a kid how to cue a horse. It’s another to teach them how to:
Speak professionally with others, especially those older than them.
Ask questions without shame.
Handle criticism without crumbling.
Confidence means they know their voice matters — and we teach them how to use it.
We ask, “What did you think about that run?” before offering our own opinions. We give them room to develop their own lens.
We Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcome
If confidence is always tied to winning, it’ll disappear the moment you don’t. That’s why we praise:
Trying a new skill.
Recovering from a mistake mid-run.
Getting back on after a fall.
Winning is fun — but growth is foundational.
We Show Up as Examples
Our kids don’t just listen to what we say — they watch who we are. So we:
Talk kindly about ourselves.
Accept compliments with grace.
Admit when we’re nervous, and do it anyway.
Confidence isn’t perfection. It’s resilience. And we model that in how we handle pressure, failure, and success.
Final Thoughts
At Rad Rodeo, we aren’t raising just competitors — we’re raising kids who believe in themselves no matter what the scoreboard says.
Because in the end, a winning mindset isn’t about the buckle. It’s about the belief that you belong in the arena.
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Ann-Marie Fenner
Ranch Manager, Breeder, Rodeo Mom
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