January can feel a little long — the days are short, the weather is grey, and everything feels quieter after Christmas. You might hear people talk about Blue Monday, a day that’s said to feel a bit heavier than usual.

This short Mini Off Duty episode is a gentle pause for kids — and the grown-ups listening with them.

In this episode, we:

• Talk about Blue Monday in a reassuring, child-friendly way

• Take a few calm breaths together

• Let busy thoughts rest for a moment

• Remember that it’s okay not to feel happy or motivated every day

• Finish with a small, fun mission to make January feel a little brighter

Perfect for listening in the car, before school, at bedtime, or anytime you need a quiet reset.

No pressure. No fixing. Just a pause.

Una O’Donnell joins Off Duty to share her journey from a horse-mad child in the Dublin mountains to respected coach, dressage judge and thoroughbred producer. We talk about learning the hard way, riding everything from donkeys to racehorses, balancing family life with a busy yard, and what really matters when producing riders and horses. A warm, funny and insightful chat about confidence, planning, parenting, pressure – and the magic of growing up with horses.

For every child who counts down the days to riding, who knows the smell of a stable, who finds their calm beside a pony. Whether you compete, hack, or just love being at the yard – this one’s for you.

In this Mini Off Duty, Una O’Donnell shares gentle, practical advice on planning, preparation, confidence and enjoying your pony – without pressure, without stress, and without losing the fun. A little pep talk for young riders (and their parents) to listen to on the way to the yard or the show.

Full episode with Úna out Thursday!