How We Think Around Our Horses
There are a number of things in life that I am passionate about two of which are the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and good honest functional horsemanship. I do not claim to know much about either but nonetheless I pursue both the very best I can.
My pursuit oftentimes takes my thought processes in some strange and unfamiliar places. When it comes to Jesus, His Word, The Bible, is my gyroscope to keep me balanced. Horsemanship on the other hand? I mostly need to walk it out and prove one way or the other. When we claim that the horse is our teacher, that may be true. But, are we only reaffirming what we already believe or are we really open to seeing what the horse is presenting for us to work with. Case in point. A 6 month old colt is a horse the same as a 16 year old horse is a horse. However, one will respond quite differently from the other. With the youngster it will take far less to get them to let go of their thought and respond to what we might offer. The older horse it might take a great deal of pressure to get him to let go and think of what we might be presenting.
Apply that to our walk with Christ and it is very similar. A newborn child in the Lord’s Kingdom is very moldable, teachable and will easily let go of old ways of thinking. On the other hand after one has walked with the Lord for some time their pattern of thinking can become very set and it becomes extremely difficult for one to change what and how they think when Jesus’ may be presenting them with something new or out of their ordinary and habitual way of thinking.
When working with a very green horse be careful of your old habits and thoughts that you may have acquired in dealing with a horse that has some street smarts. And when dealing with a horse that has maybe too much experience with the human do not think in terms of a youngster. Both should be dealt with in the same kind caring way with firmness, always just, appropriate to the moment at hand.
My 30 plus year of walking with the Lord have proven this principle to be always true in my life. He is always good, just, loving, overlooking childish faults and firm when need be.
I trust you see the connection in working with our horses.
As to methods? With the horse there are many things I can show the seeker through my clinics and private sessions. With Jesus? That is mostly between you and Him.
Merry Christmas and Happy Trails,
Charley
Well said, Charley. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and for sharing your insights with us. Always helpful.
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours.
With love,
Hank & Laura
Geneseo, NY
You’re welcome Hank and a Merry Christmas to you.
Charley – you carry something of great value for training people just like you train horses. Give yourself permission to go there. God is promoting His son.
Gen 12:2-3
“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you;
I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Thank you John.