Choosing a Girl...

Last night when grooming our new "black beauties," two horses that were donated to our program in the last month, we had a special moment. Armed with only brushes and a hoof pick, we headed into the field. We decided not to halter the horses so they could have the freedom to decide if they wanted to be touched and cared for. They were a little hesitant at first, but then came to us and let us untangle their manes and tails, and check their feet and brush their midnight coats. As the darkness took over the evening, we decided to finish up and head into the house, but as we backed away, we chose to stop and watch them, expecting them to either take off or come to us. Gracie (8) was with us. Gracie LOVES horses! She has quite a connection. She squatted down on the ground to watch when all of a sudden, Beauty, the mare, came directly to her out of all the people, and just put her head down in front of her, so she could pet her. She chose Grace. Gracie just smiled bright and petted Beauty's white stripe. We stayed a few minutes longer and then headed in. Gracie's heart was so light, she ran all the way to the porch.

Learning New Things...

We were so blessed to be granted the opportunity to learn more ways to learn and to grow with our horses and people this weekend! I would actually call it "Untraining" for me, because so much of what I learned was different for me. Instead of giving instructions, we allowed the children to "figure it out." Wow!!! We had to overcome obstacles and learn from our choices...and this is one very amazing story that came out of that learning....

The sun was high in the sky yesterday afternoon as we went out to "play with the horses." Ryan (9) went with us. He decided to catch the gray arabian in the herd. I told him to catch him and put the halter on. I didn't tell him how, I just said to catch him. He was willing, but quickly got frustrated as the horse ran from him. Tears flowed and he decided to give up and catch another horse. I asked if he was sure he wanted to give up on Lucky (the gray horse)? He said "Yes! He doesn't want me to catch him!" At about that time, I asked him, "Are you sure about that?" All of a sudden, Lucky started running to him from the other side of the field. I said, "I think that horse you decided you didn't want...just chose you." He smiled big. He slowly approached him. He figured out the halter and was able to secure it on Lucky's head. He smiled very proudly.

Ryan proceeded to lead Lucky to the fence and tie him. He groomed him, talked to him, and saddled him. He asked if he could give him a new name for the day. I said, "Yes." So he decided to name him, "Remington." He brushed him and told him how beautiful he was and how much he loved him. He asked me if Remington could always be his horse when he rides. He then proceeded to get on him and ride him. Ryan and "Remington" overcame obstacles on their ride, like going through gates, wooded trails, and new expereiences. They were so proud! Ryan said at the end of his ride, "Remington and I aren't afraid of anything together!"

After four years of prayer and preparation, Solid Rock Ranch ministries is beginning. This is the Lord's ranch and we will be ministering to children, youth, and families that have difficulties with learning and emotional hurts. This will be a place of refreshment for these families.

This ranch will be a place where there is freedom and healing for children, youth, and adults. We see children and horses made whole as they work and play together. We see horses and children running with health and wholeness restored. A safe place where children can be children, and they can laugh, learn, play, ride, and be accepted. Through this place, and the love of the people working here, children can experience the love of God, and the understanding that He has a plan for their lives.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."