19/07/2025
Here's to a wrap up of the last two weeks!
It's been HOT but it's been such a blessing to endure the summer sun with some great people!
There is MORE to horses than just saddling up and riding! Oftentimes the physical work is taken for granite! Remember it's not just hard work physically that can be challenging, it also tests you mentally, and emotionally. Most facilities get too big for their britches by assigning foundational 'chores' to stall cleaners, stable hands, or volunteers with a mentality that they're too good to help out with such things. I'm blessed to be connected with a few facilities that are humble enough to offer a helping hand with cleaning p**p while holding the title of a million dollar rider.
Regardless of the level we are at, the 'basics' of equine and stock care should not be overlooked with a prideful attitude. Many opportunities are missed by folks who only want to 'work with ponies'. While an attitude like that can get you somewhere, it won't take you far.
Instead, have a mentality to be open to learning, growth, and correction. Believe me that'll get you a lot farther in life and in the purpose Christ has for you.
A beautiful reminder the Lord revealed to me this week, regardless of the age of the student, breath, be patient, and don't choose the easy way to teach them foundational skills.
When you see potential, how do you react when great work is slow? Do you give up? Give in? Steal the opportunity to learn? Walk away?
Help is necessary, but don't be a hindrance.
Show them by being the example.
Clean the stalls.
Scrub the water buckets.
Drag the hoses.
Move the hay.
Fill up haynets.
Dump the p**p.
Check the fences.
Pull the weeds.
Wrangle the goats.
Check the cows.
Unload feed.
Grade the arena.
Lead the horse.
Close the gate.
Tie the halter.
Groom the horse.
Pick out its feet.
Saddle the horse.
Hang up the bridle.
Bathe the horse......
Appreciate every single opportunity to learn to be responsible and humbled. Whether you are 5 or 75, hold onto an attitude rooted in faith versus fleshly frustration.
When you're not handed a saddled horse, receive such a blessing as not all get(or want) the opportunity for such growth.
I am blessed to take my mentor role seriously. I am blessed for every opportunity to teach, train, and share what I know with those who visit our facility.
Be on guard as not all mentors take their responsibility to teach seriously. Don't be distracted by the 'good' things that seem to be produced. Pay attention and inspect the fruits the people produce.
~Jessica Shively
❤️👑🐴
Taming the Tongue
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.
James 3:1-3
