My family had horses when I was growing up.
But.
I never felt at ease around them.
Mostly.
Because of their size.
But also.
Because I never learned how to ride them.
My dad's way of teaching.
Was to put me on a horse.
Slap it on the rump.
Expecting me to be a natural.
Needless to say.
That didn't happen.
It was twenty years later.
Before I got on a horse again.
A similar experience.
My dad booked my brothers & me.
On an overnight horseback trip.
In Wyoming.
What could go wrong?
As you might imagine.
My natural ability to ride.
Had not grown in those twenty years.
Neither had my experience or training.
I was no longer just uneasy.
I was downright scared.
And intimidated.
The horse clearly had me pegged.
Within minutes of the ride.
My horse spooked.
He ran ahead at a full gallop.
Me screaming and hanging on for dear life.
My interest in horses ended that day.
I thought - for good.
Fast forward.
Twenty more years later.
A friendship at church.
Led me to a therapeutic horse program.
"God's Legacy Ranch"
Scott started volunteering and riding about two years ago.
I became more comfortable with feeding and brushing.
I learned about the unique giftedness of horses.
Especially their ability to connect with people.
I learned horses can hear a human heartbeat.
From four feet away.
They can also sense a troubled spirit.
Or a gentle one.
I experienced it for myself last week.
With Radar.
Undergoing treatment for cancer in his nose and eye.
He has his own set of troubles.
But on that particular afternoon.
He willingly ministered to mine.
I went inside the corral.
Slowly walked his way.
Stopped.
Gently reached up to stroke his mane.
And his cheek.
Radar didn't pull away.
I got closer.
Leaned my face close to his.
Whispered in his ear.
"Hey boy."
"You feeling okay?"
"I'm sorry you've had a tough time."
"Good boy."
Radar listened.
And stood completely still.
I leaned in closer.
He did the same.
His face.
Right up against mine.
For what seemed like several minutes.
I soaked in his tenderness.
And his stillness.
And, surprisingly,
His size.
A thousand pound creature.
Who seemed to trust me.
And in return.
I trusted him.
My heart was soothed that afternoon.
I needed it.
Maybe Radar did too.
My spirit was strengthened.
And encouraged.
By a thousand pounds.
Of intimidation.
If you'd like more information on "God's Legacy Ranch," follow them on Facebook. This 501(C)3 organization is located in Honea Path, SC.
