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Horsing Around
Grab
Boots and long pants
Money
Car keys
Go
Check out the horseback riding stables in your area. Find out hourly rates, picnic and camping trail ride offerings, and driving directions to the various ranches. Make reservations with a stable that offers guided trail rides of an hour or more.
Before the day of your trail ride, check out some books at the library to explore the world of horses. Find out the different types of horses, the differences between English and western saddles, and what basic terms such as “tack” and “canter” mean. Build anticipation for your date by watching a couple of “horsey” videos such as Felicity or Secretariat.
At the stable, follow the guide’s lead as he or she chooses the right horse for your daughter. They will know which horse’s size and temperament make it a good match for your daughter’s age and experience level. Take advantage of any opportunities to groom the horses or feed them a treat. Have an unforgettable ride together!
Dad, it’s not about you. You can’t give your kids everything they need anyway. It’s about being there, doing the best you can, loving them with all your heart, and then surrendering their lives back to the Creator.
Jay Payleitner, 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad
Grow
For most of history, people’s primary mode of transportation was their own two feet! Riding on horseback usually went along with a position of status or power.
David declared in Psalm 20:7 that “some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” He wanted to depend on the power of God, not on the strength of his horses or military.
Brainstorm with your daughter about things you each look to for security, other than God himself. Do you feel better when you have a strong bank account? Health? Lots of friends? Good grades? Read Psalm 121 together:
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for this amazing time riding horses together. Thank you, too, that we can put our trust in your strength. Teach us to trust you more and more. We don’t want anything else in this world to become our security—just you! Thank you for your faithfulness to us. Amen!