Life can be frusterating!

Right?  How many times do you find yourself in some kind of drama, mistake, complexity and down right frustrating circumstance?  Doesn't life ever take a break?  I've certainly been feeling some of life's moments lately and feeling quite helpless.  For some reason, I can't get it through my pigeon brain that I can't control life!  Stuff happens whether we want it to or not!  For example:  Why did God give me rheumatoid arthritis....did he want me to feel handicapped, sick (hate giving myself shots) and tired all the time?  Another example:  Why did God let Kitty get a leg injury that may never heal again....to a horse who has to be working to be happy and who won't touch any extra food supplements to help her joints and tendons? and why did He give my other horse horrible respiratory problems to where she always has a higher respiratory rate at a stand still than any other horse?  Did God overlook me?  Does He really have a plan for us--for me?

I know He has a plan for me because as I look back on my life, I can see the proof of His love and mercy He has given not only to me, but too those two horses of mine too.  You see if you are stuck wondering about your future and wondering who is going to be there for you in a few years all you have to do is look back.  Has God really abandoned me?  It certainly can feel like that-I feel like that more than a Christian probably should...but it strengthens me to look back and know that God has been there for me in more ways  than I can count and He clearly states in His word that He will take care of me.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:  Philippians 1:6 

Fun with new tricks!

Kitty learning to stretch bow.  She's really getting the hang of it, but she was distracted by the constant wind  today-made her quite crazy and spooky so her attention span was very short, but she was still willing to give tricks a go!

Notice in the above pic:  Kitty is doing this trick right with her left foot (furthest away), but trying to bow almost with her right foot (closest).  Supposedly, some trick trainers like to teach this form of bow first because it gets them to strech without putting their knee down, but Kitty is comfortable with bowing so she tries to improvise....:) 

Look at how huge Missy is lip smiling!!!!!  Seems like she learned this trick super fast!  She did!  

Missy just loves her new trick!  She does hardly anything and gets a treat!

Little things matter...

There are those times in life where you are not sure if anyone notices the "little things" that you do.  For example, Mothers who cook and clean; Fathers who work and keep their families safe; people who always ask you how it's going, etc.  The list of "little things" can go on quite a ways.  I was reminded of this lesson this past weekend at work.  God knows how to get my attention and often gives me examples through working with horses.  At Alamar Acres, we recently acquired two foals, one filly (Hope) and one colt (Buster).  They were very shy and unsure of everything when they first came here.  Even though we only had them for about a month (donated them to His Ranch), they were beginning to calm down-I just didn't notice it so much.  Little by little by handling them gently and touching them all over to get them use to hands, I slowly worked on getting them to trust being touched by humans.  I really didn't think I was doing anything or getting anywhere as it seemed like they would always get to a point where they would shift and jump out of my hands reach.  I really didn't think we were connecting well.  Were these little methods even working?  On the day they left Alamar Acres, I got my answer.  Buster wouldn't load into the trailer, so they asked me if I would try to load the filly, Hope to see if Buster would follow her in if she went.  I talked to her gently as I did everyday and congratulated her when she stepped one foot into the trailer following me all the way in!  Wow!  Did she just follow me in here?  Meanwhile, Buster is still refusing to go in for Alan so Mary Ann suggested I give it a try.  Guess what?  He followed me right in too!  Haha!  I was amazed that they wanted to trust me after what seemed like I was doing nothing!  So, yes, the little things really matter.  I thought this experience was very cool and it made my day.  Now, I miss the little buggers since I know that they did really like me!  :)

Some trick training continues even in the cold....

So what has Sandy's horses been up to these days?.....Well here is a sneak peek....first picture is of Missy learned to pray on the pedestal.  She is still very confused how to balance herself and where to put her legs, but I'm hoping time will cure that....

The stretch bow or pray

I just love this picture of Kitty with the sun beam shining down on her.  You can call me kiddish or foolish, but I think God was just taking a closer look at one of His best horses in the world!

Working on Missy's smile..hope to have two smiley horses soon!  

Lessons from a horse....

It's a rainy day so no riding... but it's a perfect day to update my blog!  First post of the new year!  It really has been quite long since my last post so sorry if you are one of my readers....

I'm still horsing around here every chance I get.  My horses continue to train me....yes train me!  I meant to say that!  Yesterday, I worked Kitty who is always a bit of a spook.  She did really well considering her circumstances.  I have to give her credit.  Actually, I have to give all horses some credit.  People, Lots of times we expect our horses to be perfect every day we take them out, no bucks, rears, take off and run stuff!  But who are we kidding?  Of course, we Love it when they are "perfect."  However, horses are just like us!  They have bad days, cranky days, and days where they really don't want to work.  Likewise, horses can be afraid of something their entire life.  For example, I know several people who flip out over spiders and snakes!!  Sure, maybe you are not the type, but think of something that does bother you and still bothers you.  So how can we stand to ride a horse that has imperfections and spooks all the time???  It all comes down to being a patient, loving trainer and owner, who is understanding of the bad days.  Bad days happen...try to be patient (I know it's hard) but if you are, you will enjoy the ride better and so will your horse.  

I guess I could take this a step farther in the spiritual sense...I'm super glad Jesus Christ is my trainer!  I think others would beat, whip, and yell at me for all my stubbornness and sin that I unfortunately have to repent for  almost everyday.  Yet, Jesus is slow to anger and his mercy endureth forever!   He is my trainer and I will try to please Him.