The Undeniable

POWER

 of

GOOD TIMING

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

(Galatians 6: 9)  

The power of good timing is everything when it comes to working with horses. Whether you are doing groundwork or in the saddle, the timing of your cues (pressure and release) determines your horse's success. In fact, good timing determines your success, too!

GOOD TIMING BUILDS TRUST

From the time I was a little girl growing up in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, I remember my mother telling me about the importance of good timing. Of course, I had no idea what she was talking about back then, but I nodded my head in approval, nonetheless. It wasn't until I grew up and got my first horse that I got a "visual" concept of what my mother meant. 

My first horse was a pretty bay gelding. I spent hours brushing him, spoiling him with carrots, and living for the moments when I could just be with him. I didn't know anything about horses back then. It was a time of complete innocence for me, and in the beginning, I thought the love that I felt for my horse would be enough to build a great partnership. Of course, it only took a few horse wrecks that first year, and a couple of near-death experiences in the saddle, to prove that simply loving my horse wasn't enough. My innocence was gone forever. In it's place loomed the realization that love must always be accompanied by trust. And how would I earn my horse's trust? I would earn his trust by being a loving Master with good timing.  

TRUST GOD FOR

GOOD TIMING

"For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him."

(Ecclesiastes 8: 6, ESV) 

When I say, "Move", I want my horse to say, "Yes, Ma'am", whether he feels like it or not. And when I say, "Whoa", I want my horse to stop and stand still. His obedience will produce stronger faith in me, and eventually he will learn to trust in my timing for every move he makes.

 The Bible assures us that there is a "time" for everything in our life. However, that doesn't keep us from wanting to "jump the gun" when it comes to our hopes and dreams. What do I mean by jumping the gun? I mean getting ahead of God and His perfect timing, either by being over-anxious, or by over-anticipating and then "acting" on our own. Horses are a great "visual" learning tool when it comes to jumping the gun. Let me explain...

Oftentimes, when I'm trying to teach a horse to do a certain training maneuver, he suddenly has a light-bulb moment. From that moment on, the horse is quite proud of himself and his ability to perform the skill right on cue. But after a while, he no longer waits for my cue. In fact, if I even look in his direction, he goes ahead and performs the maneuver without the cue. This is a good time to point out that it doesn't matter that he may have performed the maneuver perfectly. What matters is that his actions were premature, and he "jumped the gun", rather than waiting on me for the cue (the right time). In a situation like this, I make a swift, serious, and "well-timed" correction to my horse such as a lengthy, energetic back-up just to let him know that his premature behavior, no matter how well-intentioned or carried out, is a serious offense. In order to have a partnership with me, my horse must learn to "wait on me". And he must learn to trust me for perfect timing.  

YOU HAVE ENOUGH

FAITH FOR THE

 PROMISE

but...

DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH FAITH  FOR THE 

WAIT? 

"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end - it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."

(Habakkuk 2: 3, ESV)

Getting a well-broke and responsive horse takes time, and lots of it. So do well-planned and successful dreams and visions. There is an appointed time for everything, and that appointed time belongs to God. Trust Him! 

Have you ever known someone who rushes head-long into everything they do? Between using words like "jumping the gun", and "head-long", I realize I'm probably throwing a lot of my redneck "way of talking" your way, but just go with me on this. If time permitted, I could tell you a story or two about jumping the gun, and rushing head-long into adventures that I've since wished I'd never taken. One such story took place years ago. Let me share it with you...

Years ago, the Lord promised me a horse that would not only be an answer to my prayers, but a very special partner with me in ministry. Day after day, I thought about the promise, and I envisioned what this horse would look like, what kind of horsenality he would have, and all the many things we would do together. And day after day went by. Soon the days turned into years. But still, I waited and waited. And then I waited some more. Finally, I grew tired of waiting, and decided to "help God out" with His promise. Ever been there? That's when I decided to go on a promise-seeking mission to find that special horse I'd been promised. Just call me God's little helper!

Long story made amazingly short, I made it my mission to "test-ride" dozens of horses that were for sale in my area. At last, I thought I had found that elusive horse, - the horse of promise. According to the seller, the horse was perfect, a bomb-proof riding machine, and good to go. I felt rather smug about myself, and especially for having found him so quickly. After all, I had managed to "move up God's timetable", and in the process I had found my promised horse, right? Wrong! Next day, as I lay in a heap of mud picking the gravel out of my teeth after being bucked off, I miraculously came to my senses. God had given me a promise, and I had enough faith to believe Him. Now I must have enough faith for the wait.

Next day, I promptly returned the horse to the seller. Soon afterwards, I learned about a marvelous and talented horse that was being offered for sale for the first time. That horse was named Samson. Through a chain of miraculous events, and what can only be described as super-natural happenings, God directed my feet straight to him, - and gave me my horse of promise. And friend, God will do the same for you! Has God promised to give you something that your heart has been longing for? The Bible tells us that God is not a man that He should lie. You had faith for the promise, now have faith for the wait. Oh yeah, and while you're waiting, don't forget, - God's timing will be absolutely perfect!

 A SPECIAL NOTE

To read more about Samson, his pedigree, and also our miracle story, click on the Archive Button in the left-hand column and scroll down  until you come to the following titles...

THE HORSE LOVE OF MY LIFE

(10-23-2013)

THE GOD WHISPERERS

(5-2-2014)

Natural Horse

Faith-Man-Ship

(Teaching biblical faith using horses)

ARE YOU READY FOR THE FAITH RIDE OF

 YOUR LIFE? 

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