Updates

Well the time has come that I get back into writing on this blog. It has been over a year and a lot has happened in that time. I have just finished writing a book called "Developing Your Camp Horse Program" "A Complete Guide to Using Your Camp Horse Program to further the Kingdom" In It I discuss how we can use the relationship with the horse to demonstrate the relationship that God desires with each of us. I also review my training and teaching techniques with the horses and how I convert that to spiritual truths when I am working with youth. I decided to write the book after speaking to the National Director of a camp ministry. We had been discussing the use of horses in the ministry and I mentioned to him what we have been doing which peaked his interest in the program. As I went through each of the processes he realized how most camps are failing to fully utilize their horse programs in reaching the youth for Christ. The main thing that I stressed to him was that not only does the program touch the youth but it also affects the lives of the staff and once the kids go home it affects those closest to them. In the process of developing a relationship with Christ it changes their outlook on their own behaviors oftentimes resulting in positive behavioral changes in their lives. In using the program the youth are placed in positions of authority of the horse thereby developing servant leadership skills which generates leaders in our youths; because they are placed in this position of authority they are in turn understanding how their behavior affects those in positions of authority over them. Since they are experiencing the good with the bad with their horse, they begin to realize the consequences of their own choices; not only in actions but in relationship decisions. Since we have instituted this training into all of our riding lessons we have recognized a tremendous difference in the behaviors and attitudes of our students in regards to their interaction with their parents. The most amazing changes came from our therapeutic riding classes in which we not only deal with special needs children but those with behavioral development issues. Not only did we see a remarkable increase in their confidence levels but they began to interact better with other students. When we take out trail rides with youth groups we perform the initial introduction to the horse and allow them to generate a bond before we go out on the trail. As we ride we allow them to experience the different behaviors the horses might have and upon arriving back at the barn we will have a lesson time after the horses are unsaddled and I will share different relationship experiences and how God used that relationship with the horse to teach me. Because they have just experienced the horse and its attitude, realized a bond with the horse they grasp the lesson that we are sharing better than if we had simply just talked about it. In most cases I have heard that the youth retained the lesson longer than their normal lessons and while they might not have been able to quote the all the verses that I used they remembered them. We are praying that through this that God will open the doors for me to be able to go out and share with others; not only through the book but speaking engagements and clinics. This is not to be for me but to glorify God in the talents that He gave me. As this blog changes to incorporate this I hope that we can get it out to more people.