Faith as an Equestrian
When it comes to your riding and your faith, there is a certain level of trust that overlaps it all. From trusting a thousand pound animal, to trusting God to move in your life, there will be a moment when you must step into the unknown. As someone who has always felt more connected to God in the saddle than I have in a church, I know how hard it can be to take life one stride at a time.
Just like any other sport, equestrianism requires dedication, discipline, and the ability to overcome challenges. Riders spend countless hours training their bodies and minds, honing their skills, and constantly pushing themselves to improve. Yet, it is in these very moments of trial and triumph that faith can play a significant role.
What is Faith?
Faith, in its essence, is about believing in something bigger than ourselves and trusting in divine guidance. As equestrians, we understand that horses are powerful and majestic creatures who possess a unique spirit. They respond to our aids, cues, and energy, forming a bond that allows us to communicate effortlessly. It is this mystical connection that reminds us of the beauty and complexity of creation and awakens a sense of reverence within us.
From stepping into the saddle on a cool winter morning, to making the time to open your bible in the morning, there is a level of trust that goes into our practices. as both a rider and a believer. We have to walk with the same level of knowledge and trust that we step into the stirrup with, and apply it to our faith - and that can be a terrifying thought, but it is never something that you have to face alone.
I’ll admit that the biggest thing that has helped my walk in my faith as well as my riding journey is to be grateful. I believe faith cultivates a sense of gratitude, and it is through gratitude that we see so many examples of the power of faith. Horses are awe-inspiring creatures; Their beauty, power, and grace evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation. Faith teaches us to be grateful for the gift of these magnificent animals and the relationship we share with them, just as we should be appreciative and grateful for the presence of God. It reminds us to value every ride, and every moment spent in the presence of our equine partners. I know that gratitude is the best attitude, but it is one of the best basic steps you can take to celebrate exactly where you are. Even if you’re just starting your riding or faith journey, take the time to be grateful to God.
Many practices can celebrate the stewardship of both horses and being a Christian. Some of the things that have helped me celebrate being grateful in the saddle are:
Taking a moment to be grateful through the warm-up process
Journaling and reflecting on my riding to celebrate what I am grateful for
Sharing my faith with those in my accountability circle
Now I know that not everyone in your barn is going to be a believer, and that is okay! It is our job as Christians to continue to deepen our faith and share with those in our community. I encourage you to share your walk with God, just as you share your training progress. This can be something as small as a saddle charm of the cross, or something as powerful as discussing your own faith and testimony with those you ride with. As we continue our walk with God, it is important to remember that you can find those in your community who will uplift and support you both in your faith AND your riding.
A verse that, while short and sweet, encompasses how I feel about the relationship between riding and having faith.
“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”
In this powerful verse, we are constantly reminded of the core foundation of our faith. This verse reminds us that we are followers of a loving and compassionate God who made the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. The unending love that permeates every word of 1 John 4:15 reminds us of the amazing story that unfolded through Jesus Christ. It is a testament to the unwavering faith and trust we can place in our Heavenly Father, just as we put the same trust into our horses. This remarkable act of selflessness demonstrates the boundless depth of God's love and serves as an everlasting reminder that we are profoundly cherished and valued in His eyes.
Through our journey as equestrians, it is important that we also celebrate the love and trust that we place in the horses. It is through God that we have the opportunity to step into the saddle, and it is through our faith that we can continue to grow and celebrate in those moments.
As we continue to deepen our walk with God and in our riding journey, remember the pillars at the foundations of it all. We have to love with an open heart, trust in that which we cannot see, and believe in our minds that we are cared for. May we continue to ride with faith, cherishing the connection we share with our equine companions and the lessons they teach us along the way.