Our Stories HomeBlessings from the Son
By Cindy Prindle
Rising Son Youth Ranch, St Joseph, MO
Life is often frightening, sometimes overwhelming, and always a challenge for even the best of us. But for a special needs child, especially one with Autism, it can be almost too much to bear. I John 4:18 says, “Perfect love drives out fear.” This is what the Lord is showing children who come to a riding therapy ranch. The unconditional love of a horse for a child is amazing to see. It touches us all and blesses everyone involved.
Katie is a young girl of 10 who is frightened of many things. She’s afraid to make new friends, and afraid of new places. She’s afraid of the dark and loud noises. She loves horses but she’s afraid of them too. Katie’s parents love her very much and they want to help her to overcome her fears and build her self-confidence, so they bring her to a riding therapy ranch where she can learn horsemanship and learn to trust and not be afraid anymore.
The first visit to the ranch, Katie is very excited. She meets her coach, Lyndsay, and her horse, Cisco. She gets fitted with riding boots and a safety helmet, is taught the 12 safety rules, and then….it’s time to go in the stall with Cisco with a brush and a curry comb. Lyndsay opens the gate and with a lead rope in hand, says hello to Cisco, then snaps the rope on his halter and ties him so he can’t move too much and frighten Katie. Then Lyndsay invites Katie into the stall. She hesitates, looking at Cisco’s large flanks, his high back; way higher than she is tall! She’s not sure she wants to get that close to him! But with a little persuasion, she is soon brushing Cisco’s neck and letting him sniff and get acquainted with her. He nuzzles her with is soft nose, and she giggles. Lyndsay lets her take her time; she knows that this bonding time is important for Katie’s growth. Once the grooming is done, Lyndsay gets the saddle and bridle and tacks Cisco up. Together, Katie and Lyndsay lead him to the riding ring. Lyndsay leads him to the mounting block, and Katie’s Mom helps her up the steps to Cisco’s side. As soon as Katie is astride Cisco, she begins to cry in fear. She’s ridged in the saddle and hanging on to the saddle horn as if her life depends on it. Lyndsay and Katie’s Mom talk softly to her and calm her down enough to be led around the ring, but she can’t relax, she is stiff with fear and soon asks to be allowed to dismount.
The next week, when Katie comes, she’s still frightened when she is on Cisco, but she doesn’t cry. Her love for Cisco is growing and his love for her is dawning on her, overcoming her fear enough to make her want to keep coming back. After 4 weeks, Lyndsay has patiently taught her to reign, stop and start and even though Katie is afraid, Lyndsay shows her that she can steer Cisco around Lyndsay in a circle while Lyndsay hangs on to the rope. This is a big step toward independence and Katie is stiff in the saddle again, but with perseverance, in a few weeks, Lyndsay says Katie is ready to ride on her own with her coach walking beside her. Katie is not so sure but her desire to ride is stronger than her fear. When Lyndsay unsnaps the lead rope and allows Katie control, she suddenly smiles and says, “Wow, Look Mom, I’m really doing it!” Now, Katie really begins to blossom, her self confidence grows by leaps and bounds. By the end of the summer, she can canter Cisco around the ring while she sings to him. Katie isn’t so afraid anymore and she knows she can succeed.
When we look out for the good of others, God blesses us because we’ve been obedient and selfless. Luke 6:38 says, “Give and it will be given to you, a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” And seeing Katie conquer her fear will be the biggest blessing of all.