This is an expanded look at the values I have learned from horses and the horse world as first described in the blog post: Why Use Horses? I ride Hunter/Jumper horses, and for those of you who think one could just charm a 1200 pound animal around a ring, let me just put that idea to rest.  It takes …

This is an expanded look at the values I have learned from horses and the horse world as first described in the blog post: Why Use Horses? Horses are herd animals.  They crave companionship and are highly in tune to each other.  I have seen many show and race horses that are often kept in …

After riding and working with horses for so many years, I have been dumped, tossed, run away with, and deposited on the ground.  I have been bitten, kicked, dragged, and stepped on.  I have had horses buck, rear, spook, freeze, and stop at fences.  Looking back at any one of those experiences could …

In sharing the mission and vision of the ranch, this question inevitably comes up: “Why use horses? I mean, I understand wanting to reach kids, but why do you need horses to do that?” It’s a good question actually, and it’s one that I’m more than happy to answer. In fact, I am often excited to …

As I stated in my last blog post, this road we’re on to pursue a dream and follow God is a lot like riding a roller coaster.  It’s all over the place.  There are big hills and twists and turns and loops.  At least, that’s how it feels emotionally at times.  There are some days where I am thrilled …

In the early stages as the vision of Bright Side Youth Ranch began to form and  take shape, Devin and I were quickly overwhelmed at the enormity of it all.  For a few years, we struggled and wrestled with the understanding of how we would not be able to accomplish the mission of the ranch on our …

Sometimes this journey of stepping out in faith and trusting God reminds me of conquering the Top Thrill Dragster. Yes, I just compared following God to riding a roller coaster.  Stepping out in faith is complete with ups and downs and turns and loops.  I am an adventurous person by nature and am …

We chose to use Pods containers for moving, and in looking at all of our stuff we realized very quickly that we would need two of their large containers.  We had to split up all of the things in our house between what would go into the apartment and what would go into storage. While packing, I was …

I have dreams that have been in my heart since I was a little girl.  Some of those dreams have come true already, and others have yet to become a reality.  Having a horse farm of my own, where I could have horses and make the space available for kids, has been one of those lifelong dreams.  …

When we were living in Wisconsin, I often rode and took lessons out at an equestrian facility called Fields and Fences in Gurnee, Illinois.  During the past year, I was sometimes assigned a beautiful dark bay Thoroughbred named Billy.  Billy was quite the character.  When I first got on him, he was …