What a blessing our barn has already been in its short span of existence! Brian and I have been kicking ourselves for not yet starting a visitor's book for the barn, so we sat down this morning to brainstorm and write down names of people who have come to the barn since its completion. Our brainstorming session came up with 140 visitors since February 1, 2008. That is, 140 different visitors! We were very careful not to count anyone more than once since many people are here frequently or have returned for repeat visits, but I'm sure we'll realize that we've missed some here and there.
Last night we were thrilled to watch our color guard team practice in the barn. They were scheduled to be here last week, but bad winter weather forced us to postpone. Eleven riders on eleven horses were in our facility all at once, performing simple maneuvers...what a treat! In addition to those 11 riders were 21 spectators watching from the sidelines. Our biggest concern was parking for trucks with trailers, but we had no trouble parking 9 cars and 6 trucks with trailers in our parking area. It was a great night!
Last week we hosted a horse health care clinic with our veterinarian for the Rough Riders 4H club. Ice and snow the day before had cancelled school functions and knocked out power for many in the community, so we weren't sure how many to expect for the clinic. We were pleasantly surprised with 35 visitors that night, and everyone enjoyed gleaning from Dr. Lance's knowledge.
We're happy to announce the addition of two students to next week's lesson schedule! God is so good! News of our mission is spreading quickly, and we're so excited to be a part of His great plan for these young lives.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Hibernating or Rejoicing...?
Today is a gloomy winter day. It's the kind of day that makes it difficult to remember what it feels like to have the sun on your face, or what it looks like when everything isn't the depressing monochrome gray which has permeated our lives for months. It's the kind of day that calls for a mug of hot java, another log on the fire, and warm fuzzy slippers....the kind of day for hibernation. The horses feel no different. They weren't anxious to go outside today. They were as content to stay in their warm cozy stalls as I would have been to stay in my warm cozy bed.
Sunday, in comparison, was a wonderful Hint-Of-Spring day! It was the kind of day that made us joyful at the prospect of entering into our house of worship....that made us jump from our beds and bask in the glow of sunbeams illuminating the room....that made us anxious to look in the "summer clothes" pile for our wardrobe choices....the kind of day for rejoicing! The horses were rejoicing too! They would not be denied their desire to bask in the sunshine, and much to our dismay, they immediately rolled in their choicest of joys....mud! The pasture was electric with their excitement!
In my devotional time this morning, I reflected on my attitude today in comparison with my attitude on Sunday. Weather undoubtedly influences emotion, but attitude is ultimately a choice. I continued to think on this as I considered the activities we will take part in this week.
The calendar is FULL. The riding facility hosted a mock horse show for the Wayne County Equine Judging Team last night, will be hosting drill team practice for Wayne County Color Guard tonight, and a horse health clinic with Dr. Lance Alexander for the Rough Riders 4H Club tomorrow. Lily's three dance classes will offer parents a "watch night" Thursday evening, and 30 minutes later Brian and I will attend an all-important leadership meeting for our Horse & Pony Association. In conjunction with each of these events are the regularly-scheduled lessons for Jordan's Crossing students. Needless to say, hibernation cannot win out! There is simply too much to prepare for and do.
It is exhausting if we dwell only on the work portion of this "preparing and doing," but if we look a little deeper we realize that it is through the work that we are both blessed and a blessing to others. Our sacrifices (and I honestly shudder to use that word because I don't feel as if I'm really sacrificing anything) bring joy to others...and in turn, we are blessed to share in their joy. It's a cycle that we can choose to continue or break. It's all about attitude.
What attitude will you choose today? Gray and hibernation (serving self)? Or sunshine and rejoicing (serving the Lord)? "...choose you this day whom ye will serve...as for me and my house, we will serve THE LORD." Joshua 24:15
Sunday, in comparison, was a wonderful Hint-Of-Spring day! It was the kind of day that made us joyful at the prospect of entering into our house of worship....that made us jump from our beds and bask in the glow of sunbeams illuminating the room....that made us anxious to look in the "summer clothes" pile for our wardrobe choices....the kind of day for rejoicing! The horses were rejoicing too! They would not be denied their desire to bask in the sunshine, and much to our dismay, they immediately rolled in their choicest of joys....mud! The pasture was electric with their excitement!
In my devotional time this morning, I reflected on my attitude today in comparison with my attitude on Sunday. Weather undoubtedly influences emotion, but attitude is ultimately a choice. I continued to think on this as I considered the activities we will take part in this week.
The calendar is FULL. The riding facility hosted a mock horse show for the Wayne County Equine Judging Team last night, will be hosting drill team practice for Wayne County Color Guard tonight, and a horse health clinic with Dr. Lance Alexander for the Rough Riders 4H Club tomorrow. Lily's three dance classes will offer parents a "watch night" Thursday evening, and 30 minutes later Brian and I will attend an all-important leadership meeting for our Horse & Pony Association. In conjunction with each of these events are the regularly-scheduled lessons for Jordan's Crossing students. Needless to say, hibernation cannot win out! There is simply too much to prepare for and do.
It is exhausting if we dwell only on the work portion of this "preparing and doing," but if we look a little deeper we realize that it is through the work that we are both blessed and a blessing to others. Our sacrifices (and I honestly shudder to use that word because I don't feel as if I'm really sacrificing anything) bring joy to others...and in turn, we are blessed to share in their joy. It's a cycle that we can choose to continue or break. It's all about attitude.
What attitude will you choose today? Gray and hibernation (serving self)? Or sunshine and rejoicing (serving the Lord)? "...choose you this day whom ye will serve...as for me and my house, we will serve THE LORD." Joshua 24:15
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Little Zoe and Our Students
Don't let this shy pose fool you! Little Zoe is growing more curious and ornery by the day! She can't resist poking her nose into everything just to sniff it out, and her playfulness is beginning to get her into trouble. As any little foal will do, she tried getting playful with Brian in the stall yesterday and just missed giving him a swift kick in the shin. He reciprocated with a foal-like kick of his own (not to hurt her, mind you, but to warn her in equine language that her actions were not acceptable). She was utterly shocked that he would do such a thing! It doesn't take long for these sweet little morsels to push their weight around and be dangerous, and just like with children, you must be diligent and gently mold them into exhibiting more desirable behaviors. She will soon understand when playfulness is appropriate and how aggressive she is allowed to be, but for a while she will try to see just exactly what she can get by with.
Our student list is growing rapidly, and we are so thankful for the opportunity to host them! We currently give nine one-hour lessons per week and have intermittent visitors as schedules and time permits. We will be hosting many new visitors next week. Various 4H groups are scheduled to hold meetings and clinics at our facility Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. We truly enjoy having kids here and look forward to the time we can spend with them.
If you haven't already, check out the changes we've made to our blog. We now have bios posted for the B5 Gang, and we hope to soon have photots and bios for each member of our equine family.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
And then there were eight!
It's been a busy season for Jordan's Crossing at the B5 Barn! We are very proud to announce the birth of our youngest family member! At 6:09 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5th, while surrounded by an awe struck B5 gang, our 13 year old mare, Star, gave birth to a beautiful little filly. Within moments of her birth, the barn was bustling with visitors anxious to greet the eighth and most recent member of the B5 Boogietime barn family. Already living up to her name, Zoe (which, we have learned, is a Greek word meaning "Life"), is a lively, loving, inquisitive, and energetic little foal. She absolutely LOVES greeting our littlest visitors by poking her little pink nose into their faces as if to say "Hey, you're just my size!" (A photo of Zoe will be posted in the coming days.)
Speaking of our "littlest visitors," we now have 5 students who attend scheduled lessons on a weekly basis, not to mention the growing number of visitors who stop in periodically just to visit, pet, or groom the equine members of our family. Not surprisingly, our horses (even Zoe in her short 7 days of life) are willing to fulfill their duty by providing support to each and every child who visits. It is such a thrill to watch these children blossom in the presence of a horse. What a miracle to behold!
Of course, no new adventure is without its share of hurdles. First and foremost, 4H has begun and our calendar is bursting at the seams. Our girls don't do anything half-way. They are of the opinion that if you don't do it ALL, then it must not be worth doing AT all. That's why they've chosen to be in four different 4H clubs. Add ballet, tap, and tumbling class to that meeting load, and it's no wonder I'm on the road driving the wheels off my truck on a daily basis! During the really busy times, I feel a little sorry for myelf and long for a quiet night of "HOME." Then I kick myself and remember that "this too shall pass..." all too quickly! We must always look on the positive side. At least I have these moments of conversation while on the road with my gang! The second minor hurdle involves our most popular lesson horse, Dixie. She surprised us with a broken molar and had to have surgery at Purdue two weeks ago. She was immediately taken out of our lesson-horse line up, and we were a bit concerned that her favored riders wouldn't accept any other horse. We need not have worried. Dixie's momma, a 15 year old mare named Baby, gracefully stepped into her place and the students seemed content riding her for back up. In full confirmation of their contentment, I was blessed to overhear a conversation between one of those students and a friend of mine in our barn the other day. After being introduced to my friend, the young student told him that she used to ride Dixie, but now she rides Baby for her lessons. My friend responded by saying "I know Baby. She was born on my farm. She was my horse when she was little." The student looked up wide eyed and said, "Wow...you must really miss her!"
Well, I'm not sure how much Baby is missed at my friend's farm these days, but I am sure that Dixie was sorely missed around here while she was gone! One young student was so concerned about her that he called us following her surgery to check on her. Daily visits to her stall with pats of love by little hands and "oohs" and "ahs" over the "boo-boo" on her face have helped her heal. She can't yet be used in lessons, but everyone is sure glad to see her again fill that once-empty stall. No one was quite as excited as Dixie herself, though, on the day she returned home. As we led her through the barn that day, we laughed as she stopped and pranced at each stall, poking her nose between the bars and softly knickering hello to each of her equine family members. Upon entering her stall and taking a sniff around the place, she settled into her familiar living space with a sigh. I took a moment to join in her pleasure of peace and quiet with a sigh of my own. A few short minutes later I exited the barn with a smile and thought You're absolutely right, Dixie, there's no place like home!
Speaking of our "littlest visitors," we now have 5 students who attend scheduled lessons on a weekly basis, not to mention the growing number of visitors who stop in periodically just to visit, pet, or groom the equine members of our family. Not surprisingly, our horses (even Zoe in her short 7 days of life) are willing to fulfill their duty by providing support to each and every child who visits. It is such a thrill to watch these children blossom in the presence of a horse. What a miracle to behold!
Of course, no new adventure is without its share of hurdles. First and foremost, 4H has begun and our calendar is bursting at the seams. Our girls don't do anything half-way. They are of the opinion that if you don't do it ALL, then it must not be worth doing AT all. That's why they've chosen to be in four different 4H clubs. Add ballet, tap, and tumbling class to that meeting load, and it's no wonder I'm on the road driving the wheels off my truck on a daily basis! During the really busy times, I feel a little sorry for myelf and long for a quiet night of "HOME." Then I kick myself and remember that "this too shall pass..." all too quickly! We must always look on the positive side. At least I have these moments of conversation while on the road with my gang! The second minor hurdle involves our most popular lesson horse, Dixie. She surprised us with a broken molar and had to have surgery at Purdue two weeks ago. She was immediately taken out of our lesson-horse line up, and we were a bit concerned that her favored riders wouldn't accept any other horse. We need not have worried. Dixie's momma, a 15 year old mare named Baby, gracefully stepped into her place and the students seemed content riding her for back up. In full confirmation of their contentment, I was blessed to overhear a conversation between one of those students and a friend of mine in our barn the other day. After being introduced to my friend, the young student told him that she used to ride Dixie, but now she rides Baby for her lessons. My friend responded by saying "I know Baby. She was born on my farm. She was my horse when she was little." The student looked up wide eyed and said, "Wow...you must really miss her!"
Well, I'm not sure how much Baby is missed at my friend's farm these days, but I am sure that Dixie was sorely missed around here while she was gone! One young student was so concerned about her that he called us following her surgery to check on her. Daily visits to her stall with pats of love by little hands and "oohs" and "ahs" over the "boo-boo" on her face have helped her heal. She can't yet be used in lessons, but everyone is sure glad to see her again fill that once-empty stall. No one was quite as excited as Dixie herself, though, on the day she returned home. As we led her through the barn that day, we laughed as she stopped and pranced at each stall, poking her nose between the bars and softly knickering hello to each of her equine family members. Upon entering her stall and taking a sniff around the place, she settled into her familiar living space with a sigh. I took a moment to join in her pleasure of peace and quiet with a sigh of my own. A few short minutes later I exited the barn with a smile and thought You're absolutely right, Dixie, there's no place like home!
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