Letting Go

Parenting sucks.

This theory doesn't come from personal experience with children. ( my wife and I don't have any, but would like to have some one day ) However, Joe taught me what I can only imagine is an infinitesimal amount of knowledge in regards to parenting over the last several days.

Joe is a calf roping horse and he's the full brother of Quail Bar Quincy, aka Roany. Roany was the horse we won Reserve World Champion on in 2007. '06 or '07, I can't remember, but the point is that I had a certain expectation of Joe before he made it into my barn. And he surpassed them... by far.

Joe was a big-timer. When he arrived, he was already really stopping hard, but he would lose confidence when I left him. He would almost shy away from me as I went by. He worked rope almost in fear. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to keep pulling, stop pulling, put slack in the rope, or what. He just knew he needed to be doing something.

That's why I liked Joe. He was always thinking. He was a very smart animal. I refer to him in the past tense because he left us Friday - I'll get to that in a minute.

I could show that horse something one time and that was it. He had know idea how talented he was. So, I started hauling him to the rodeos and calf ropings to get him seasoned. He worked nervous at the first two. Refugio and George West. Then he settled down and let me win second at a USCRA in Giddings. After that it was smooth sailing. All the people didn't bother him much anymore, although he still had one eye on them at all times.

Well, Cody Harris came and stayed with us a while to try Joe last week. Cody rode a different horse we sold him while qualifying for the National High School Finals. Those of you familiar with the horses at the ranch will recognize 'BH' in the picture. Cody called him 'Snort'. Now Cody is leading the calf roping standings in the PCA and he's looking for a horse that's at a different level. He's a rising star in the calf roping world and a good kid. Well, he's 20 years old so he's on his way out from being a kid I guess.

Joe was a completely different horse under him and I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Things were just not right. There are plenty of horses to work here and so we pen roped a little the second day and Cody roped some breakaway on Joe. That's when they started to click. Day three found me watching Cody hold a couple up and spit 'em out even though Joe was hitting the dirt and coming out of it fast and pulling hard. Cody was just a grinnin...

This guy can rope.

And then I realized it for the first time. This calf roping horse was leaving. Cody hadn't told me yet, but I already knew. It made me kind of nervous. Almost sick at my stomach. Day one was not good. And I certainly didn't want them to get all the way back to Alabama and start having trouble.

Joe just has to learn Cody the same as Cody has to learn Joe. The thing is, I'd like to give him a call everyday and let him know... "Well, if he's doing such and such , do this - and if he's doing something else, well try this...."

Joe has the talent. And he knows the routine.

Cody has the talent. And Cody knows the routine.

James just needs to shut up. ;) This horse is headed down the road to bigger and better things.

Ecclesiastes 3 says there's a time for everything. Well I guess it's time to turn him lose, trust what I've done with Joe and trust in his ability to be a big-timer calf roping horse. Hopefully it won't be long and the pictures and success stories will come rolling in.

I hope...

Persistence

“All of us have bad luck and good luck. The man who persists through the bad luck - who keeps right on going - is the man who is there when the good luck comes - and is ready to receive it.” ~ Robert Collier

Perseverance Thursday

Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ~James 1:2-4

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DAMMITT!

I don't want my faith tested! Not at what seems to be the expense of others. Nor will pretend to have a clue regarding why we are subjected to varying decrees of tribulation.

But, I do know this - Our Lord does not subject us to evil, but there's no reason He can't use every circumstance for accomplishing His purpose.

So shit happens. Isn't that the bumper sticker Forest Gump came up with ;)?

But, like Father Ed likes to say, "God is in the mess."

I for one am going to take tomorrow to dig around in it. Everyone has a mess to deal with. Most of us would choose our own, too, if we got to comparing. But slow down and find God in there. He's there. And I'm gonna find Him.

Careful What You Wish For...

Most of the year gives me a chance to attend the early mass in town and get horses ridden in the evenings. Summer time changes that - especially in South Texas. Several of the horses are ridden in the morning and others are ridden in the evening. This allows RanchForeman to keep sort-of-normal business hours and still get the horses trained during the cooler parts of the day. You can't teach an over heated horse anything... not to mention getting over heated yourself.

So, the daily readings keep my attention until the summer decides to rest until next year. Here are today's readings. The first one, from Judges, caught my attention. Mainly because I didn't understand anything at all. Tree kings and Lebanon cedars. What the heck!?!?

So, I shot an email over to Father Ed and am just loving his reply. Be sure to read today's first reading before you continue. The email is posted below in it's entirety so you can get the message and get to know his unique personality a little.

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Hello, James.

The story about the trees is really a curse on King Abimelech (a son of Judge Gideon and one of his concubines or slave girls) by Jotham, Judge Gideon’s youngest/legitimate son. Abimelech was a power hungry bastard who disagreed with his father, Gideon, who felt that God should be the only King of Israel. So Gideon refused to be the king. Abimelech was hell-bent on becoming the king. The result is that Israel (Shechem) got a buckthorn for a King. (This meant that if people ever disobeyed King Abimelech, he would have them burned, like a buckthorn.)

You see, Abimelech had murdered many members of his own family to secure the throne. He was a tyrant and opened the city of Shechem to crime syndicates (kind of like a very early Tony Soprano!) Abimelech became a buckthorn in the people’s side!

In his third year as king, some lady dropped a millstone from a tower onto his head. Before he died, he had one of his soldiers run a spear through him so it looked like he died in battle and not at the hands of a woman. Such a deal!

Blessings!

Fr. Ed

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How common is it for us to demand the newest of the new, or what's cool, trendy, or simply our favorite 'such and such'. Be careful, you just might get it. Then what... Our country is right in the middle of just such a predicament right now.

Do you ask for the ability to persevere regardless of the circumstance, or do you just ask for the perfect circumstance? Do you ask for experiences to develop wisdom, or do you just ask to be wise? We know what we want, but don't have a clue about what we need. Pray for the humility just to know that. And then the rest will start falling into place.

In the book, The Shack (that's the little house, not the basketball player ;) ) there is a quote from God the Father that says, "You demand your independence, but then complain that I actually love you enough to give it to you."

Comedic Relief Thursday

This is the most water Bee County has seen in months - maybe a year.

Hauling water is usually not anything to get worked up about. We are used to the wind stopping and some of the wells breaking during this part of the year. In fact, we've got a water trailer designed specifically for the task. But, here's the rub - my uncles have been hauling water for several months now and Dad has started recently as well. Half of the day is wasted on hard work and you get finished and realize you've done nothing.

Actually, you've kept the animals alive, but as far as getting things accomplished, you've done nothing. It's frustrating work.

As you've probably deduced by now, Thursday we hauled water. And fixed troughs. That's Morgan in the picture and for you wise guys out there, we had already done part of the job together and he told me that there was no use in us both getting soaked this second time. So I'm not just hanging out annoying him with camera clicks while he sweats it out in 104 degree weather fixing a water trough. Well, I am, but he told me not to wade in. And hey, I just got a super sweet new rugged camera so what was I gonna do? :)

This kind of monotonous work reminds me of how important it is to keep things light hearted. Enter Mick and Dick. They weren't with us on the water trip, but I can promise you that most of their water trips are fun. Fun!?!? Yep. They have to be or you'll go crazy. The trip to town for lunch was vintage Mick and Dick. My cousin, Kelley, met Matthew McConaughey at the river a little while back.



Here is Kelley checking out Mick's new phone. He's probably about to show Kelley Mathew's phone number. Then, he'll probably call me - and I'm sitting right there. He does it to me all of the time. It's aggravating... and hilarious. Anyway, Mick and Dick said they already new McConaughey. And Kid Rock. The funny part about it is that they feed off of one another and if you didn't know them (and in some cases even if you did ;) ) you'd swear on your life that they did know McConaughey and Kid Rock... Very Well.

Well they don't, but it sure is fun learning about the stars through the fantastically detailed fabrications of Mick and Dick O'Brien.

The fun didn't stop there. Poor Kelley. He's really becoming an asset down there and so we have to give him a hard time. Well, we would anyway, but it's fun knowing that he's becoming a good worker. Anyway, he's dating (oh sorry, "talking to" according to Kelley) a young lady by the name of Kate.

So, naturally we heard the quick-to-be-sung and surprisingly good rendition of the chorus of Ian Tyson's Navajo Rug over and over again from a very fulfilled Mick and Dick. They sing surprisingly well and the moments they choose to launch into song is always timed perfectly. Here's the song in case you need to hear the chorus line to know what's going on.

[audio:http://www.spiritualhorseman.com/audio/Ian-Tyson-Navajo-Rug.mp3]

The day winded down early for me since I was tasked with delivering a mare to Boerne that evening. I got loaded up and headed north around 3:30pm.

Ranch work is always difficult and often frustrating. And like my MANY long drives, it's lonely. But, as long as there's a random thought about how Mick and Dick sold a horse to Kid Rock's cousin in Sacramento, or how Eye Yih Yih, Katy sounds being sung from two twins in South Texas just as Kelley was about to try and tell a story... Everything else seems a little bit better.

Here's to making fun of the mess in life. You may as well smile, 'cause it can always be worse.

Why did you get married?

The sparkle had barely begun to be noticed as Our Lord painted the sky in celebration of another perfect day. And as it ended something else begun.

They were holding hands and looking toward the pastor as he spoke. Neither, however, were focused on the message but on the new adventure they were embarking on this evening. But as the pastor spoke, many began to reflect upon their own relationships - including the two being married I'm sure.

He shared applicable scripture. He shared wonderful anecdotes. And then he closed.

I visited with countless couples regarding why they get married. I'm sure you have a great reason for why you got married. Maybe you couldn't put your finger on just one reason. Well, God has a plan for you. And I'll tell you why you married her.

Because you've gone as far as you can go without her.

Laptop Recommendations

These laptop recommendations are specifically being made for rodeo bums, horse show snobs, horse barn managers, cattle ranchers, and most specifically... horse insurance professionals.

A good friend of mine and agent for BrooksMaberry Equine Insurance is looking for a laptop. He travels quite a bit with his job and also rodeos as often as he can. In other words, he will treat his laptop about like I treat mine. Terribly.

Really. Really Bad.

Anyway, Panasonic makes the best rugged laptop there is. But, you get what you pay for. They're high. The Panasonic Toughbook F8 is a semi-rugged laptop that is a little more economical.

Lenovo, who purchased the IBM Thinkpad line, makes the best mainstream laptop suited for the habits of the rodeo bum, surfer dude, horse training, construction working type. It's build quality is unsurpassed in the market. I'm typing this on a Thinkpad T42 that I bought at least two or three years ago.

In computer years, that's almost 529 years old. ;)

So, buy a Dell if you'd like guys, but the laptops below are the best lickin' takers that will keep on tickin'.

Toughbook 30
This is simply the best of the best. Almost indestructible. And great specs.


Toughbook F8
The F8 is still pretty tough, but you won't be running over it in the truck or letting any horses step on it. Spill resistant keyboard, but don't try hosing this baby down.


Lenovo T400
The Thinkpad line has the best mass market laptop build quality available. It's not in the class of the laptops above regarding drops and spills, but it's ability to handle the dust and daily abuse of the backseat of a pickup truck are far and beyond any Dell Inspiron or HP laptop you can buy - And for the same price. This is a great laptop.


Well, I shouldn't have done this. Now, I want to go buy me a new laptop. ;) I don't think I can wait until my Thinkpad gives out.

Good Intention Pavement

Humility is important. Any time Our Lord gives you a chance to realize you're not as wonderful as you think you are, be thankful.

This picture is of a group of soldiers serving in Afghanistan. They have just received a care package from Texas. Actually, it's from yours truly. And my wife of course. Well, this picture, along with a very appreciative email from Stoney leads me to several conclusions.

1. Chips may stand the heat in the desert, but they won't handle being shipped 7,967 miles to Afghanistan.


2. Velveeta. That's really all I need to say. Seriously!?!?! We sent Velveeta to Afghanistan? Yep, and it doesn't ship well my friends.


3. Military personnel are too quick and generous with their appreciation. ;)

Also, a close family friend of ours, whom I'll allow the opportunity to save face, was recently, um.... misguided by Ranch Ethics Thursday. Like I said, he is a very close family friend, so I'm not going to miss the opportunity to rib him a little.

Recently, a stray bull found himself at home on this individual's property. Now, I don't want you guessing who this is too easily. But, here's a hint - the town rhymes with Seguin. Texas. ;)

Anyway, in an effort to keep this short, the cattle got penned. The bull was sorted off. This gentleman is no stranger to cattle. Or horses. However, this bull just wasn't taking the chute as intended. So in true matador fashion, our friend went at him a little harder.

And was subsequently power-housed.

Mauled. And pulverized like Chef Emeril Lagasse's mojito mint leaves until he was unconscious. ( the only reason this is being shared now is because we know he is OK - no injuries )

The intention to return a bull to his neighbor, ended in the hospital. But, hey the wrecks keep us young right? I wish I could say I have never done something like that.

The old proverb is that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Neither of these stories are exactly "road to hell" material. Not even close.

But, it would probably be easier to stay on track if we pulled our heads out once in a while. ;)

The Contradiction: preface to War Horse

Horses are spiritual animals. Take a child to see a running horse for the first time and I guarantee you that the reaction will be quite a bit different from their first cow siting, or chicken, or anything. One of my favorite quotes is if God made anything better than the horse, He kept it for Himself.

The obvious reality is that they are just a little bit different.

Well, the Perfect Fit Thursday lead me to revisit my thoughts about the spirituality of the horse. I'm alone often. Very often. So I think about this quite a bit. I call it The Contradiction.

Merriam-Webster states that to contradict is to assert a fact or condition incompatible with another, or to assert the opposite of.

The horse is the largest, most powerful and influential... fragile, meek and influenced animal on the planet.

Reflecting more on this contradiction found me making myriad analogies relating the horse to spiritual life. Initially, feeding the horse was the starting point of the analogy between horse and prayer. But then, Perfect Fit Thursday came along and reminded me that you have to find the right horse in the first place - not just any horse.

Continuing this retrospective walk found myself finding an even earlier starting point. The realization that you need a horse in the first place. Not want a horse - NEED. Most people don't. Who does?

Well, to find the right fit for sharing these ideas we're gonna wind it back. WAY back. Horses were first used in warfare over 5000 years ago. But, they were primarily used for communication and wagon pulling. A Greek cavalry officer, Xenephon, was the first known military officer to use them in battle. He even wrote one of the earliest treatises on horsemanship. But, the best known application for horses in warfare started in the 7th and 8th centuries in Europe. This period saw the rise of horses being used by the heavy cavalry warrior also known as the armored knight.

That's the image we'll use for our war horse. See, we're engulfed in spiritual warfare all day every day. We need a way to handle it, navigate it, conquer it.

We need a war horse.

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The Contradiction is something I often contemplate. I have a very hard time explaining it vocally. However, writing is something I enjoy and the horse analogy will hopefully help you wrap your head around some of the ideas I will share in this upcoming series. (Although, I don't have my head wrapped all the way around most of the ideas ;) ) But that's just it, it's a journey. No one has it all figured out. We'll kick it off with the next post called - The Realization. Your feedback is both welcomed and appreciated. Hopefully, we can all learn something from one another. So until next time, start thinking about what you're war horse will be like. Adios - James