God Sucks?

Sometimes life throws things at us that we aren't even close to being ready for. They're seemingly out of the blue, or left field, or nowhere... Or out of wherever life's temptations, trials and tribulations come from.



Mellow Yellow was two years old. He could turn around pretty good, he loved to stop and he was gentle, gentle, gentle. You could already heel steers on him out of the box. And head steers and log them off while pen roping. This all sounds like alot for a two-year-old - It is. He was smart. He learned everything the first time and didn't forget much of anything. He was just easy. He was laid back. He was Mellow. He died August 27, 2009.



This is Iceman. His real name is Pay Days Mr Quincy. He was a five year old stallion that was just getting finished up as a calf roping horse. He was solid. He was a statue in the box, ran to the hole every trip and man he could really stop. He stopped so smooth that sometimes you couldn't even tell if he was stopping yet... and then he got to the end of his stop and you knew it, quick. He was just taking the chance to show off a little bit until it was time to bring everything to a screeching halt. He won third in the Open Calf Roping at the very first show he was ever entered. In his second show, he won it. He died September 4, 2009.

Barely one week apart the only two stallions in training here were gone. And horses here don't get to continue being stallions unless they're just a little bit different than most nice horses. These guys were special. Their temperament, appearance, and ability set them apart. So what the hell is the deal?

Sometime between the fourth and fifth of September, so just a day or two ago, Barbie opened her chest up while turned out. I've walked the pasture three times and can't find the place where it happened. It should be pretty obvious since her injury is extensive. Luckily, the vet got her sown up very well and she should be just fine. But that's not what concerns me. What concerns me is Who's next?.

Fr. Ed delivered a message a while back that reminded us that we need to seek a more personal relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ. During this message he talked about being angry with Him. Anger towards God is not condemnable, it's completely normal behavior for any healthy relationship he said.

Well, then right now I'm pretty damn normal. I was furious. Anger consumed me. The expertise behind the recommendations for the feed we chose, the resources my family utilized to keep these horses in training, the time I spent with these horses everyday, the majesty that these animals project and respect that they deserve... meant nothing. The injured filly will hopefully be back in action soon, but two - in one week - left us and will never be seen again. What the hell kind of purpose, meaning, lessons, etc. can you garner from that?

I'll admit it. I wanted to title this post "God Sucks!" rather than God Sucks?, but you know what, God is the only pure thing we can find. It's not our job to understand. I'll repeat that, because I'm still working to wrap my head around it. It's not our job to understand.

He was impressive to say the least. He was unlike any other. He was steady, always. His demeanor never ceased to amaze me, regardless of others you put around him. And now he's dead. This is no longer about horses. It's Christ. God lost his only son. Does that mean God sucks? How could it? I can not even start to imagine that kind of pain. Surely if it weren't necessary, it would not have happened. I am beginning to appreciate the fact that God does not create situations so much as He utilizes those situations. His purpose requires certain things that we will never understand, but we aren't expected to.

We were created in God's image. God is a worker. We are created to be active. And God blessed each and every one of us with passions and talents for certain things in order to guide us in choosing what it is that will be blessed by our actions. So we are expected to persevere. To Love. To Work. To Connect. To Continue.

Life is rarely warm and fuzzy. And sometimes it hurts... alot, and is utterly unexplainable. But that simply means that sometimes life's circumstances suck. God does not. Rest peacefully knowing that it's OK to be angry with Him. Then, take a deep breath and instead of asking Why? ask What's Next?.

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.

---

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

Personal Integrity and it's relation to rural living

Play First - if you have trouble, email me - jamesobrien@ranchforeman.com
[audio:http://www.spiritualhorseman.com/audio/louis-about-sis.mp3]

Sis
1968 - 2009
Kid Horse - Cow Horse - Friend


Sis wasn't Tonni's (my wife) first horse, but she was that one special horse in her life. Sis started out in the wilds of New Mexico on an Indian Reservation and came into Tonni's life when she was nine. She taught her more than she cares to recount about horses, horsemanship, rodeo, competition, etc. The second line in this post is not a typo. She was 41 years old when she died Monday. I've been in the horse world all of my life and I've never heard of a horse living such a long time.

What always makes me smile, though, is how animals like this teach us more than just the standard animal-husbandry-feed-and-medicine type of stuff. They move people. If you haven't had a special animal in your life get one. If that one craps in the bed, well, get rid of it and give it another try. ;)

Too many people in our society these days miss out on the character building lessons that the care, love and loss of animals teaches us. Listen to the voice of the man in the recording at the top of this post. It's Tonni's Dad. Sis was at his place when she died. That man has seen many animals die and you can still hear the emotion in his voice when he talks about this one. That emotion is for Sis, it's for Tonni, it's even for Louis. I'm sure this brought memories of one of those special animals he had in his life. They impact so many parts of our lives.

And here's what Tonni's best friend Becca Chalk Burns had to say:

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Oh Tonni, I wish I had the words. A lifetime with our best friends is never enough. I know with all my heart that God takes and keeps those who watch over our hearts. Without a doubt he's got those three in his herd. As for ever finding another, well that's an impossible find. You & I both know there's only one Sis & Poncho. We didn't find them - they found us. It was out of our love for them that we found ourselves & in that defined our character & most of all our hearts. No other horse can help mold you as Sis did. God knew we needed them just as much as they needed us. So no, there will never be another little sister. She's got your heart like no other. There are others out there they may come close to stealing your heart but only one will hold it ... love you always - Chalka

---

If you choose to be around animals, you may be lucky enough to get one of those special ones in your life. A dog, a cat, a horse, cow, whatever... a giraffe or zebra. Doesn't matter.

What matters is that those who grow up with animals come to understand what responsibility really means at a very young age. And loss. They may get the old "Buster-ran-away" speech when they're two or so, but then comes the death speech at a very young age. The beautiful part is that they also become entwined in God's creation the way God intended - Harmoniously.

Sometimes, amidst the music of life, comes the verse that touches our hearts in ways words can not explain. And we love.

Just because we know that every song ends doesn't mean that it wasn't worth the listen.

How to communicate effectively - Shut Up

"Never miss a good chance to shut the hell up." - Can't remember where I read this.

Let's talk horses.

1) Comfortable Silence.
The 100+ degree weather has recently pushed some of my riding into the early morning hours. And when I throw my leg over the first one and sit there... God is with me. I fit. That's where I exist.

Comfortable silence.

During this silence I reflect upon what was done last with this horse. There's only one thing to do with a horse every time you mount up - prepare the horse for next time. That's it. You don't have to get that turnaround just right today. Just prepare your horse to do that turnaround better tomorrow.

This quiet pre-ride lasts ten or twenty seconds these days. But it has a resounding affect on every ride.

2) Inquisitive Silence
"My horse just won't take that right lead."
"My horse just won't stay calm when we go in the arena."
"My horse just won't cross over."
"Man, I wish my horses were that nice. They'd be easier to train."

That last one is my favorite. Especially since I think that J.M., Morgan, Mick and Dick really are raising nicer horses than half the market. But my foolish pride still let's it get under my skin a little too much. ;)

Anyway, all of those quotes go back to the same problem. Too much telling and not enough listening. Not enough preparation. Every time anything is done with your horse, you should be listening for it's response. And sometimes it is SO subtle. You can miss it. Sometimes, we may not even know we asked what we asked. ;)

It's the same as the lesson any good English teacher told you about your writing:

1. Tell them what your're going to tell them.


2. Tell them.


3. Tell them what you told them.

In the horse world it translates to:

1. Preparation
   • Teach a subset of what you will ask them to do.
   • Anticipate the horse's possible wrong moves.
   • Teach corrections you can use to correct those anticipated incorrect moves.


2. Ask the horse for the maneuver (Listening to it's response! The horse will tell you what to do next!)


3. Repeat subset quickly and rest - Or correct and repeat.

Too often its more like this:

1. Tell the horse to do something they've never done before.


2. Make life miserable for yourself and your horse.


3. Tell the horse to do that thing you told him to do that the horse didn't do. (Be sure you do it the exact same way you did it the first time)


4. Repeat

What's the biggest differentiator?

• Preparation
• Listening

And I don't have to tell the horse folk how big of a difference it makes.

Isn't life just like this? Rest and reflect wherever you exist. Prepare yourself for what you're headed into. And listen while your there. God is in the mess telling you what to do next. Communication is more about preparation and listening than it is about communication.

---

Further Reading:
Communicate Effectively: A story about John Moon

Hot Thursday

It was ten after 6 and I was finally headed to the ranch. I used one of the little two-year-old fillies to pen the roping cattle this morning and then cut the calves out. They were staying here. But the steers, they were headed back south. I was going to swap them out for some more roping calves. The penning and sorting went quickly, even in the dark. The loading was the hard part. The only loading chute of any kind is what is formed by one panel and the trailer gate. No problem most of the time. Not this time.

There's always one in the bunch. This one was actually a heifer, and she was white with some brendal stripes. She had screwing my early morning efforts up down to a fine art. She had two moves (1) Be the first in the trailer, wheel around and hook the other steers on her way back out while taking at least one with her (2) refuse to go in at all until the steers that were loaded decided to come on back out.

Enter Gus. Gus is my right hand man and appears in the top right hand corner of this website every now and then. He's worth his weight in gold. (even though he was half asleep in the truck bed this morning and i had to go get him) Anyway, once Gus realized that today his work day was going to start before we got to the ranch, he got after it. I just loaded the cooperating steers and let him have that d@&mn heifer while I went to pen the roping calves.

The calves were re-penned in no time and thrown in with the steers. The ones in the trailer were dropped back out and by this time, that white heifer was wanting to be somewhere else. I just loaded them all and cut the calves back out from inside the trailer. Done. Finally. Ridiculous. It's 5 freakin 30 in the morning and I'm soakin' wet. The dog days of summer are upon us.

So I head inside to change clothes. I load up Bugzy and Senorita and head south.

I was a little late so Morgan had already gotten everything fed up at the house. We finished up the feeding rounds and then penned a set of bulls. We were branding again. Mick and Dick had a set of replacement heifers to be branded as well. We were going to try and get them all done before lunch. After the irons were hot (one Jh, one number 8 and one O-B) we started the machine. If you don't know what machine I'm talking about check out this post for pictures and this post for a description.

Anyway, we got it done.

After lunch we caught up the '08 fillies from the Murphy. It was time to brand them as well. There was just one problem.

They were a little wet.

The news said 105 with a heat index at 115.

Well, sweat, or rain (which we haven't had to worry about) creates a problem when branding, especially with horses. It's also more of an issue when you're dealing with barely halter broke yearlings that you know are going to fret a little which will cause them to sweat even more. The brand won't run, but when first placed on the hide, the iron will slide putting the brand where you don't want it. Or worse, burning a spot here and there. So we decided to wait until it cooled off a bit.

One hour later, it's 102. It's not going to get any cooler until midnight. Our breeze just wasn't coming.

We went and got them and got it done. Slowly. When these kinds of situations come up, and they come up ALOT down south, you can't just wait. Hell, we'd never get anything done. You just have to slow down - Calm diligence.

Always press the limits - But at a walk.

Rein, Rain, Reign

Rein

Let him feel my calm confidence. OK, more face, Wimpy. Get your mind on your business. This is the big show. Let's bring it in and get settled before the lope off. OK, we're going to be headed left. Give me that hip and here we go. More speed guy, come on, I know it's in there.

Nice, now come on back and slow down for me. Perfect. Whoa.

So far so good.

Now, let's show them a little bit of what makes you, YOU. To the left first. Now, more speed . . . Awesome.

We're going to be headed right now. Move that hip over a bit... aaaannndd, here we go.

There's that speed a little quicker this time. Good job, let's keep it under control though. Now, ease back down. Still going well. Whoa.

Whoa indeed. Little off to the left there Wimp. Let's settle a bit.

OK, now to the right. Show me what you've got. Wow. That's the stuff.

Now, let's finish this thing. Here we go to the left first. Nice speed, hold that hip. And, to the right. Fantastic. Let's get around here... hold that hip, and back to the left. Awesome.

Now for the close. Stay straight. Whoa. Nice, but I'm going to need you to stay in the ground more if you're gonna win this thing. Let's regroup and I'll draw you in just a bit more... Now, Whoa. Better. Hittin' a little in front now though.

Let's get turned around and I'm going to let you have the reins a bit more again. Whoa.

Now THAT's what they came to see. THAT's what I'm talkin' about. We'll get a "THA! SCORE!" for sure with that. Good job Wimpy.

Rain

The gospel from Today's Readings is probably a familiar one for most of you. Christ and His disciples are caught in a great storm. The disciples grow worried and wake Jesus from His nap. He rebukes the wind and sea and then turns to the weak faith of His followers.

This story is probably familiar to you for more than one reason. At least it is for me. We all have storms throughout our lives. Can't pay the bills. A death in the family. Even a birth can be an unexpected storm for some families. And that's just it.

It's unexpected. We tend to think that the unexpected = a storm. Just like the disciples, if we think we're out of control, we freak. This story is about trusting in Him and relinquishing control. Only then can we find our true purpose. And feel REAL control.

Trusting in Him transitions us from 'Shawn' in life to 'Wimpy'. From using the reins to listening to them. And the rain, thunder and lightening is what gets us there.

Reign

Man, there's alot of people here. This sure isn't home. I guess this is my new home. The work area is a little smaller. But I guess this is cool.

Where are we going? This little alley is making me a tick nervous. Holy Moly! There's alot more people in here. What's that over there. Easy does it. I guess this guy knows what he's doin'. OK, OK. I guess I'm going to get to work in here all by myself.

Well, this isn't so bad. Dang, already. I guess it's time to go. I'm going, I'm going. OK, I guess He likes this speed. I'll keep it right here. Wow, slowing down already. OK, no problem I guess. You better make up your mind though.

Whoa. That caught me a little off guard, but I think I nailed it. Did I nail it?

Crap, to the left already. No problem. Check this out. AAaaannnndd .... Done.

That should earn me a little brea... Nope, OK. Here we go. You ready for this.

Slow down again. Come on. OH, dang. wasn't thinking we were gonna stop there but, OK.

To the right, no problem. Check it.

That's right. Can you even ride that spin at that speed? I freakin' nailed that spin. Didn't I?

Off we go again?!?!

That wasn't good enough? That's cool. Let's go then.

Oh, man, I feel a run down comin' on. Yes! Here we go...

And, Whooooooaaaaaaaaa. Damn, that was good. Is this over yet? No? OK, fine I came out a little at the end, but I'm pretty sure it was pretty darn good. Whelp, here we go again.

And Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. .... Crap, that just didn't feel right. Let me try it one more time. I've got it now. This new place just isn't the same as home, but I'm ready now.

Yes! One more time. Whhoooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. SUH-WEET! That's how we do it. OK, OK. I'm backing. Man, I've done, like, every single thing you've ever shown me. When will this end? That may be everything I've got. Phew. I need a breather.

What's that sound? Oh, yea. There's all those people again. And they're right. I am great. Truly I am. Thanks everybody.

---

The first part of this post is a silly interpretation of what was possibly going through the head of Shawn Flarida as he was showing Wimpy's Little Step in the 2002 NRHA Reining Futurity. Everything revolves around what Shawn has to do next to be successful. Shawn's next set up. Shawn's next move. Shawn's plan.

The second part of this post is an equally silly representation of what may have been going through the three-year-old Wimpy's Little Step's mind at the same show. In this case everything just revolves around the moment. Although sometimes curious, the unfailing trust and drive to accomplish whatever was asked next existed at all times.

Well, I can guarantee you that there were storms between the day Wimpy was born and the day he performed for Shawn at the Futurity.

And it's the same with us. We have to weather those storms. Trust in our Most Holy Trainer. And anticipate the day that He asks us to perform just beyond our current abilities. If we'll just listen to the reins instead of insisting on directing them, He can show us how to perform.

To show ALL just how GREAT we really are.

---

Further Reading:
- Wimpy's Little Step You can here, "THA! SCORE! at the end of this video on Wimpy's homepage.
- Shawn Flarida Shawn Flarida's Web site.

Greed Begets Greed

I'm in San Diego working with an impressive group of guys on their horse software so there won't be a long post today.

Here's a great read indirectly related to the Texas Equine Incentive Bill:

An exodus of horses from the Bluegrass.

Kentucky has had an incentive fund in place for several years. And mare nomination fees are supplemented by taxes on stud fees. And yet, this article still exists. Owners are still wanting more. Now they are complaining about not obtaining a new system of incentives coming from slot machine revenues.

Beware Texas Horse Professionals.

By all means, utilize your new-found incentive program. BUT, do not depend on it. Do not be crippled by it. Run your businesses with integrity and efficiency. This should go without saying, but the real world just doesn't operate that way. It should be the icing - not the cake.

Reminiscent Thursday

Ben Cumpean got married a couple of months ago. Those of you who know Ben are laughing. For those of you who don't, he's a 60+ Mexican man with what seems to be 70+ years of ranch life riding his bones. He's lived with his new wife for around eighteen years and they were wed about six months ago.

Well, this morning Morgan and I got everything fed up and were headed to pick up an air compressor from the shop. We had to air up the tires on the mobile pens. They'll hold 40 head of wild, fightin' crossbred cows, but what they won't hold is air. Go figure.

While we were at the shop Ben stopped by. He had pictures from the wedding. One for Dad, one for Mick and one for Dick. If I could only have heard the stories the group in that picture had been through. Ben was in the middle. He arrived at the O'Brien ranch when he was nineteen. He worked the Berclair country for years until he was moved to Quincy where he still lives with his wife.

To his right were Nick and Midnight Rivas. I knew Midnight from when I was a boy. He has since moved to town along with his brother Nick. But at one time they were both fighting the South Texas brush just like everybody else in that picture.

Then there was Fino. I'm pretty sure his proper name is Delphino, but I'm not certain. He wears his buckle on the left side of his pants and always has. Some say it's because it pinches his belly, but Dad said he was a skinny youngster when he was working at the ranch and he wore it just like that back then as well. I don't think he even knows why he does it.

And the twins. Los cuates was probably the more common terminology for them in this group. They'll say that they call Mick and Dick that because it's Spanish for twin, but I'm pretty sure they just can't tell them apart at a glance. And "Hey cuate, ..." gets the same quick result as actually knowing who they're talking to. ;)

Albert Ramon was to Fino's right. He is close kin to Richie, who has since passed on, but whose saddle I still use when I'm starting colts. I wish I could put it up on display and take care of it, but I need it. And they don't make 'em like that anymore. Well this young Albert is also kin to another Albert Ramon my grandfather told me a new story on this Thursday. It goes like this.

---

I was visiting with Grandpa out at the Melon one day. That's the place I was born 'n raised up near Refugio. Well, I was raised right across the road from where we were but it's all on the same place.

Anyhow, while we were standing there ol' Albert got dusted off of one pretty good. (he was thrown from a bucking horse) Then he wandered around that trap for a minute and back on he got. She rode around for a second or two and then swallowed her head and let him have it again.

That's when Grandpa told me to go help that boy catch her. See, he was off in that little trap there. Small enough I guess, but just big enough to have a hard time catchin' a horse that didn't want to get caught. [Especially when you've just been round housed twice. ;)]

Well, I was just a little fella. I didn't know what the hell I was doin'. But when she came my way, I just threw my hands up and sent her the other way. Well, Albert got her caught. And by then Grandpa had sidled up along side the fence to try and find out what the hell was goin' on.

Albert eased her around some more and then directly she let 'er rip all over again. I'll say this, she had some try to her. Well, this last time Albert wasn't having it. He was determined to stay up there. And don't get me wrong, he could ride the hell out of a bronc. But just about the time he got settled in up there she throwed him, the saddle and all.

There he sat in the dirt right in front of us. Square in the middle of the saddle with both feet still in the stirrups. He looked up and Grandpa and said, "Boss, I just don't see how I can set her if she's gonna throw saddle and all. You can fire me if you want to, but I ain't gettin' on that mare no more."

With a half chuckle Grandpa told him, "Hell son I ain't gonna fire you. If she can throw that saddle, I don't see how you're gonna stay up there."

---

I just loved this story. I know everybody has plans in life. I also know that sometimes we don't consult our Heavenly Father when we make those plans. I know I forget pretty regular. But even though we create circumstances we can't possibly make it through due to our stubborn blindness, I gotta believe that He's up there smiling when we have the guts it takes to "Ride the saddle to the ground".

Further Reading:
Know When to Say When

Triple Threat Thursday

He was always Mr. Doug to me. And before Thursday's ranch trip gets retold, I want to remember a this man. His name Douglas Franklin. Below is the obituary.

Douglas Franklin Passed Away Sunday, May 31, 2009.

It's a kind re-telling of Mr. Doug's service in the army, his church and his community. But, it left out a very important detail. Doug Franklin worked at the O'Brien Ranch for many years. And when I say worked, I mean it. I always new him as an elderly man, but that didn't stop him from going to work cattle, working gates and getting in the crowd pen. In fact, he conveniently misinformed us of his age a couple of times just so he wouldn't be told to get out of there. Or worse, to stay at the pens.

There are many stories about this man, but the best one I heard, was short and it didn't even happen until June 4. That's right, yesterday.

A pastor for his church stood and with the fervor that can only come from within a black southern baptist congregation, he said, "You all can cry if you want to... But you ain't cryin' for Doug. You cryin' for yourself. 'Cause Doug's in heaven."

And so he is.

---

Now, about that Thursday trip south. What a day. After getting everybody fed, I hooked up the Big Tex and off we went. South bound I-37 without horses for the first time in quite a long time. See, some how my Dad's Big Tex flatbed trailer found it's way to my house. Marvin Tavarez, a good friend of mine and agent for the Horse Insurance Company we use, borrowed the trailer to haul a 100 or so bales of that hay we unloaded on Mr. Miyagi Thursday back to his house. He gave Morgan a ballpark time for when he'd have the trailer back, but Dad told him he could just drop it at my house to save him a trip. No problem.

So I call Dad just before 8:00 am to ask if he wants his trailer back at the Murphy or over at the main pens. The Murphy. I pulled in and dropped it off and headed over to the morning meeting.

The morning meeting isn't a meeting at all but it is where an unbelievable amount of scheduling goes down. Plans aren't made ahead of time down there very often. Not because they aren't planners, but because if a windmill breaks, cows get out, someone else's cattle get on your place, gaps are down, etc. the plan changes anyway. Well, today was one of those days that would have changed plans. Mr. Douglas Franklin had passed away and most were headed to the early afternoon funeral.

Morgan and I caught up some of the elder green geldings I re-started a couple of weeks ago. Two had already been picked up, but a replacement gelding that fit the mold (older and still green) had been moved from the rope horse trap to this teach-them-a-weeks-worth-in-a-day group.

It's a great challenge since you have to push the limits of what you can show one when you can only ride them once a week. However, these horses are mature enough to handle much more pressure than a two-year-old and they are progressing very quickly. It's alot of fun.

---

Speaking of fun - After the geldings were ridden I went to get my truck over at Mom and Dad's and guess who is there.

Taylor, Trinity and Taryn.

My nieces were ready to ride. So that's what we did. The rest of the afternoon was pure goodness. Here's a taste.

First, we had to go see some of the horses:





Then, it was time to mount up.





Warm-up time didn't last long.





It was a hot day so we had to take a time-out every now and then.

---

All of this was fun, but there was one event that unfolded both beautifully and quite comically this Thursday. It's the perfect way to remember that preparation is important. And sometimes, even though one may be a wonderful, positive leader, our follower may loose the way. We have to keep a smile on our face and trust in our walk. And remember that sometimes you'll need more than your own strength to get the job done.

Texas Equine Incentive Bill 1881 PASSES

Just wanted to pass along an exciting update regarding the equine incentive bill (1881). SpiritualHorseman.com has been following it's progress for a while. If you'd like the whole story, you can catch up with the following posts:

• Kentucky-Like Equine Incentive Program in Texas


• Urgent: Equine Incentive Program Information


• Opportunity Doesn't Knock. . . It Grows

Well it's official, the bill passed!
So get your $30 ready and get your babies into training early. This thing is going to pay like a slot machine for at least a few years anyway. Read the following press release from Diane Chilton of RadicalRodder.com for more information.

---

Austin, TX May 31, 2009

Texas has a heritage of bravado. Everything is bigger in Texas. Texans don’t believe they can be second in anything. Our heritage has always included cowboys, horses, western lifestyle that makes Texas the Lone Star State. However, in the past decade, our horse industry has diminished—and more markedly since Kentucky launched their successful breeders incentive program. Breeding, racing and show horses migrated to Kentucky, lured by the financial incentives that were not available in Texas.

On May 21, 2009, the Texas Equine Incentive Program was passed, marking the beginning of an exciting new program for horses bred and exhibited in Texas. Texas Bill HB1881 had broad, bipartisan support. Possible because it did not involve gambling or new taxes, the bill was essentially unopposed, passing both the House and Senate by a landslide.

House bill HB1881 provides for the creation of a Texas Equine Incentive. The fund will be administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture under the auspices of Commissioner Todd Staples. The fund will benefit Texas bred Quarter, Paint and Appaloosa horses. The rules of the bill will be determined by an industry panel representing the three breeds. The intent of the bill was that each association can determine its own rules to better suit their needs.

The program will have eligibility requirements that require the stallion to live in Texas and the mare to be bred and foaled out in Texas. The bill is very similar to the one passed in 2005 in Kentucky, except this is not funded by taxes. Initial funding will come from nomination fees from owners of the mares and stallions, and resulting offspring. Texas bred mare and stallion and show owners will be required to be a member of the state association as well as the national breed associations in order to nominate foals or receive funds.

The minimum amount each in state bred mare owners will contribute is $30 with the final amount still to be determined by each breed. Stallions and mares can opt out if they do not wish to participate. This is a voluntary program with nomination fees paid into a fund similar to the American Quarter Horse Association Incentive Fund, American Paint Horse Association Breeders Trust or Appaloosa Horse Club of America Breeders Trust.

Payouts will occur for foals of nominated stallions and mares when they compete in Texas equine events and earn points in their respective breed association shows. This program in anticipated to motivate more Texas bred that are sold to other locations, to return to Texas for events, thus growing our in-state events.

This is start of widespread legislation to retain horses in the state of Texas. The program in Kentucky started with only 8 stallions and has become an exciting program that motivates horse owners to move their horses to Kentucky during breeding season so they may participate in the incentives once that foal is old enough to show.

This bill is the first step to breathe new life into the Texas horse industry, and the program really has unlimited potential. Already, there are plans under development to enhance the program.

Once the bill has Governor Rick Perry’s signature, it will become law on September 9, 2009.

Breeders and exhibitors can assist the growth of this exciting program, by ensuring that their representatives know how important this program is to our industry, and thanking those who worked hard to get this off the ground. The bill was introduced into the Texas House by Representative Sid Miller (R) of Erath. Other Representatives that joined the bill as authors are Representative Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles (D) of Alice who is also the Chairman of the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee, Representative David Leibowitz (D) of San Antonio, Representative Ryan Guillen (D) of Rio Grand City and co-Author Representative Tan Parker (R) of Flower Mound.

In the Senate the bill was sponsored by Senator Craig Estes of Wichita Falls (R). Senator Estes is the Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Senator Estes was joined on the bill by co-sponsors Senator Glenn Hegar (R) of Katy, Senator Carlos Uresti (D) of San Antonio. The bill was also supported by Rob Werstler of Texas Quarter Horse Association.

Plans are being made for the 2011 legislative session.

If you can find a minute to thank everyone for all their help, it would be greatly appreciated. Don’t forget that Representative Sid Miller is a roper and shows in Quarter Horse shows. Thank him in person.

Representative Sid Miller
sid.miller@house.state.tx.us

Representative Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles
yvonne.gonzaleztoureilles@house.state.tx.us

Representative David Leibowitz
david.leibowitz@house.state.tx.us

Representative Ryan Guillen
ryan.guillen@house.state.tx.us

Representative Tan Parker
tan.parker@house.state.tx.us

Senator Craig Estes
Craig.Estes@senate.state.tx.us

Senator Carlos Uresti
carlos.uresti@senate.state.tx.us

Senator Glenn Hegar
glenn.hegar@senate.state.tx.us

Todd Smith of Impact Texas Communications
tmsgop@austin.rr.com

Leigh Ann Schroeder
leighann@theshortround.com

Rob Werstler of Texas Quarter Horse Association
rwerstler@tqha.com

Contact for more information
Bill sponsored by Texas Bred Horse Association
(a 501c3 organization for education of the purpose of horses in the Texas economy)
11547 Dane Rd
Pilot Point, TX 76258
214-223-4188
940-440-9650 fax
rrodder@aol.com
www.TexasBredHorse.com

Executive Committee
Diane Chilton – President
Leigh Ann Schroeder – Vice President
Dr Howard Harper – Treasurer
RD Schroeder – Secretary

When To Say When

I usually try to respond to most comments as they come in. This is usually done under the corresponding post. However, Arlen Walker's will be handled slightly different. It brought back some memories and also struck a chord with today's readings.

Here's Arlen's comment in response to the post I titled - UP
James, I may or may not have taught you anything about roping, but everytime I sit down to catch up on your blog, your messages hit me right in the gut. I’m often with your dad when he stops to talk to someone he does’nt even know for 20 mins. I wonder what in the hell he is doing talking to that guy. I’m going to work on that. Thanks for the post and tell your pretty wife hello. Love Arlen

P.S. I’m stepping out of the box with that four letter word. [love] Working on that also.

Amen Arlen. It doesn't take Morgan but a minute or two before he's going to find somebody to talk horses with. Even if it's in Colorado... on a city bus... TO THE BUS DRIVER?!??! Seriously, Dad. It's snowin' and the man has a job to do. ;)

But the driver was genuinely interested and the next day we're going to look at horses in Colorado. It's a small world if we'll just open up to it.

Back to the post at hand.

Growing up roping with Morgan O'Brien, Mick O'Brien, Dick O'Brien, Phil Lyne, Rusty Carroll and Arlen Walker blessed me with the fortunate ability to say that learning "all I know" from any one of them would be quite a stretch. However, Arlen did teach me plenty. One thing in particular.

---

James loved to rope. He was a high school kid living twenty miles from town on a ranch in South Texas. Let's call it Quincy. ;)

Well, everyday James left Quincy pretty early on in the morning to get his sister dropped off to school and still make it to class himself. More often than not, punctuality was lacking. Everyday at lunch James and Justin, a close friend of his, headed over to Justin's house to catch the horses. They even rode them back to school on occasion. Mostly, they were just getting them ready for the afternoon calf roping session.

As soon as they were able, they warmed up the horses and got after it. James rode Sonny. He is pictured above at the High School National Finals in Gillette, Wyoming back in 1995. Sonny was James' A-string-number-one-primo-mount and probably the best horse James ever had the pleasure to ride. And Justin was riding a little mare called Super Chicken that belonged to James' twin uncles, Mick and Dick. She was awesome, too. They ended up selling her to George Strait for his son to rope calves on. The Straits later retired her and kept her for a brood mare.

Anyway, on one particular afternoon Justin was unable to rope. Since Arlen and Ms. Cody (Justin's parents) had pretty much adopted James as their while-he's-in-town-son, James roped anyway. Arlen helped James quite a bit and today he was turning out and untying calves just like any other day.

One pen of calves probably had ten or twelve calves in it. After the first set Arlen asked James if he wanted to bring 'em back. (that meant re-pen them and rope another ten or twelve head)

Well hell yes he did. And he loped off down the pen to bring the calves back. Everything went smooth again. James put together some very consistant, solid runs.

"Want another pen?" Arlen asked again.

"Yea, I think so, " James told him. As he re-penned the calves he was thinking, "Man this ALL..RIGHT. Good horse. Roping well. No untying has to be done. No turning out has to be done. This must be how the pros do it."

Arlen used to rope in the RCA, that's short for the PRCA which stands for the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association. If you've ever been to the San Antonio, Houston or Fort Worth Stock Shows to watch the rodeo, you've been to a PRCA rodeo. If you've ever been to the NFR in Las Vegas, you've been to the Super Bowl of rodeo and I just waisted your time explaining what the RCA is. ;)

Arlen always had some helpful tips when we roped and could put things in ways that only Arlen could put them. They were funny, easy to remember, wise and helpful with a sprinkle of smartass mixed in for good measure. These days it seems his son, Justin, has mastered this method as well.

Today, just like every other day, Arlen had a few tips for James as he went through each round. What James didn't know was that he was right smack in the middle of one of those lessons ever since the beginning of the second round.

At least thirty calves later after the last calve in the third round James rode back toward the box where Arlen met him with his question of the day.

"Wanna pen 'em again?" he practically begged.

After giving a fourth round some serious thought, James finally conceded.

"Man, I don't know. You think I should?" James asked partly hoping Arlen would say yes.

"He's your horse. Do whatever you want, " Arlen fired back with absolutely no help at all.

Arlen's indifference was uncommon, but whatever... James was just going to have to make the call.

"I don't think so, Arlen. I'm done," James said.

Well Arlen came unglued.

"It's about damn time, son! You've done roped thirty or forty head on the best horse in the state. You think he needs that many everyday?"

That wasn't a question James was even going to pretend to try to answer. So, he just sat there.

"Half the pros going down the road would kill to have a horse like that. I would have while I was going. You have to take care of him. Three or four a day. That's all he needs. Keeps him sharp and thirsty for it."

The longer pause was James' cue that either Arlen was regearing for another shot at James' ignorance or else he was done. Either way, James was headed for the roping box to quit Sonny. Calf roping was over for the day.

---

I told this story in the third person for two reasons:

1. It's easier to read.
2. That day made me a different person.

I'm no longer the James from the story. Many trainers/horse professionals taught me myriad tools to use with horses. But, I can also attribute a life lesson to every horse trainer I've ever ridden with and the story shared above tells of the one Arlen Walker blessed me with.

Be focused. Stay driven. BUT... Know When To Say When.

Jesus knew when to say when. One of the reasons I was so glad that Arlen wrote that comment is because the gospel reading for today matched up perfectly with this concept. Christ pushes Peter to his limits. "Do you love me?" "Do you love me?" "Do you love me?" Christ already knew. He had to show Peter. Arlen already knew. He had to show James.

Sometimes we're Christ in the story and sometimes we're Peter. It really doesn't matter which one we happen to be. What matters is that we are aware of the fact.

Do we have the fortitude it takes to push someone or something to their limit?

Do we have the wisdom it takes to know where our limits are in order to keep ourselves and others 'sharp and thirsty for it'?

Possibilities

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

It's a good thing they do, too. Because you wouldn't have any idea what was going on in horse racing if all you had were the words of Calvin Borel. Unless you speak fluent brush-track-cajun, you'd be lost.

There's not a horse one that's lost under him though. They understand him. They hear him loud and clear. In case you didn't click on the links above, Calvin is the jockey who won the Derby aboard Mine That Bird. Then he surprisingly left the gelding for a chance to ride the mare Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness. What!?!? Who leaves the Kentucky Derby winner to get on a mare? A mare hasn't won the Derby since 1924. The guy who whooped everybody's butts on Rachel Alexandra to break that streak, that's who. Calvin Borel. That's who.

Well, now he's at it again. He may be leaving Rachel Alexandra. This time I don't think it's a personal choice as Rachel Alexandra's owners just aren't sure they want to run her again. The Belmont will make three big races in seven weeks. You have to remember. These are only three-year-olds.

Who knows who he'll be on, but here's to Calvin Borel. I hope he takes the Jockey Triple Crown. I know it doesn't really exist, but he deserves it anyway.

Anybody can go through life frustrated and angry. I'm not special. My life's not harder than anybody else's. You're not special either. Life's hard. That's it. It was hard for Calvin. And look where his attitude got him. It certainly wasn't his silver tounge and eloquently enunciated prose. Our example, our demeanor, even our body language around the people in our lives influence them. Be the influence. Send the right message and you will be understood. Do it without words and you will be raised up. Calvin is on the way.

Urgent: Equine Incentive Program Information

Update: The TQHA decided to testify in favor of HB 1881! Thanks to everybody that called.

Everyone,
I apologize for boring you if you aren't involved in the horse business. However, many of you are. So, here is a copy of an email I have received that addresses HB 1881 authored by Rep. Sid Miller. It will arrive in the Texas Senate tomorrow! Please take action.
Thanks,
James O'Brien
********************Start Letter***********************
Dear Friends:

I have been informed by Senator Craig Estes’ office that Mr. Gib Lewis, a lobbyist for the Texas Quarter Horse Association, is working hard to kill House Bill 1881 by Representative Sid Miller. Senator Estes is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

As you know, HB 1881 is the Texas Equine Incentive Act. The bill has already passed the Texas House of Representatives by a 144 to 1 vote. It is now scheduled to be heard in the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Monday, May 11, 2009 at 3:00 PM., in open public forum.

Gib Lewis says TQHA doesn't want this bill to pass and he is telling lawmakers that he represents the view of all quarter horse owners in Texas. Since TQHA’s membership is only about 2,000 and we have over 130,000 quarter horse owners in Texas, I am not sure that Mr. Lewis does not represent ALL of us.

House Bill 1881 creates a Texas Equine Incentive program like Kentucky’s successful Kentucky Breeders Incentive program. When Kentucky passed their program, they had the cooperation and support of both their state association, as well as the American Quarter Horse Association. The idea began with only 4 or so people who made the idea grow. They decided to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps to bring jobs and business back into the state.

HB 1881 is an industry funded plan like Kentucky’s, but not a tax. All agriculture has an industry funded check off program except horses (i.e., beef, it’s what’s for dinner; the incredible edible egg; pork, the other white meat, etc.). The bill allows any stallion owner to opt out if they don't want to participate. It will be administered by Texas Department of Agriculture and they are excited about the plan. This will prevent stretching TQHA’s already tight staff budget.

The Texas horse racing industry wants nothing other than VLTs (Video Lottery Terminals) at the tracks and has been trying to get VLT’s passed since 1991. Their past actions in other sessions leads one to believe that they are willing to allow nothing to happen rather than have anything pass that is not exactly what they want. Kentucky faced a similar conservative legislature who would not pass gaming and they decided to create the Kentucky Breeders program to get horse industry financial assistance while still working to pass VLTs. Now, Kentucky may soon have both the incentive program and VLTs.

HB1881 is a non-gaming bill that will be a start in stemming the tide that caused the Texas Horse industry to drop from $11 billion in revenue in 1998 to $5.2 billion in revenue in 2008. The Texas Legislature meets for 21 more days and then does not meet again until 2011. If HB 1881 dies, then horsemen will have to wait 2 years for any additional legislation to be considered again. We are working on a HUGE deadline.

We need your help to send a message to Senator Estes and the members of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee that Texas Horsemen need help and that we support HB 1881. Tell them that Gib Lewis does not represent the interests of Texas Horsemen when they work to kill the only equine legislation that has passed either the House or Senate and (it has already passed the House) and is now being considered in the other chamber (Senate) that will provide financial relief to our industry.

Please fax, call, and email (it is important to do all three) Senator Estes and the other members of the committee first thing Monday morning (May 11) and let them let them know that HB 1881 is pro-Texas Horse and that you strongly support it.

We also need as many Texas Horsemen as possible to some to Austin on Monday and to testify in support of HB 1818. Please let me know if you can come to Austin and support this important legislation.

You should also call the leadership of TQHA to let them know that you do not agree with what Gib Lewis is doing and ask that they stop their opposition to HB 1881. Please remember, if HB 1881 fails to pass in the next 21 days, Texas Horsemen will have no chance for financial relief until January 2011 when the Texas legislature meets again and If a bill passed in 2011, the earliest it is likely to take affect is September, 2011. If you are a TQHA member, tell them that TQHA and Gib Lewis are not speaking for you on this issue.

Thank you for your prompt action on behalf of our industry and this important legislation.

Contact information below:

Senator Craig Estes, Chairman
Office: 512-463-0130
Fax: 512-463-8874
Email: craig.estes@senate.state.tx.us

Senator Carlos Uresti, Vice Chairman
Office: 512-463-0119
Fax: 512-463-1017
Email: carlos.uresti@senate.state.tx.us

Senator Glenn Hegar
Office: 512-463-0118
Fax: 512-475-3736
Email: glenn.hegar@senate.state.tx.us

Senator Mike Jackson
Office: 512-463-0111
Fax: 512-475-3727
Email: Mike.jackson@senate.state.tx.us

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinajosa
Office: 512.463-0120
Fax: 512-463-0229
Email: Juan.hinajosa@senate.state.tx.us
Committee Clerk Ren Nance
Office: 512-463-0340
Email: ren.nance@senate.state.tx.us

Dr Tommy Hays
(512) 281-3396
(512) 281-5814
JTHAYS0606@aol.com

Rob Werstler
Texas Quarter Horse Association
(512) 458-5202
rwerstler@tqha.com
******************End of Letter*****************

The Wedge: A Thursday story on Friday.

As South Texas began warming up under the morning sun, the hands were making there rounds feeding. Four geldings, all four years old, are part of the routine. They waited impatiently as the feed truck made it to their corner of the corrals. They had no idea that today was going to be a little different.

Not long ago they were running at the Yenger like wild horses. And had been for almost a year and a half. Morgan picked them up and had worked them on the ground a bit and today they would get ridden. They're a nice group of horses and it's hard to believe that they slipped through the cracks. It was time to find out if they remembered anything at all from their less-than-thirty-days training they received almost two years ago. Age and so much more strength can often leave you with quite a different horse than what they were when they were started.

The bay was first. With jobs like this, I just start over. I have confidence that Morgan prepared them very well, but I didn't have the ability to see it happen. Starting over lets me get familiar with the horse as I go in order to have as few surprises as possible. I was on the bay in less than ten minutes. Then saddled him up and eased him around the round pen. No problem. The ride went the same. I was excited. The bay will be pretty nice.

On to the pale gray. In an effort to keep this short, let's just say that he did well also. In fact, this gray ended up being my favorite. On to the darker gray. The best looking gelding in the bunch did not come back from his long break like the other two. No problems other than laziness, but he just wasn't in the same class as the others on this day-one-after-two-years.

That leads me to our final horse and the lesson teacher for me today. He was bay roan and everyone's pic really. Dick and Morgan both thought he'd do the best. Well, he did . . . for a while. He kicked up just a bit when he loped off the first time but I didn't worry about it. Like I said, it had been a long time. Then we went throught the typical drill. He did well. Time to quit. Four for four. I was happy with this set. But, he wouldn't stand to dismount. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and offered him two more chances. Same results. So, off we went.

He wanted to move out so we moved out. And about that second time around he hopped up again. What?!?! He should be over this I thought. And if that's all he's got, I'll let him have it if he humps again. Well he did. I gave it to him. And then he gave it to me. That wasn't all he had. The next thing I knew, I'm looking for my horse.

That's what over-confidence gets you. I was feeling pretty good, had a good feel for the roan's movement and was going to wear him out if he wanted to pitch. I never saw him coming. I had let my guard down. If he had done the same thing fifteen minutes earlier, we would not have had any problems. But, now I was proud. I had settled in and could "do no wrong".

Such is life. That over-confidence is a wedge that pushes it's way into the things we are best at. And Satan himself can't stand that open door. He slips right in. We all look for him at the bar, in prison. Scams, thievery, murder, whatever. The funny thing is, he doesn't even have to try at those places. That wedge is what he enjoys. His creativity gets put to work in our lives in the places we think we're the strongest. Our strong marriage, bible study, even church. Seriously, how many damaging conversations are a result from something that has to do with church. ALOT.

We can't get to proud of ourselves and let our guard down. We might end up brushing the dust off and having some humble pie.

Routine

The little red dun filly went 'round and 'round today when it was time for her to be caught. She knows the drill, but she's had some time off. So I let her run. It didn't take long for her to decide that getting caught wasn't such a bad thing. There's no use in trapping her to get her caught sooner. Then I'd just have to trap her every time. And believe me that gets old. So I just gave her time to remember. She knows how to catch up and she did.

She saddled up great, though she was a bit squirmy. Again, it's been four days. That's a LONG break for a just-started-two-year-old. So I didn't worry about it too much. She'll settle back in by tomorrow.

Then out we went. She was a bit nervous heading out to the pasture but still guided around just fine. I began to notice that she was anticipating quite a ride. So I eased her into a trot and that was all she had to do today. Her and everybody else. Guide around on loose rein at a trot. Transition into a walk and back to a trot. Complete tight circles and large circles; All at a trot.

Her anxiety melted away. After her break, she must have been expecting a "Get back out there and get to work!" kind of day. Sometimes when they're just itching to rip and run, you have to let them relax. They usually aren't trying to run because they want to run.

They are trying to run because they don't know what else to do.

Sometimes we just need to slow down. Listen. Relax.

He may not be asking us to run.

National Prayer Day Set for Thursday

Thursday, May 7, 2009 has been designated a National Day of Prayer and the theme is "Prayer . . . America's Hope."

In these uncertain times, it's only fitting that hope should be something everyone relies upon. And it's no surprise that the theme chosen by our current administration relies heavily on the hope/change mantra. That's not necessarily a bad thing though. Depending on your particular flavor of hope.

I guarantee over 100,000 people attending the Kentucky Derby today were extremely hopeful. Especially the people who bet on Mine That Bird. At 50-1, come on they would have had to be crazy, but they're all geniuses now. ;)


This is Senorita. She's a four year old in training here to compete in Reined Cowhorse events. I have ALOT of hope for her. She's talented, she'll definitely have arena presence and she's very trainable. Only time will tell if she succeeds in the show pen.

But is winning bets at the Derby or getting a horse from baby to show horse really what hope is all about?

Those of you with children, go look at them right now. What do you feel? Now we're getting close to feeling the hope that we should pray for on Thursday. Hope that is pure, unrelated to personal gain and still valuable enough that we would do anything for it to succeed. That's what I hope for in your life. That you will have something like that to hope in.

Kentucky Derby 2009: Whose your pick?

The Derby runs today at 5:00.

Post your pick for the win in the comments section.

If you're the first one to post the winner, I'm going to send a set of four leather texas coasters for your next Kentucky Derby party.

Here's a link to the Kentucky Derby if you want to know whose racing before you decide.

Good Luck!

Kentucky-Like Equine Incentive Program In Texas?

House Bill 1881 has passed the Texas House of Representatives and is headed to the Senate.

Kentucky successfully instituted an incentive program for quarter horse breeders in 2007. You can read all about it here.

Almost certainly inspired by the success in Kentucky, Texas State Representative Sid Miller authored HB 1881.

- Here is the history of the bill.
- House Bill 1881 as it was when it passed the House April 23, 2009
- The vote was 144:Y - 1:N and 1 present and not voting

Basically, this bill requires horse breeders to pay "not more than $30" into the program which will then "grant incentive awards" to owners of eligible foals. This could be great for AQHA horse shows since there is currently no compelling monetary reason to show other than improving the desirability of the genetics of winning horses.

But, here are a couple of questions I have for our law makers:

• What happens if breeders do not submit there intention to not participate in the program?

- The bill states that in order to not participate, horse breeders would have to submit a letter to "the department not later than the 30th day before the owner's annual breeding report is due to the applicable breeders' association". This just sounds like a huge headache for many Texas horse breeders.

• Who is the regulating body behind this?

- The Kentucky Quarter Horse Assoc. regulates their incentive program. They have one main prupose - to improve quarter horse activity in KY. What other motivations could Texas government have. I posit that they are probably more concerned with collecting fees than they are the preservation of the horse industry in TX.

See the miraculous in the common

"The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today is just another day. Surely you've all been there. . . You take a trip, celebrate an accomplishment, experience a loss, form a new relationship and guess what, life goes on. Be mindful of those days when nothing is happening. Those are the days when all your exciting days are being planned. Those are the days when you have to rejoice in the grind.


Luke is a three-year old that is in that inbetween stage. He is really riding around great. He has a smooth crossing over turn-around and a great stop.

But now it's time to move on. He's learning to be a calf roping horse. He has plenty of gas, and lots of cow. But right now, we're in the grind. He gets lost every now and then, sometimes he's a little late finding his stop, etc. These are all normal things with young horses, but that doesn't make it any easier to stomach. I'd rather be showing him at a horse show or entered in a rodeo. This is the hard part.

These are the days that lead up to the "big day". These are the days that nobody sees. This is the grind. But in the grind, there is greatness.

In Today's Readings, there are two instances of being aware of the spectacular that lies within normal everyday things.

First the apostles rejoice in being punished for the sake of the name of Jesus Christ. They are simply doing the things that Jesus told them to do. They are called before the Sanhedrin and flogged for it.

There are two things to pull from this. First, punishment isn't always punishment. And second, they would never have had the chance to suffer for Christ's sake had they not diligently worked on his behalf in the temples and in their homes during the days leading up to their "punishment".

In the Gospel Reading today Jesus shares the five loaves and two fish with the crowd. What amazes me with this story really isn't part of the story. It's something that Fr. Ed shared with us. Here is Jesus, the Son of God. He could divine a steak dinner for every man and child present if he wanted to. But the scholars teach a different kind of miracle. In those days everyone traveled with a little bit of food. An emergency ration. The miracle that occurs here is that Our Lord was able to convince everyone there to share their rations with other people. Think about this. Can you imagine getting 5,000 people together and convincing them all to help feed one another. Truly that would be more difficult than divining a loaf of bread for everyone. To convince, on a normal day, normal folks to love and care for one another. Truly that was the miracle.