The Front Porch - Online Edition

Someone very important to me, and to camp, had a birthday this week. Monday, January 25th was Taffy’s 35th birthday.

One of the things on her birthday list was obviously NOT a bath! The horses get very dirty this time of year. Taffy has taught countless campers how to ride, patiently carrying them as they learn to find their balance and steady their hands. She has a smooth, steady trot and canter that has built the confidence of many an intermediate rider as well.

For me, Taffy has been a friend for almost 23 years. She was my personal riding horse and confidant through the navigation of those confusing teen years, went to college with me, and has helped me teach riders at four different summer camps. I could never have imagined she’d still be with me at age 35 (quite old for a horse!), but she is now teaching my daughter how to ride. She is truly a treasure, and every barn would be a better place for having their own personal Taffy.

One of God’s greatest blessings in my life has been the gift of horses. I have always loved them and enjoy everything about them. (Yes, even cleaning stalls!) Teaching others to enjoy them is a huge priviledge and gives me a deep sense of satisfaction. There are at least four places in the book of Ecclesiastes where we are reminded that finding enjoyment in our work is a gift from God. You know, the kind of job that’s so enjoyable it doesn’t seem like work at all? This is has been my experience every time I’ve ever taught a horseback riding lesson, whether to an individual or in a group setting.

Parents, what do you find enjoyable that you can teach your kids? Campers, what do you see your parents enjoying, whether as a hobby or in their work that you can ask them to teach you? God gives us our interests, talents, giftings, and passions. How can you spend quality time together as a family learning something about a subject from the family expert? Give it a try!

Here are a few more pictures of the horses in their winter coats (and dirt!):

Kiefer and friends

DC waits impatiently to be let in for breakfast. He paws the air to pass the time while waiting…and to remind me that he wants in the barn!

Romeo and Onyx coming in for breakfast.

Eli

Heading into the barn to eat.

Maverick grows quite the winter coat. Visit him in the spring and you can collect enough shedding hair to make your own sweater!

Reggie

Sweet Taffy- Happy Birthday!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at 11:17 pm and is filed under Strong Rock Ramblings. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.