As facilitators at Narrow Gate, we always hope and pray that we’re making a difference. Our students are all very important to us; and when it is obvious they are struggling, it’s easy to see, but not always easy to know how to address the situation.
We continually pray and ask God for guidance and discernment when it comes to our students.
At a recent class, as we were meeting the students before going down to the arena to work with the horses, it was clear that one of our students was “not feeling it”. Dalyah had her head down on the table. She was sitting away from the other kids and absolutely did not want to be a part of the class.
All of us facilitators noticed her bored demeanor. But, we didn’t say anything.
After the initial greeting period, where we pray for the kids, ask if they have any prayer requests and so on, this student at least joined the others (begrudgingly) in getting a helmet and boots to replace her house slippers.
Dalyah had not been to the ranch many times, maybe not at all.
She didn’t know anything about grooming or leading a horse. I was fortunate enough to work with her and another student along with Jethro, one of our mini horses.
If you know Jethro at all, you know he’s cantankerous, obnoxious, pushy and full of himself. He ALWAYS gives us opportunities for life lessons!
I’m not sure if on this particular day Jethro chose my two students or they chose him, but it was literally a match made in heaven.
Thank you Jesus!
As we started to groom, we talked about the 3-step process of bringing the dirt to the surface with the curry comb, then sweeping the dirt away, and finally shining Jethro’s coat.
Usually this is a great place to have meaningful conversations about life, but it just wasn’t happening. Both students were very quiet, but I knew they were at least listening.
As they began grooming, interest picked up. As they were giving Jethro the once-over, I just let them slowly begin to talk.
Looking for another opportunity, I asked the girls if they were ready to learn how to lead. After a so-so response, I gave the girls important safety instructions.
Dalyah began to lead Jethro and he was a perfect gentleman horse. Shockingly! She did a really good job of leading him. Using positive reinforcement, I could see she was gaining confidence.
And, instead of not wanting to participate, she got this smile on her face.
She seemed to really start enjoying herself.
She didn’t need me to “say” anything. She needed to share an experience with Jethro.
Being the leader of a mini has its challenges, but Dalyah kept at it, did right and left turns with Jethro, and ended up with a great, big smile on her face.
We most often don’t know what these kids bring with them to the ranch. Some of the heartaches that we do know that they carry are just too much.
However, we know that, through help from the Holy Spirit, we can give them what they need for their time at the ranch.
We can talk about things like leadership and what that requires and looks like in their daily lives.
We can talk about communication, and how properly communicating to the horse can assist in properly communicating to our friends.
Or, we can talk about listening – if we know how to listen to the horses’ language, the horses will speak to us. Most importantly, if we listen for God, he too will speak to us, and help us through situations.
And, we can just “be” there with kids and horses - sharing a moment.
Facilitating classes with these kids, we adults are learning so much about our students, but also about ourselves.
I am thankful for the opportunity to work with these kids, our horses and volunteers. I have grown throughout my time volunteering at the ranch, and I hope others will join in this adventure!
Thank you to the many donors who have made this ministry possible and to the leaders at NGHR who allow us to participate in positively impacting kids' lives in ways that lead to hope in Christ.
- Dean Leicht
*student’s name & picture were changed for anonymity