Trail Ride Reflections

As I stared out onto the clover covered field near Freedom Reigns, I was confused as to how I’ve always disliked Spring. I’ve always been an Autumn/winter girl and I adore the cold weather. Cuddling up in my house at 3pm after the sun’s gone down (I’m not even exaggerating honestly) and watching my favorite show has always been my favorite way to unwind. But now, the sun was high in the sky and I was riding Toby through this beautiful meadow and I realized that maybe Spring isn’t so bad.

Spring is the time when everything begins to regrow, reshape and truly change for the better. Flowers are budding and bringing vibrant yellows, blues and greens back from the winter frost and the leaves are reappearing on every branch almost as if they had never left at all. During the start of our ride, Toby’s anxiety would perk up anytime a bush moved, and I felt his muscles tense beneath me. He fears the unknown, much like me. The change in seasons always throws me for a loop because my routine is suddenly off. My anxiety does not agree with change. I found a kindred spirit in Toby. He has truly taught me to remain calm in every situation instead of reacting out of fear. If I get scared, then he gets scared. He looks to me for guidance. I look to God for guidance. 

As our trail ride progressed, I sensed a change in Toby. He began to relax and then marveled at the captivating sights of the brand new season. Then with a surge of confidence, he began leading the other horses through a meadow he had never seen before. He felt comfortable enough to move forward through his anxieties over all the unknowns and it truly inspired me to try and do the same in my own life.

Sometimes we head into a different season in life and the changes can be drastic. Sometimes the unknowns look like a haunted forest in a children’s book, but sometimes they look like a beautiful clover covered meadow. I believe it’s okay to fear either, however I am reminded of my own strength and God’s reliability when I think of all the other forests and meadows that God has successfully led me through. He has always kept His promises, protected me, and suffered with me. I’ve also found the plan He has laid out for me was always way better than anything I had in mind. 

Going on that trail ride was not only a stunning way to welcome Spring, but an uplifting reminder that the unknowns can be beautiful. If Toby can welcome change, then so can I. 

This psalm has always been my go-to when I struggle with my anxieties,

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”—Psalm 23:1-6

-Written by Becca Tremmell, Volunteer