Why Horses Help Children: A Biblical Perspective
We have come to find that working with and riding horses can be a transformative experience for children, offering them unique opportunities for growth, learning, and healing. From a Biblical perspective, this process not only nurtures essential life skills but also deepens a child's understanding of God's creation and His gracious provision. Below we have sought to lay out a few of the ways we’ve seen this happen and why we have found our ministry such a benefit to children, in particular.
The Wonder of God's Creation
The Bible teaches that all of creation reflects God's glory (Psalm 19:1). Whether it is the skies and heavens or the rivers and streams, all of God’s creation and especially those living things show Him to be a wise and beautiful Creator. Horses are no different. With their strength, grace, and responsiveness, these amazing animals exemplify the beauty and majesty of God's handiwork. When children interact with these magnificent creatures, they witness firsthand the intricacies of God's design. These interactions fosters a sense of wonder and appreciation for the Creator, encouraging children to see God's hand in all aspects of life.
Building Trust and Responsibility
Working with horses requires patience, consistency, and a gentle spirit—qualities that reflect the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). As children learn to care for and ride horses, they develop trust and responsibility, even at a young age. They understand that trust is built through faithful stewardship, mirroring our relationship with God (Luke 16:10). As they groom, feed, and ride, children are reminded of the importance of caring for God's creation, fulfilling the mandate given to humanity in Genesis 1:28 to "subdue" and "have dominion" over the earth in a way that honors and preserves it. What’s more, they see a picture of how we can cultivate trust and responsibility in our relationships with one another.
Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence
The presence of a large animal like a horse can be intimidating for a child, at first. However, as they gradually learn to interact with horses, they overcome their fears and build confidence. This process mirrors the biblical principle that God's perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Children learn that with God's help, they can face challenges and grow stronger in their faith as they come to know His love more and more. The relationship they develop with the horse serves as a tangible reminder of God's strength and the confidence we can have in Him, even in the face of fears and uncertainties.
Empathy and Compassion
God has made horses to be intuitive animals that respond to human emotions. Working with them teaches children empathy and compassion, key aspects of the Christian life (Colossians 3:12). As children recognize and respond to the needs and feelings of their horses, they practice the kind of compassion that Jesus demonstrated throughout His ministry. This empathy extends beyond their interaction with animals, influencing how they relate to people in their lives, understanding the differences between Biblical empathy and sinful empathy.
Reflecting on God's Provision
In every interaction with horses, there is an opportunity to reflect on God's provision. From the food and care the horse requires to the lessons learned through riding and training, children see God's faithfulness in providing for all His creatures (Matthew 6:26). This realization fosters a deeper gratitude and trust in God's ongoing provision for their own lives.
Bringing Scripture into Our Experience
Allowing the Bible to guide the experience of working with horses enriches the learning process, moving it from physical interaction alone, to a spiritual experience where we seek to bring the gospel to bear upon the lives of the child. Verses about stewardship, patience, and trust can be memorized and meditated upon during activities. For instance, reflecting on Proverbs 3:5-6 while learning to guide a horse can reinforce the importance of trusting in the Lord with all our hearts and acknowledging Him in all our ways.
Helping children work with horses with a Biblical worldview has been a wonderful approach in spiritual development, intertwining spiritual growth with practical life skills. This experience not only nurtures a child's physical and emotional well-being but also cultivates a deeper understanding of God's love and provision, the beauty of His creation and the glory of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of all things.. As children learn to trust, care, and build relationships through their interactions with horses, they are drawn closer to the Creator, who provides for all His creatures with unwavering love and faithfulness.