Ride of a Lifetime- God is our Protecter

I would called a tenderfoot amongst horse riders everywhere. Only ridden a horse once and twas a trail ride. Anyways, my family and I went to a church picnic. One of the members of our church owns horses so he brought them. He didn't let the kids younger than 10 ride alone, so I was allowed to ride alone. No person leading or riding with me. I rode the horse twice, once at a walk then a trot, having the time of my life. I even led the horse with my mom's horse-shy friends around. I was a bit wary since I'd never led a horse before that plus the horse tried to bite me. (Don't worry, all I got was horse drool)

My sister wanted to ride too, but she was scared so I offered to ride double with her. The owner agreed, but my parents were wary. We both got on, my sister did with difficulty since she's never been on a horse. So she sat behind me and the horse started moving. But it galloped! It took off and my sister couldn't hang on. She fell off and hit the ground with a thud that made me fear she was gone or had been severely injured. I couldn't stop the horse though I pulled and pulled. Once my sister fell off I screamed as the horse continued its rampage. My mom's horse-shy friend started praying, so did the pastor, and several others. My hat flew off and so did my headband.
Now, I was all on my own. Or was I?

So this girl who knows nothing about horses only what she read in books and such. The only thing that ran through my mind was, "Whatever you do. Don't fall off." Which I got from a book I read about horses that was fiction (Phantom Stallion by Terri Farley, and AMAZING series!) As the horse and I were charging through the park, I suddenly realized that I heading to a street! I yanked the reins hard to the left. He jerked, and I almost fell off, but I kept pulling. He finally stopped, and I dismounted and started walking him back. My dad met me and yanked the reins from my trembling hand. The owner met us in a car and took the horse and rode him back, as I ran all the way back to my sister and a group of shocked onlookers. Thankfully, she was okay but extremely sore, and still is. When the owner of the horse came back, he smiled at me and said, "Okay, that was lesson one." My cap was found, but my headband was forever lost (Still mourning over it!). God had kept me and given me incredible peace to think clearly. He had also protected us during that frightening time. God is our Protector!

Now, I may not ever ride a horse again if my parents have a say in it, but I have always dreamed of going to a ranch to visit. The owner of the horse offered to let me come and ride and help him! A prayer becomes reality! Now, to convince my parents. ;) To make a statement, all this week I shall be wearing my many t-shirts that have the lettering "I LOVE HORSES!" Along with a horse necklace.

God Bless,