A few thoughts!

In light of a few events that have taken place in the last few weeks, I thought I would write my thoughts on the subject.  Many of you have heard over the last few days of the video that has been released of the abuse at a  Panhandle calf ranch.  If you haven't seen the video, I wouldn't suggest watching it.  It is horrific images of the treatment of calves at that facility.  I only watched it once and couldn't bring myself to share it with anyone.  It also brought to mind a recent episode that I witnessed.  The treatment of a horse for not performing the way the owner thought it should was brutal and out of place.  These events have had me thinking, which is a good thing or a bad thing depending on where you sit.

For my entire life I have always had a place in my heart for animals.  That love has grown from my youth to adulthood and has become a passion for livestock, horses, and dogs.  The first thing that someone should learn in horsemanship is that it is about the horse first and foremost!  If someone is in it for themselves, their ego, a paycheck, fame, or prizes, they may need to look at what is really drawing them.  I know that many cowboys use horses as a means by which to make a living, and I have used horses for the same purpose.  However, there should be a deeper meaning in our livelihood than just drawing a paycheck.  The passion I have draws deeply on helping horse achieve their highest potential through good, clear communication, giving them purpose and a future.  Not so much unlike what God does to those of us who chose to follow him.  Through true purpose and passion many benefits may come along with it.  But if that is the purpose in itself, then I think we tend to lose the point!

Second, anyone who doesn't have compassion for less inferior beings is missing another point in their lives.  It shutters me to think what people may do to other weaker humans if they can treat animals with such disregard.  God has called us to love and serve others.  In the "me" society of today, that tends to be forgotten.  I will be the first to admit a few times in my life that I have treated animals with less that respectful actions but never borderline abuse!  I have definitely learned from those times and grown as a livestock handler as well as a person.  The Bible says in Proverbs 12:10, "Good people take care of their animals, but wicked people are cruel to theirs."  I am not saying that I am an animal rights activist, but good in our world is sometimes overshadowed by the thoughtless actions of those who cannot control themselves.

I will continue my plight to become a true horseman, stockman, and follower of Jesus.  With His help in continuing to change me into His image, hopefully the process will be shorter and sweeter.  Compassion, education, and the willingness to get past ourselves are the things that will lead me in this process.  It is my desire that God continues allowing me situations, opportunities, and forums to relay these things to those willing to listen.