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Date Posted: 16:08:02 01/20/03 Mon
Author: Cheri
Subject: A New Week. Daily Inspirations and Horse Facts..


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[> Monday's Inspiration.. -- Cheri, 16:17:05 01/20/03 Mon



GOOD RECOVERY!"

_________________________

Psalm 86:1-7 (NRSV)

Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me,    
for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you;    
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; be gracious to me, O Lord,    
for to you do I cry all day long.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,    
abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.
Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer;
listen to my cry of supplication.
In the day of my trouble I call on you,
for you will answer me.

_________________________

You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.

- Psalm 86:5 (NRSV)

_________________________

DRIVER'S training -- a time that every teenager looks forward to and many parents dread. During my son's training, I permitted him to drive short distances with me in the car. "You're too close!" -- "Slow down a little!" -- "Give them more space!" He hated my constant instructions. They made him feel insecure.

Once I became more comfortable with his increasing skills, I gave only minimal feedback. One day he made a sharp right turn and hit the curb. However, he didn't panic and was back on track in seconds. I was impressed. I could tell he was bracing himself for criticism. "Good recovery!" I praised him. This caught him off guard. Then I said, "I don't expect you never to make mistakes. I still make them. What's important is how you respond."

In a similar way, we Christians are in discipleship training. God, our instructor, knows that we are going to make mistakes and does not abandon us when we do.
God is more concerned with our growth than with our mistakes. When we act wisely by learning from our mistakes, God -- like a proud parent -- says, "Good recovery!"


Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for not being critical of our mistakes.
Help us to understand that your love is unconditional. Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
God is beside us to train us in faithfulness.

-- Jeri Darby (Michigan, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Teenage drivers and their parents
_________________________


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[> Monday's horse fact.. -- Cheri, 16:29:33 01/20/03 Mon



Tack Safety


Avoid Murphy's Law


I'm sure you are aware of Murphy's Law. You know, the one that states "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong". Well, with horses never a truer word was spoken. You'll be protecting your safety and your horse's comfort by taking a few extra minutes and performing these simple checks before each ride. Please excuse the fact that I use terms relating to English saddles. This is the routine I use regularly and these are the terms I am most familiar with. In each case, I will describe the area I am discussing, so you should be able to work out what I mean, even if I haven't used the name you are most familiar with.


Start with your saddle

1. Before you put your saddle on your horse's back, check that the tree is in good shape. The way I do this is to put the saddle between my knees and, holding it on either side, close to the pommel at the very front of the saddle, squeeze the sides together firmly. There shouldn't be any movement. If there is, or if you hear a grinding, it indicates a weakness in the tree, or framework, of the saddle, that can seriously damage your horse's back if you continue to ride on it. No saddle with a broken tree should ever be used on a horse.

2. If the tree passes muster, continue your check by looking at the bars of the saddle, where your stirrups attach. Make sure the bar on each side is secure and that no rivets are working loose. Get physical with it, wiggle it and pull firmly on the stirrup leathers.
Next look under the flaps and check for weak stitching on the girth billets (those straps that your girth attaches to).This is probably one of the most important checks you can make as far as your own safety goes!
Check the billets for dryness and wear -- do this by flexing and twisting the straps. If you notice cracks in the leather, it would be wise to replace that piece before it tears all the way through.

3. Check the girth itself and the elastic ends too, if your girth has them. Check the pieces that hold the buckles in place for wear and also the buckles themselves, to make sure they are not bent or rusting through. If you notice any problems you should replace the girth before it fails. We have all seen those comedy films where the rider puts his foot in the stirrup to mount and both he and the saddle end up on the ground. However, it is far from a joke if something breaks as you are galloping full tilt toward an open ditch!

4. Check your stirrup leathers for dryness and wear, especially at the points where the leather folds. Use the same flexing and twisting technique that you used to check the billets. Replace any stirrup leathers that are worn in these areas or that show cracks in the leather.

5. Also be sure and check the stitching on the stirrup leathers and make sure that any stitching that is starting to unravel or wear is repaired or the stirrup leathers replaced.


On to the Bridle

1. Check all the leather in the bridle, using the same flexing and twisting technique you used on the billets and stirrup leathers. Give extra attention to areas of strain, such as where the rein wraps around the bit. Any cracking or separation in that area is a danger signal telling you it's time to invest in a new set of reins.

2. Check all the stitching, especially on the reins. If you have the tools (I purchased an awl at the local tack shop for this purpose and practised on old pieces of tack until I had perfected the technique) you may be able to make simple repairs yourself. When in doubt, consult your local saddler for repair work.

3. Check the bit itself for rough edges that will damage your horse's delicate lips. Replace any bit that shows signs of roughness and wear immediately.

4. As you go over your bridle, check the buckles to make sure they are not rusting through and that the tongues are not bent, allowing the buckle to work undone in use.


And Don't Forget the Rest

The same safety checks that you make on your saddle and bridle should be made on any other equipment you use - be it martingales, breastplates, or a complete harness for driving horses. Keeping the leather work clean and in good shape will lengthen its useful life span and will be more comfortable for your horse.


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[> Tuesday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 20:27:19 01/21/03 Tue




HOLY MOMENTS

_________________________

Matthew 18:15-20 (NRSV)

"If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."

_________________________

Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."

- Matthew 18:20 (NRSV)
_________________________

THE telephone rang mid-afternoon. The caller was a woman from our congregation whom I knew only casually. She spoke with some concern, "We have a problem at the church, and I am wondering if you and a few others would join me for an hour of prayer each week."

"Of course I will," was my reply. We decided that we would read a Bible verse, listen to God in silence, spend time sharing our concerns with the Lord, and giving thanks. We prayed for wisdom and guidance for those in leadership, for willingness to listen to one another non-judgmentally, and that we might all be faithful to God's word. I believe our prayers are still being answered to this day.

There were other benefits for those of us who met to pray. Our time together was uplifting, a growing experience. It brought us closer to the Lord and to one another as members of the Body of Christ. What is most special about any fellowship of prayer is that we have Jesus' own promise that he is among us. And because he is, such prayer times are holy moments.


Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being among us as we come to you
in prayer. Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Prayer does as much for those who pray as for those who are prayed for.

-- Harold Gniewotta (Alberta, Canada)

PRAYER FOCUS: Churches in conflict
_________________________


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[> Tuesday's horse fact.. -- Cheri, 20:36:58 01/21/03 Tue




Description of the Miniature Donkey..



Miniature donkeys are native to the Mediterranean Islands of Sicily and Sardinia, and have been in the U.S. since the 1920s. They are by nature people loving, affectionate, and intelligent with an I.Q. only SLIGHTLY lower than their owners! The average life span is 30 years. The males are called jacks, the females are jennies or jennets, and the babies are referred to as foals. Height cannot exceed 36". Most weigh between 200 and 350 lbs. at maturity. Their small size and carefree nature make them easy to handle for both children and adults.


The gestation period is 11.5 to 13 months insuring a prospective breeder a more stable market due to limited numbers. The investment potential is very attractive, assuming you can part with them. Gray-dun is the predominate color, but miniatures can be found in black, brown, spotted, and sorrel. Legend says that the shadow of the Cross of Jesus fell across the donkey's back while at the Crucifixion which explains the characteristic "cross" you see on the back and shoulders of the donkey.


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[> Wednesday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 21:11:11 01/22/03 Wed



LIGHT IN THE TUNNEL

_________________________

Psalm 119:97-108 (NRSV)

Oh, how I love your law!
It is my meditation all day long.
      Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me.
      I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your decrees are my meditation.
      I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
      I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.
      I do not turn away from your ordinances, for you have taught me.
      How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
      Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
      I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe your righteous ordinances.
      I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word.   Accept my offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your ordinances.

_________________________

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

- John 8:12 (NIV)

_________________________

ONE summer, my husband and I were enjoying a pleasant bicycle trip, and I was looking forward to the adventure of biking through an old railroad tunnel. I discovered when we were in the middle of the tunnel that it was intensely dark and eerily quiet. The walls were damp and musty, the ceiling dripped, and water splashed up from puddles. Unable to see where I was going, I became frightened and considered going back. My husband urged me forward, and I followed his lead. At the end, I was glad I did. The views on the other side were breathtaking.

The light at the end of the tunnel didn't look far away until I was in the deep, dark middle; then it seemed so far I couldn't reach it. My husband's loving encouragement guided me through the blackness that enveloped us.

The same is true of life. Often when we are in the middle of a challenge, we can become overwhelmed or frightened. We may want to escape, turn back, quit and forget about it. Yet if we will listen for Jesus' voice and follow his lead, he will guide us through the dark and difficult places.


Prayer: O God, thank you for going before us and walking beside us.
Grant us your peace when we experience frightening times. Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Jesus' light is our guide in life.

-- Elizabeth Baran (Pennsylvania, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those facing a challenge

_________________________


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[> Wednesday's horse fact.. -- Cheri, 21:25:45 01/22/03 Wed



The older horse..


Heres are some signs that your older horse's feeding needs may need to be changed.


Tell-Tale Signs..


Loss of condition in the winter months, when the grass stops growing or is sparse.

Loss of weight around the hips and withers.

Difficulty eating hay.

"Quidding" of feed (dropping it out of the mouth).

Poor, worn or missing teeth.

Stiffness when coming out of his stable in the mornings.

General stiffness.

Keeping Condition On


One of the most important ways to ensure your older horse does not lose condition is to keep to a rigorous worming schedule, as well as having regular checks done by your veterinarian. Many older horses have worm damage which has accumulated over the years and this can affect the efficiency of their digestives systems.

Have his teeth checked regularly - at least once a year but twice is even better. As horses age, the angle of growth of their teeth changes, causing uneven wear. They can develop sharp points which can, at best, compromise their ability to chew effectively and at worst, cause sores on the inside of their mouths.
Different Nutritional Needs

Dr. Sarah Ralsten, of Cornell University did some research into the differences in digestive ability between young horses (specifically under ten years of age) and old horses (over twenty years of age) and found that older horses had an increased need for protein and phosphorus. Also, they were more likely to need those nutrients in a more easily digestible form, due to a possible lessening in the efficiency of their digestive system.

There are several feeds available now which are especially formulated for the senior equine. These feeds are high in digestible fiber and aim to increase or maintain weight, rather than to provide instant energy for work.



Feeding Young Horses..


When feeding young horses, it is important to formulate a diet that will provide his body with the good quality protein, vitamins and minerals it needs to grow healthily. There are, of course, feeds especially formulated for foals and youngstock to make things easier for the horse owner.


Things to Remember When Feeding Young Horses..


Unlike mature horses, foals eat a much higher ratio of concentrates to forage. This is because the foal's hind gut takes time to develop, so you will notice that a foal will eat little forage before he is three months old.

Ideally, you should be able to see the ribs of a healthy young horse until he is about two years old. Excessive weight may cause bone development problems.

If you cut back on feed because your foal is getting overweight, be sure that you still provide the level of proteins, vitamins and minerals required for healthy growth.

Aim for a slow, steady growth rate. Make a chart and measure your foal's weight and height at regular intervals.

Turn out 24 hours a day if possible. Young horses need positive stress on their bones to help them mature properly.


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[> Thursday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 18:12:47 01/24/03 Fri




A "SOMETIMES CHRISTIAN"

_________________________

Psalm 91 (NRSV)

You who live in the shelter of the Most High,   who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress;   my God, in whom I trust."
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler   and from the deadly pestilence;
he will cover you with his pinions,
      and under his wings you will find refuge;   his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,   or the arrow that flies by day,
or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,   or the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
   ten thousand at your right hand,
   but it will not come near you.
You will only look with your eyes
   and see the punishment of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD your refuge,   the Most High your dwelling place,
no evil shall befall you,
   no scourge come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you   to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
      so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder,
      the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
Those who love me, I will deliver;
   I will protect those who know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer them;   I will be with them in trouble,
      I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them,
      and show them my salvation.

_________________________

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name."

- Psalm 91:14 (NIV)

_________________________

THE storm had overtaken my small boat, and I sought refuge in the shelter of an island. During the night, the storm intensified, and the anchor began to drag. In the darkness and rain, I struggled to the bow and somehow managed to reset the anchor. I went below but could not sleep, mostly because of my fear.

Before that night, I had turned to prayer only when I wanted something or found myself in trouble. "Lord, if you do ____ for me, I promise to _____," I'd bargain, or, "Lord, if you help me out, I will never do that again." The outcome was always the same: promises made and then broken. I called myself "a sometimes Christian." I went to church sometimes. I prayed sometimes.

That night, I didn't make any promises. "Please, God," I prayed, "just stop the wind, because that anchor is never going to hold." I listened as the rain stopped and the wind died. A powerful feeling came over me. A book was lying open, face down on the table. I turned it over and saw a quote from Psalm 91. For the first time in my life, I felt that God was speaking to me, saying, "You made no empty promises this time. Do not be afraid."


Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for guiding us through our daily
struggles. Help us to know we are never alone. Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Pray from your heart.

-- Jack Carl (New Hampshire, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those endangered by storms
_________________________


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[> Thursday's horse fact.. -- Cheri, 18:19:22 01/24/03 Fri



The Cleveland Bay..


Origins..


The Cleveland Bay is the oldest breed of horse indigenous to the United Kingdom. It takes its name from the area in which it was bred, which included Cleveland and the North Riding of Yorkshire in northeast England.


It traces its roots back to the Chapman Horse, a clean-legged pack horse that was used in the mining industry to transport ore from the mines. During the English Civil War, from 1642 to 1649, Spanish blood was introduced. From 1661, when Charles II married
Catherine of Braganza, there was constant traffic between the north African port of Tangier and the seaports of northeastern England. This allowed the Barb horse to be imported and have a strong influence on the development of the Cleveland Bay.


From the 18th century, there is no evidence of further introductions of new blood and by that time, the Cleveland Bay was firmly established as a fixed type. Its prepotency led to it being exported to Europe to improve and refine many European breeds. In 1884, the Cleveland Bay Horse Society of Great Britain established its first stud book.


For many years, the Cleveland Bay was considered the best and most powerful coach horse. Eventually, with the industrial revolution and a need for speed, the
Cleveland Bay fell out of favor and the Yorkshire Coach Horse (a Cleveland Bay/Thoroughbred cross) gained popularity.


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[> Friday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 18:24:10 01/24/03 Fri



LISTENING TO GOD

_________________________

2 Samuel 7:1-9 (NRSV)

Now when the king was settled in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, "See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent." Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that you have in mind; for the LORD is with you."

But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the
LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"

Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David:
Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.

_________________________

The word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying: "Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the LORD says . . .'"

- 2 Samuel 7:4-5 (NIV)

_________________________

NATHAN, the prophet, is not as well-known and revered as King David. Yet Nathan was present at critical moments in King David's life. After Uriah's death, God's call for David came through Nathan, not to David directly. David was fortunate to have Nathan. In fact, Nathan was a gift from God to David.

We also are blessed when we have someone who listens to the voice of God and encourages us in God's ways. Everyone needs such friends. They can guide us to hear God rightly and to obey.

When we take a wrong road, it may be partly because we have no one like Nathan to speak to us and help us listen to God. That is one of the purposes of the church: to be a community of Nathans for one another. Together, we can listen for and faithfully follow God.


Prayer: Lord, teach us to listen to you for ourselves and for our
community of faith. In your name we pray. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
We can help one another to listen to God and obey.


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[> Friday's horse fact... -- Cheri, 18:29:54 01/24/03 Fri



The Cleveland Bay..


Appearance..


The Cleveland Bay is a big, powerful horse standing between 16 hands and 16.2. It is always bay with black points. The mane and tail are thick and luxuriant.
The head of the Cleveland Bay shows evidence of its spanish ancestry, with a hawk-like profile such as that seen in Andalusians.


The body is big and well-rounded with a lot of heart room.In fact, in a mature Cleveland Bay, the depth from wither to elbow is often greater than the measurement from the elbow to the ground.


The legs are clean, without feathering, and are sturdy, with short cannons and a 9-inch bone measurement. The hooves are good quality, with dense horn.


Tomorrows fact; uses


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[> Saturday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 21:59:55 01/25/03 Sat



A LIGHTER BURDEN
_________________________


Psalm 127 (NRSV)


Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD guards the city,
the guard keeps watch in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives sleep to his beloved.
Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the sons of one's youth.
Happy is the man who has
his quiver full of them.
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.


_________________________

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.

- Psalm 127:1 (NRSV)


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[> Saturday's horse fact.. -- Cheri, 22:20:22 01/25/03 Sat



The Cleveland Bay..


Uses..


Today, the Cleveland Bay is experiencing a rise in popularity. Driven almost to the brink of extinction following World War II, it was essentially saved by HM Queen Elizabeth II. In 1962 there were only four purebred Cleveland Bay stallions in the UK and Her Majesty purchased the stallion Mulgrave Supreme who was to have been exported to the United States. Her Majesty instigated a breeding program using purebred mares, as well as mares of other breeds and within 15 years there were 36 purebred stallions in the UK.

The Cleveland Bay is still extremely rare, with estimated numbers worldwide ranging from 500 to 800.
Cleveland Bays are now an integral part of the Royal Mews in London and can be seen drawing Royal coaches for State occasions, visits of foreign dignitaries and other events. HRH Prince Philip used to drive a team of Cleveland Bays in international driving events.

The Cleveland Bay is a good choice to cross with Thoroughbreds to produce quality horses suited to show jumping and hunting. It is to be hoped that this ancient and attractive breed of horse will continue to increase in numbers and so be assured a healthy future.


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