From the beginning of time we have had the freedom to choose.  We can obey and follow rules or choose to not obey and deal with the consequences of that.

“Obedience is only possible when the opportunity not to obey is present”.
In working with our horses, we can force the horse to yield to us, but if we remove choice, is that really obedience?  The best trainers out there don’t rely on bigger bits, sharper spurs, high pressure, or more treats to get the horse to follow their directions. They use their tools effectively to teach communication and apply a little pressure to encourage them to do the right thing.  They allow for mistakes and they reward the horse for making the right choice.  Ultimately the goal is for the horse to submit to us as their leader. 

In the same way that the horse has a choice to obey my requests, I have a choice to obey my heavenly father or not obey.  God’s desire is not to squash our spirit, using force, or frightening us into choosing His will. He continues to encourage us to choose the right path.  His desire is that we surrender our will to him and let him direct and teach us, but he does not force us to do it.  

At SSFR, we don’t force people to do things or give our agenda.  We don’t have riding lessons, nor do we teach horsemanship skills.  Instead, we allow people to experience things with their horse.  We use whatever is happening in a session as an opportunity for the person to recognize things about themselves:  Where are they stuck, not leading, not following, or communicating.  Do they know what direction they are going?  What do they believe about themselves, others, God?  In what or whom do they put their trust?  We sometimes apply pressure so that they can recognize where they are stuck, but we never force or try to control.   We share the love of Jesus with those that come here and offer the hope and freedom we ourselves have found in him.  Ultimately in all that we do, there is freedom to choose and we love no matter what