Hippology: a day to remember

 

I've had a dream over the past few years. It was to qualify to compete in Hippology at the National Roundup in Denver, and yesterday, that dream came true.

Let me back up just a little bit. I've been competing in Hippology (the study of horses) for four years now, and have loved every minute of it. Last year our team placed first in the state, which was completely unexpected, but didn't qualify for Nationals because not all of our team members were old enough.

This year we weren't sure how it would turn out, but we trusted that God had the results in His hands and gave it our best. The team that I was on with two of my friends ended up getting Champion in the senior division, qualifying to represent our state at the National Roundup, and I also placed as first individual. The senior team that my sister was on got Reserve, and my other sister's team placed first in the junior division. God is good. He alone gets all the glory, because without Him it would have been impossible. We had already met our goals...to learn and have fun. He threw in the championship just because He can.

Through Hippology I have learned so much more than just horse knowledge.
I've learned what it is to work together as a team.
I've learned to trust that God is in control, even of our placings.
I've learned that even if I learned just one thing about horses, I've accomplished my goal. Placing well is just icing on the cake.
I've learned that winning isn't everything. It's about glorifying the Lord in whatever we do.

I've been shown over and over again how much I've been blessed. I have an amazing coach, two wonderful teammates, and a whole bunch of horse crazy friends to study with. How much better can it get?!? God has blessed me so much more than I deserve, and I pray that through everything my life is just a reflection of Him.

I'm sure you can guess...we're a pretty excited group :) I'm continually amazed at how God works.  
How great is our God!