January 28, 2009.
As we left to come home from the Mustang Magic Competition I reflected back on a whirlwind of the last three months. I
look back now and it almost seems like a dream. However, it was real and amazing. Somewhat disappointing, but an
awesome adventure. This always amazes me how God directs the name of the horse and the theme that I put with these
mustangs. It starts as an idea of mine, however God rights the script and the outcome of these makeover stories. I just
become a pawn in his hands. Faith.....How is your faith? Mine has become stronger as it has been tested throughout this
competition. It has taken me two days to have enough clear thoughts to finish up this blog. We are tested through life on
the stands and choices we are going to make. I have been saved, or to say had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
since I was four years old. Life has been good, however I have never felt as much testing of my faith as I have in the last
three years. God has allowed circumstances in my life to try to draw me closer to him. When we as believers go through
life's trials and temptations we have a choice to the path we choose. God allows us to make decisions that will result in
outcomes maybe good or bad. We have to make the right choices and depend on God to always be there with us. I
speak from experience that making the moral and right choice doesn't always at first seem easier than the wrong
choice, but is for sure the path that God wants us to take. If we choose to go against our beliefs and faith the rode is long
and lonely and the consequences can be brutal. God never leaves or forsakes us no matter what choice we make, but
the moral and right choices lead us into God's path and he holds our hands even if it hurts. To go against Gods way
means he still has open arms waiting for us to return to him and his path; however this rode is very hard.
Well, the competition started great! Jabez settled in to his new digs at the Fort Worth Stock Show. He truly had a heart
change approx. Two weeks before at home. It was obvious as he trusted me and showed his calm and well educated
self. As this was not just a mustang makeover event, we were not able to see the obstacles before the actual preliminary
competition. This was a true test for Jabez and the other magic mustangs as they had to compete seeing these
obstacles for the first time. Jabez did great! The ground work was about flawless. He spooked in part of the ride course,
but immediately looked to me for help and trusted me over the obstacle that he was afraid of. I was so proud of him. We
went into the finals in 3rd place. Three points behind the leader.
One totally awesome thing that happened to help us get to 3rd place was Jabez finished in first place for his Conditioning
score. He was actually the smallest horse in the competition; however thanks to Purina Mills Ultium his muscle tone and
slick shiny coat got us first place! Nothing beats Purina MIlls Ultium when it comes to producing a performance athlete.
As the finals night approached I decided to finally give this whole thing over to God. I have a tendency to get so very
nervous, to the point of almost needing to throw up. I just decided that I had to give the reins over to God, as it was all in
his control. In the warm up pen, Jabez gave me the best ride he ever had. I had so much fun! From flying lead changes,
spins, and sliding stops, he was just on fire! His heart was tuned into me and I into his. I have been quoted as saying that
with these mustangs our souls touch each other, and it did that night. As I approached the finals themselves i looked at
draw number 11. Last to go. Bill Lopez went 3rd, and well he wowed the judges with his quiet horse and amazing
performance. He left me with having to get perfect 10's to be able to beat him. I asked God to help us, but knew the odds
were so against us to be perfect.
Finally, it was our turn to go. We had a blast! I knew we hadn't done our routine perfect as Jabez dropped his lead
change from behind, but besides that he was awesome! He did all his maneuvers, stomped and danced, and climbed into
the back of my truck and sat down on a bean bag. He then waved at the crowd who was going crazy with cheers.
The judges were pretty tough on us. Carol Rose said we did a great job but, I hate the but word, especially when she was
mistaken. She thought that we did not do the required walk and made it very clear that she docked us for that. We did
walk twice, as the video will show you. It was a short walk, but all that was required at this mustang competition.
Otherwise we were commended on how we did and hoped to be a reserve champion.
This is were my faith started to be challenged, not defeated as you will see, but definitely challenged. As they announced
the standings. We ended up in third place. I was a little disappointed but still proud of my horse. I now faced the adoption
and the realization that Jabez might not be going home with me. We promoted him as being adopted, but asking his
adopter to be willing to send him home with me and possibly go into a business partnership with him. Jabez being my
demo horse, while advertising for his new owners business. I left Jabez in God's hands at that point and continue to do
everyday. I knew signing up for this competition that I would have to give the horse up and I am glad that this program has
place hundreds of mustangs into good homes. However, I still get so attached and it is very hard for me to let go. It is
also a sacrifice of time I put into this horse as all that he learned I could of been putting into my own demo horse to help
promote my training program and business, so when you give them up you loose all of the time to. Well, Jabez was
adopted. I have to really stand on my faith and trust God as I write this and look to the future. The decision Ryan and I
made at this point may to the outside world look like a wrong one, but we had to stand on our faith and beliefs. The
gentleman who adopted Jabez happens to be in an industry that does not promote or represent family or faith. We had to
decline a business partnership due to what we believe and stand on. This meant I had to let go of Jabez and put him into
Gods hands.
So, how did I end up with second place? The Mustang Heritage Foundation made a mistake when tabulating the final
scores and did not announce or place us correctly. Special thanks to my supportive husband Ryan as he found the
mistake and helped to make it right. We approached them on the following day with questions and they reviewed there
information and found that they had put the wrong formula into there computer which intern produced the wrong results.
This was just human error, but was very disappointing for me. I am OK though, and I will trust in the Lord and his will in
this situation to.
Jabez the Mustang touched my life and my families life. He was made by God for a purpose and demonstrated to me and
to you what faith really means. Giving up on my own efforts to survive this world and eternity on my own, and reaching out
with our heart and soul to depend on a higher authority to sustain us through life and onto eternity. I will continue to pray
for Jabez and his new owners as they start there journey together. They adopted one of the best! Jabez the Mustang!
As we left to come home from the Mustang Magic Competition I reflected back on a whirlwind of the last three months. I
look back now and it almost seems like a dream. However, it was real and amazing. Somewhat disappointing, but an
awesome adventure. This always amazes me how God directs the name of the horse and the theme that I put with these
mustangs. It starts as an idea of mine, however God rights the script and the outcome of these makeover stories. I just
become a pawn in his hands. Faith.....How is your faith? Mine has become stronger as it has been tested throughout this
competition. It has taken me two days to have enough clear thoughts to finish up this blog. We are tested through life on
the stands and choices we are going to make. I have been saved, or to say had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
since I was four years old. Life has been good, however I have never felt as much testing of my faith as I have in the last
three years. God has allowed circumstances in my life to try to draw me closer to him. When we as believers go through
life's trials and temptations we have a choice to the path we choose. God allows us to make decisions that will result in
outcomes maybe good or bad. We have to make the right choices and depend on God to always be there with us. I
speak from experience that making the moral and right choice doesn't always at first seem easier than the wrong
choice, but is for sure the path that God wants us to take. If we choose to go against our beliefs and faith the rode is long
and lonely and the consequences can be brutal. God never leaves or forsakes us no matter what choice we make, but
the moral and right choices lead us into God's path and he holds our hands even if it hurts. To go against Gods way
means he still has open arms waiting for us to return to him and his path; however this rode is very hard.
Well, the competition started great! Jabez settled in to his new digs at the Fort Worth Stock Show. He truly had a heart
change approx. Two weeks before at home. It was obvious as he trusted me and showed his calm and well educated
self. As this was not just a mustang makeover event, we were not able to see the obstacles before the actual preliminary
competition. This was a true test for Jabez and the other magic mustangs as they had to compete seeing these
obstacles for the first time. Jabez did great! The ground work was about flawless. He spooked in part of the ride course,
but immediately looked to me for help and trusted me over the obstacle that he was afraid of. I was so proud of him. We
went into the finals in 3rd place. Three points behind the leader.
One totally awesome thing that happened to help us get to 3rd place was Jabez finished in first place for his Conditioning
score. He was actually the smallest horse in the competition; however thanks to Purina Mills Ultium his muscle tone and
slick shiny coat got us first place! Nothing beats Purina MIlls Ultium when it comes to producing a performance athlete.
As the finals night approached I decided to finally give this whole thing over to God. I have a tendency to get so very
nervous, to the point of almost needing to throw up. I just decided that I had to give the reins over to God, as it was all in
his control. In the warm up pen, Jabez gave me the best ride he ever had. I had so much fun! From flying lead changes,
spins, and sliding stops, he was just on fire! His heart was tuned into me and I into his. I have been quoted as saying that
with these mustangs our souls touch each other, and it did that night. As I approached the finals themselves i looked at
draw number 11. Last to go. Bill Lopez went 3rd, and well he wowed the judges with his quiet horse and amazing
performance. He left me with having to get perfect 10's to be able to beat him. I asked God to help us, but knew the odds
were so against us to be perfect.
Finally, it was our turn to go. We had a blast! I knew we hadn't done our routine perfect as Jabez dropped his lead
change from behind, but besides that he was awesome! He did all his maneuvers, stomped and danced, and climbed into
the back of my truck and sat down on a bean bag. He then waved at the crowd who was going crazy with cheers.
The judges were pretty tough on us. Carol Rose said we did a great job but, I hate the but word, especially when she was
mistaken. She thought that we did not do the required walk and made it very clear that she docked us for that. We did
walk twice, as the video will show you. It was a short walk, but all that was required at this mustang competition.
Otherwise we were commended on how we did and hoped to be a reserve champion.
This is were my faith started to be challenged, not defeated as you will see, but definitely challenged. As they announced
the standings. We ended up in third place. I was a little disappointed but still proud of my horse. I now faced the adoption
and the realization that Jabez might not be going home with me. We promoted him as being adopted, but asking his
adopter to be willing to send him home with me and possibly go into a business partnership with him. Jabez being my
demo horse, while advertising for his new owners business. I left Jabez in God's hands at that point and continue to do
everyday. I knew signing up for this competition that I would have to give the horse up and I am glad that this program has
place hundreds of mustangs into good homes. However, I still get so attached and it is very hard for me to let go. It is
also a sacrifice of time I put into this horse as all that he learned I could of been putting into my own demo horse to help
promote my training program and business, so when you give them up you loose all of the time to. Well, Jabez was
adopted. I have to really stand on my faith and trust God as I write this and look to the future. The decision Ryan and I
made at this point may to the outside world look like a wrong one, but we had to stand on our faith and beliefs. The
gentleman who adopted Jabez happens to be in an industry that does not promote or represent family or faith. We had to
decline a business partnership due to what we believe and stand on. This meant I had to let go of Jabez and put him into
Gods hands.
So, how did I end up with second place? The Mustang Heritage Foundation made a mistake when tabulating the final
scores and did not announce or place us correctly. Special thanks to my supportive husband Ryan as he found the
mistake and helped to make it right. We approached them on the following day with questions and they reviewed there
information and found that they had put the wrong formula into there computer which intern produced the wrong results.
This was just human error, but was very disappointing for me. I am OK though, and I will trust in the Lord and his will in
this situation to.
Jabez the Mustang touched my life and my families life. He was made by God for a purpose and demonstrated to me and
to you what faith really means. Giving up on my own efforts to survive this world and eternity on my own, and reaching out
with our heart and soul to depend on a higher authority to sustain us through life and onto eternity. I will continue to pray
for Jabez and his new owners as they start there journey together. They adopted one of the best! Jabez the Mustang!
| I Chronicles 4:9a-10 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers....Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his requests. |
Cindy and Jabez Preliminary IN HAND AND RIDE COURSE Video Cindy and Jabez Freestyle Finals Video Memories Jabez and Cindy at Mustang Magic |
| Special thanks to: My family: Ryan, Colten, Justin, and Madison; my parents: Paul and Carolyn Perry; my dear friends and owners of R&D Ranch, Bill and Sharon Reed; my wonderful friend and producer of my freestyle music program, Rusty Walker; my support crew at the competition; Patti Sweet and Aushlin; my technical support to help me be better educated in training; Todd Wright and Allen Pogue/ Imagine a Horse, and John & Josh Lyons; and my dear friends who are always there for me now matter what AND last but now least my incredible sponsors: Tucker Saddles, Purina Mills, and Roy Frey Western Wear! You all helped me and Jabez feel and look great! |
