Southern Strides

10/26/2026

Cooper teaching our student about the importance of body language when working with horses, energy control and about life!

10/25/2026

Family session focusing on communication dynamics and emotional regulation to improve relationships.

10/21/2026

Hollywood’s big moment! If you know Hollywood, you know he’s always been scared of the big ball. He usually runs around and tries to avoid it completely. Our student and Christina worked with Hollywood today in helping him conquer his fear of it and much to their surprise, he accepted the challenge! Like all of us, horses can make obstacles seem a bit more scary in their minds than they actually are in reality! Sometimes we just have to turn, face the obstacle head on and conquer it!

10/09/2026

10/05/2026

Trauma is cruel! Anyone who has experienced trauma knows it reshapes how you approach every aspect of life. Often, this reshaping is rooted in fear, leading us to try to control everything to prevent future pain. Life, however, will keep throwing sour lemons regardless of our fears. If we let these hardships negatively change us, we must consider what that means for our health and relationships as we grow older, especially if we never learn to navigate in a healthy way. The Word of God reminds us that we will face trials and tribulations—not might but will! Yet, God’s faithfulness assures us that these struggles are not insurmountable. His Word gives us essential strategy to renew our minds and help us navigate difficulties to victory. While some traumas may seem to offer no victory, the true triumph lies in enduring life’s storms with God and emerging stronger on the other side!

-Christina

Romans 12:2 (AMP)
And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

2 Corinthians 4:16 (AMP)
Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.

Psalm 34:18 (NLT)
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

09/27/2026

Training horses is a demanding endeavor filled with numerous challenges and setbacks as you strive to forge a true partnership and cultivate a seamless team with your horse. While you begin with a clear vision of your goals, the journey often veers off path. Life itself mirrors the process of horse training: some days you wake with high hopes, only to be quickly met with disappointment after disappointment, testing your resolve and dedication.

You have the power to choose your perspective on disappointments. You can succumb to anger and despair, or you can transform each setback into a valuable lesson, allowing God to turn them into stepping stones for your greatest breakthroughs. Gratitude is the ultimate remedy for life’s disappointments—it requires as much effort to focus on frustrations as it does to recognize and appreciate the incredible blessings in your life. By speaking aloud the magnificent blessings yet to come, you demonstrate unwavering faith that they are on their way, even before you see them. Walking with God through trials and tribulations assures you that every disappointment is ultimately used for your good. His vision for what’s best for your life surpasses our own expectations—trust that His plans are far greater than anything you could imagine. Endure with faith, and watch the remarkable breakthroughs unfold.
-Christina

Hebrews 11:1
“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” NLT

Romans 5:3-4
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” NLT

Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” NLT

09/26/2026

Christina and Shiloh training and having fun! If you know Shiloh, you know his playful personality and that everything has to be fun and games!

09/23/2026

In horsemanship training, we teach students how proper body position is essential in communicating to our equine teammate but also in our everyday life. Our nonverbal language is just as important as our verbal language when communicating with others. Phoenix is doing a great job helping the student understand this communication dynamic.