There can only be one winner in the race and everybody knows it. This is the reason why those placing bets are so careful about their selection. The stakes can get very high and choosing the wrong horse can cost someone thousands of dollars. Everyone scouts the horses in search for a horse of a different color.
As mentioned before, the paddock is the green area where the horses are saddled prior to the race, as well as where the onlookers can more carefully examine the prospects. Although all the horses in the paddock have been trained for the race, there is only one that has been trained for the win.
The telltale signs of a horse that is not ready for the race are obvious; sluggishness, nervousness, sweating, holding its head down, and bucking. This can be seen in many a horse but what is few and far between is the spirit of confidence found in a champion horse.
A horse isn’t born with race winning confidence but instead is trained up this way. There are many factors that contribute into this training including how the horse is handled, consistency, reliability, and connection. The trainer works hard at establishing these core fundamentals off the track in order that the horse would be successful on the track. Because a good trainer knows that a champion spirit is built behind the scenes and not when crossing the finish line.
A horse of a different color is a rare commodity. It is the excellence in which it performs that separates it from the rest. Contrary to what some believe, it is the effort and discipline before the race that bring the win and not a streak of luck.
I like to believe that I am a horse of a different color ready for the race. Although, I have to admit there are times I feel more like a pony going around in circles in an endless ring. As I patiently wait for my turn to be loaded into the starting gate, I am reminded continually that my race has been promised and I have been bred for the win.
A champion horse is a product of its trainer and likewise, we are products of a master trainer. One who handles us gently and knows when to pull the reins. One who is consistent in His love for us and never gives up in spite of our “pony” moments. One we can rely on to strengthen our weak areas before ever putting us out on the track, and finally, One who we have connection with.
Great metaphor. I love what you say here: “A champion horse is a product of its trainer and likewise, we are products of a master trainer. One who handles us gently and knows when to pull the reins. One who is consistent in His love for us and never gives up in spite of our “pony” moments.” Great message here.
Thanks Debbie. I appreciate your comment.
“I have been bred for the win.” Amen!
Amen! Glad you are too!
This is such a fine word picture that I am able to connect with even though I do not know horses. But I love them and my husband’s father was a real cowboy back at the turn of the last century, ranching, herding cattle. So talk of horses has been a familiar conversation over the years. I am thankful for our God Who loves me gently and faithfully even in my “pony moments.”
Connecting through Kelly’s today. and glad I did…much food for thought.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Thank you Linda for your thoughts and I am glad you connected through Kelly’s. Yes, His gentle love and faithfulness is something else!
I’ve been in the paddock – and it is an exciting place to be! Just like those trained race horses have a team behind them – so God does for us – and that is exciting. The hometown Louisville girl in me loves your post!
I am glad you were able to relate. You are absolutely correct, the paddock is an exciting place. Everything about the race is important including the preparation stage. Thank you for your comment.
Wow! What a colorful and captivating post Rosie. I love the use of horses in your article and your writing style! I have confidence in the Almighty trainer.(my Savior , Jesus Christ). So I will train(read my bible, pray and obey Him) and learn everything I can so I will be prepared to win(shine as a champion for Him) when the time is right. I am so glad I found your site on Intentional Tuesday. I will definitely have to return. Have a wonderful week and may God richly bless you in all your endeavors!
Thank you for stopping by and checking out my post. It’s the work before the race that counts and I can see you are preparing well! I appreciate your comment and please come back and visit 🙂
I love how you were able to weave the horse training and racing into our need to be ready for the race of life. You even hit our topic today at The Loft….mentoring, when you wrote about the trainer. Thanks for linking up today at The Loft
Hi Leah, yes I noticed it was similar. I appreciate you allowing me to link up. Thanks for the comment.
What you said is so true, “Contrary to what some believe, it is the effort and discipline before the race that bring the win and not a streak of luck.”
Effort and discipline are words we don’t like to hear but if we invest in them, the pay off is tremendous!
I couldn’t agree with you more; effort and discipline are not our favorite words, but they are necessary. Nothing comes easy. thank you for sharing Jerralea.
My favorite part of this article is when you said, “it is the effort and discipline before the race that bring the win and not a streak of luck.” This is such a deep and penetrating truth. Thanks for inspiring me to be a horse of a different color today.
Thanks for your comment Sarah. All bets are on you! 🙂
I love anologies, and this is a great one! We do need to be confident. We can do all things through Chrisk who gives us strength, and boring do we need it running this race of life! Thanks for sharing at the Loft!
Glad you liked it Robbi. Yes, we absolutely need it!
I’ve lived in Kentucky my whole life and was born in Louisville two days before Derby, so I totally appreciate this post. 🙂 I’m glad you linked up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
Im glad you enjoyed it Kristin 🙂 thanks for the comment and thanks for the link up.