Heeding Instruction
Discipline

Groom
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.” Proverbs 12:1
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son, and do not loathe His discipline; for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, just as a father, the son he delights in.” Proverbs 3:11-12
Tack
When riding in a lesson, an instructor’s correction and coaching can sometimes be perceived as needless punishment or disapproval. While some trainers are guilty of that, most of them discipline because they’re attempting to help their equestrian athlete reach their potential. Unfortunately, some riders often reject discipline by ignoring their instructor or quit riding all together. Those equestrians miss out on essential lessons and never benefit from the knowledge of their trainer.
God has given us His Word that provides everything we need to know. The question then becomes whether you will reject His corrections or follow the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:11-12.
Ride
- Why is it important for a riding instructor to enforce certain expectations such as safety, excellent equitation, riding consistently and heeding their instruction while in a lesson?
- Tell about a time when you saw a rider benefit from receiving discipline from their instructor? How about a time that you benefitted from your trainer’s discipline? How did your riding and your horse benefit from heeding the corrections your instructor/trainer made?
- What are some reasons why receiving discipline is difficult?
- Discipline is any form of instruction, training or correction that helps someone follow expectations in order to achieve the intended result.
- How is your trainer or instructor helping you and your horse through discipline?
- How does God’s discipline show that He loves us?
Cool Down
God, help me to receive my trainer's discipline with humility and show me how I am rejecting Your discipline right now. Thank you for loving me in a way that pushes me to be better. Amen.
*Adapted from devotion written by Nathan Bliss
FCA Equestrian Devotionals and Blog




