DON’T TAKE MY NIGHT HORSE
I suppose some good night horses remain around. But frankly, I don’t know of anyone who needs one. Few men in our country have to work horseback at night, in places with no artificial light.
In the old days on the cattle drives, every man had a night horse. This mount was picketed so he could be instantly caught for night use. He got selected for his sure-footedness, good eyesight, and sense of direction. No snuffy, high-strung horse would do.
What Trail Cowboys Wanted
Cowboys looked for a gentle horse, unexcitable, and smart. On those big cattle drives this special mount was never used, except at night. They wanted to make sure their night horse always stayed fresh and ready to go.
During a night time stampede, the rider’s life depended on his night horse. The horse must be able to see, run at a full gallop, dodge, and keep his footing around 3,000 head of spooked cattle. And the night horse could find his way back to camp on the darkest night.
Not For Sale
Cowboys grew so attached to their night horses it was an insult to ask to buy him. To the cattleman, selling your good night horse equaled selling your wife or kids.
In our day and age, we don’t need a night horse. But it sure would be great to have someone on standby, ready to assist us when the emotional, social, economical, physical, and spiritual stampedes busted loose beneath us.
A Friend Who Sticks Close
Maybe what we all need is a special friend for the dark times in our lives. When a marriage is crumbling. When you lose your job or find out about a serious illness. Or when your kids get arrested by the police and as storms threaten your faith. When your public reputation has been destroyed by others comes the test of true friendship.
That’s when we desperately need a gentle friend, unexcitable, and smart. A friend who can run, dodge, and stand even against the blackest of threats. One friend who you can count on leading you back to camp, back to your family, your faith, and to your Lord.
The Bible says, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
If you already have a friend or two like that, give God the praise. If not, start praying for one. Maybe the best way to locate that type of friend is to begin by being one yourself.
Stephen Bly
Circa 1995
Horses at Night Image by ha11ok from Pixabay
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“Night Horse Treasure” audio podcast by award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Sponsored by BlyBooks.com Legacy Series.
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