09/29/2026
These words were shared by the leader (she and her husband run it) of Flickerwood Little Britches.
To the rodeo mama who has been awake praying before the sun was up-
I see you. I’m in the trailer parked next to you doing the same thing.
We know how much laundry this weekend brings, we know the mess our family will make in the trailer, we know what we will pay in fees- and we don’t mind those things because we know they mean we to get the opportunity to raise our kids in this lifestyle.
What we are up praying for are all the things we DON’T know- but we know the One who does. We aren’t praying for calves that run straight, perfect patterns, goats that won’t get up, or fastest times. We are praying for things that are so much more important.
The smallest boots in our trailer now wear spurs and are used to control her pony all on her own. I’m praying over her safety, I’m praying they have so much fun, I’m praying she will grow in confidence, and I’m praying she won’t see that I’m more nervous than she is.
I’m praying for my cowboy who moved up an age division and notices everything. I’m praying he won’t compare himself to the other kids but will just chase his own personal goals.
I’m praying for my cowboy who struggles to manage his emotions, that he would take success with humility and defeat with grace and that he would stay out of his own head and listen to truth.
I’m praying they are cultivating friendships that will last a lifetime, and that they are encouragers to others- especially their competition. That they would be Salt and Light around the arena, and that they always remember choosing Jesus and how they represent Him with their lives will ALWAYS be greater than anything they do on this dirt.
I’m thanking God for these horses that are their partners and praying that they will work together like partners and best friends ought to. I’m praying that horses and riders stay safe on every run.
I’m praying my kids see Jesus in me and how I handle myself as I watch them chase their dreams. I’m praying they appreciate the sacrifices they see us make to give them this life, but also see we were happy to make them because it is worth it to ground them in hard work and strong character.
And praying rodeo mama, I’m praying for you too- cause we live this life in community. It is most likely at some point this weekend my kid will bum food off you, or ask you to hold his horse, or need to be scolded for doing something dumb. There will probably be some days my sons will be trying to saddle or unsaddle a horse on their own and realize they need help when I’m not around, and you will be glad to jump in and help. But more importantly some day up and down this road my kids are going to be willing to listen to you more than their own mama- and I’m praying you will have just the words their head and heart need to hear that day. And I pray for opportunities to return the favor and breathe belief into your kids on their hard days and cheer just a loud as you when they run a PR or win their first saddle.
And tonight, when the exhausted kids are bathed and in bed, and things are dark and quiet we will be praying again- thanking God for the blessing of this sport, and the day it has been. Asking for grace and forgiveness for those times today where we failed, and praising God for the chance to go do it all again next weekend.
