There have been several well-known cowboys and cowgirls in the western horse world that have made a statement by doing things with their own unique approach. From purple clad Saddle Bronc star Casey Tibbs to brightly adorned helmet wearing Fallon Taylor, these folks’ pair their personal style and charisma with honest talent and hard work.
The best trainers and equestrians know that there is no such thing as one size fits all. These are the ones who take the untouchables and turn them into strong partners. The men and women who develop their own approach, allowing creativity and patience in place of a textbook formula. The ones that can overcome the challenges of working with animals that cannot verbally answer our demands and questions.
Onslow County, NC sports its very own horsemanship hero of this degree who thinks outside the box and gets the job done. A marine as tough as the one she is married to, a Christian who starts the day in devotional time even before jumping into daily chores, a woman who exudes enthusiasm and try: this is drive, this is passion; this is Jessica Shively.
I had the pleasure of riding in a cattle clinic with Jessica and her husband Josh at Cavvietta Quarter Horse and Cattle Co when Tim Carothers was in town (look for those features coming up!). I’ve since gotten to watch the Shivelys seek to serve those around them and be a light in dark corners.
On their farm, Jessica’s talent as a PATH Intl therapeutic riding instructor and Mustang Heritage Foundation Trainer serves individuals battling obstacles ranging from PTSD to Cerebral Palsy and provides a space where burdens can be left behind, and hope acquired.
Some horses have made their way to Trail of Faith through previous abuse or being deemed problems, while others are fresh off the western range, too new to humans to have earned many labels, and fortunate to be in the hands of a woman who sees beyond what society says. Jessica has a special knack for the horses that others have given up on and works to bring them into a bond based on faith in their master’s leadership rather than fear. As she fosters willingness from the horse rather than mere toleration of one’s teachings, she discovers the hidden talents and genuine personalities of each horse.
In describing the process, she seamlessly points out the parallels between working with horses and a relationship with God. The virtues of love, patience, peace, joy, kindness, and gentleness, among others, come into play in tangible forms. Not one to give up, Jessica credits her own turbulent childhood to bringing her to horses and giving her a powerful testimony of survival.
One of the current growing projects is her work with wild mustangs. As she says, “of course the idea of a wild horse, to me just screams ‘Merica. Where I’m a Combat Veteran and have served my country, why not also be a helping hand in preserving my countries foundational growth such as the mustang’s heritage.”
In the past few months alone, she and her mustang in training “Valor’ placed 9th out of 73 participants in the GA exposition of TIP (Trainer Incentive Program) trainers. When not training mustangs, teaching lessons, helping with 4-H, doing chores, or being a rock star wife, Jessica enjoys the company of the horses who call Trail of Faith Farms home. Below is a little about each horse in her own words.
If you’re looking for a sanctuary not far from the sea, with the heart of the west, and the pursuit of the Gospel, go spend a day at Trail of Faith Farm.
Introducing the Horses of TOFF as described by Jessica:
Rocket– APHA paint horse, I’ve had this horse for 20 years. He’s been there through some of the hardest times in my life, he’s I guess what you could call ‘my heart horse’
Apache-APHA paint, AKA my wild child, she’s a cool mare, I’ve learned a lot from her so far, even when she “humbly dismounts” me
Cashmere– Percheron/QH cross, AKA Diva Dragon, boss mare, sweetest girl as she’s my go to for therapy lessons and for my beginner students, she’s a more whoa than go horse.
Leroy Gibbs– he’s a palomino/app cross, more of a slender built guy, but he makes that up in his personality, he is a fantastic mount for some of my high functioning Autistic students, he loves to ride out on trail obstacles, he’s a playful soul, down to learn anything, and you can even shoot guns off this horse.
Hank– the coolest horse, donated, ex reiner, been there, done that, great for beginner thru advanced riders, and an awesome off site go to show, trail ride whatever you want horse
Flicka and Spartan– Shetland ponies, one rides, Spartan drives
Rue– was just donated about 3 weeks ago, he’s still learning the routine, the previous owners did great with him, prior to them, Rue was abused, beat pretty bad, possibly flipped over, and just cowboyed.
Grace– BLM Mustang from North Stillwater NV, got her after someone abandoned her after Hurricane Florence, this horse has taught me a lot about Grace, she was abused, handled wrong, and her go to response was to rear, even when you tried to halter her, she just needed kindness, patience, and through all of the things she experienced, she has shown me so much grace to trust me to lead her.
Jet– ½ mustang, another horse we picked up after Hurricane Florence
Valor– BLM mustang, 2 years old, captured from Antelope, NV
