Success Stories
Sonny James equine ministries has impacted not only the children it focuses on but their parents and families as well.
College Admission Essay- Team member
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I have always had the struggle of finding where I fit in. I had multiple passions growing up that were on opposite ends of the spectrum. I played volleyball and showed horses. During volleyball season, that was my main focus. I lived and breathed the sport. I loved it. But once season was over every year, my passion changed for the next 9 months, I showed horses all over Texas. I tried to convince myself to pick one or the other for 9 years and I never could, until I received an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. Cherie Morton invited me to come ride and help begin what we now know as the Sonny James Ranch Horse Team. I instantly knew that this was my home. These were my people. This is where I belonged. Since July of 2016, I’ve been riding and showing on the Sonny James Ranch Horse Team. From creating the team prayer and mission statement at Pizza Bar B Que in the tiny town of Whiskey Flats Tx, to vaccinating cattle at Strawn Valley Ranch, and supporting each other at shows, this team of girls and the Morton family have become my second family and helped me grow as a person, in my faith, and as a rider. Before meeting these people, I didn’t understand the true meaning of having someone’s back and having people who believe in you. We are each other’s support systems in everything, whether it be the show ring, soccer field, volleyball court, or academically. While on the Sonny James Ranch Horse Team, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my leadership skills. I’ve always been a natural born leader and able to work with a team, but thelove and passion I felt with these girls is nothing I had ever experienced. Having the privilege of
being Co-Captain of this team, along with my best friend laura, has made me realize that responsibility, honesty, integrity, and perseverance are very important to leading a team. These girls on the team and in the ministry look up to me and my teammates. We are role models for them and that puts a lot of pressure for us to be positive influences in their lives. Seeing these girls’ lives change from being in this program is the greatest accomplishment of all. Since being on this team, I have matured immensely. Cherie has been my number one role model in this area. She is one of the most patient and humble people I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. She’s taught me that biting your tongue and thinking “What would Jesus do?” will get you a lot farther than arguing with someone over small disagreements. I have learned to look at things from the big picture and see what really matters to me and to my future. This has helped me to prioritize my responsibilities and future over thinking in the moment and acting impulsively. I have learned that paying attention to minor details can and will majorly change the outcome in a positive manner. All of these small changes have affected who I am as a person in giant ways. I am not the same person I was in July of 2016. I am a mature, responsible, and thorough young woman. Cherie Morton and this team have touched my life in ways I will never be able to thank them for and because of the impact they have made on me, I hope to touch the lives of those around me. The Sonny James Ranch Horse Team has given me the tools to prosper in my career, given me hope in my abilities, and a future in the equine industry.
“Seeing these girls’ lives change from being in this program is the greatest accomplishment of all.”
— Sarah 17
Realigning with Church - parent
When I was young, I attended church in a formal setting. As I grew older, I strayed because I struggled with some of the behaviors I was seeing from members of the church. Time passed, and in 2006 I became a mother to a beautiful daughter, Jocelyn. I remember thinking about my youth and how, despite my struggles, my faith and moral compass were developed during my earlier journey with God. I wanted Jocelyn to have the same opportunity to experience a journey with God. I tried to help her by attending various churches, but none really “fit”. Little did I know, she would have her opportunity to grow with God through her “hobby”. You see, when Jocelyn was five we went to the rodeo, and she immediately declared that she was going to be a flag girl and live in a horse trailer. She was captivated by the beauty of horses and the flare of the barrel racers. She kept asking to ride horses, and that spring she started taking horseback riding lessons. I thought it was a phase that would soon pass. Goodness was I ever wrong. . . The ranch where Jocelyn had been practicing her “hobby” (for three years) was closing. Jocelyn was sad that we were going to have to find a new place to ride, but soon we were blessed to meet Cherie Morton. Cherie was just starting the Sonny James Equestrian Team when Jocelyn started taking riding lessons with Cherie. Cherie recognized that Jocelyn was a good rider and asked if she would like to join the team. Jocelyn attended her first practice, and I was so nervous. Most of the girls were older than Jocelyn, and I was worried about where she would “fit”. The practice started with a prayer and fellowship, and then the girls began to ride. They were practicing Ranch Pleasure patterns (something completely new for Jocelyn). The team encouraged Jocelyn to try the patterns, and they were very helpful and supportive. We were not only blessed to meet Cherie, but we were blessed to meet this wonderful group of girls and get to spend time with their families.
As we transitioned to a new ranch, I was driving with Cherie and she asked me if I attend church. I told her about my previous experiences. She said “I can understand how you feel. I sometimes attend a cowboy church in Aledo if you want to come.” Fast forward a month or so, I was sitting in that very cowboy church with my daughter, Cherie, the entire team and their families for First Wednesday. I was going through a tough time because my Dad had just had a heart attack. I was worried, but I felt a sense of calm in the church. After I returned from being with my Dad, Jocelyn continued to ride and have fellowship with Sonny James Equestrian Team. Jocelyn also asked to go back to that cowboy church. I was so excited because. . .my daughter WANTED to go to church. A few months went by, and my fiancé Todd started attending church with us. I had a tough summer because my Dad passed away, and few months later my uncle fell ill too. All the while, my Sonny James family was helping through their prayers and friendship. So, when I am asked about Sonny James I say:
This is the place that God has brought amazing horses, girls, and families to touch our lives
This is the place where my daughter explores her passion (I guess it’s not a phase because I am told phases don’t last six years)
This is the place where my daughter started her own journey with Jesus
This is the place where I found my way back to church and Todd joined me and we continue to grow our faith in God together
