Riding Teams
All participants in Sonny James Equine Ministries are grouped into teams according to age and experience with horses. Each team has its own set of goals and activities while they all share the same passions…a love for horses and Christ.
Mission statement:
Our mission as Sonny James Equestrian Team is to glorify the Lord through our actions and horsemanship, as well as to be an example to other riders by showing perseverance and integrity through faith.
Team Prayer:
Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for the blessings of these horses, the opportunity to ride for you, and to use our actions and skills for your glory. Please keep us safe, our horses safe, and at the end of the ride, we pray our actions and choices will further your kingdom. Amen.
Team Bible Verse:
"Whatever you do, ride with all your heart, riding for the Lord and not for man." Colossians 3:23
Ranch Horse Team
Sonny James Equine Ministries was founded based on the Ranch Horse Team. The team consists of girls from all age groups who have advanced riding skills, and their families can make an annual commitment to lessons, shows, and training. The Ranch Horse Team competes in shows with the Stock Horse of Texas, the National Reined Cow Horse Association, the Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association, Texas 4-H and the National Cutting Horse Association. The team members also participate in multiple clinics, activities at Parker County Cowboy Church, volunteer work, and mentoring to the younger girls in our program. All these young ladies are strong in their faith, ride with a purpose, and shine for the Lord. Our goal is to ensure that the young ladies will be touched to live for God and carrying SJEM with them as they go to college to compete on collegiate ranch horse teams.
Horsemanship Team
The Horsemanship Team is designed for girls who are working toward being on the Ranch Horse Team. The skill level of the girls varies, but they are strong riders who want to continue to grow. The events for this team are local, and most of them take place at Parker County Cowboy Church. Individuals from this team are invited to participate in events with the Ranch Horse Team during the year. These team members compete in Ranch Pleasure, Ranch Trail, Ranch Reining, and some Ranch Cow Work. The girls are also involved in activities at Parker County Cowboy Church, volunteer work, and mentoring newer girls in our program. All these young ladies are strong in their faith, ride with a purpose, and shine for the Lord. Our goal is to ensure that the young ladies will be touched to live for God and carrying SJEM as they advance to the Ranch Horse Team.
Rodeo Team
The Rodeo Team is designed for all skill level and ages. This team participates in local events, including most of the Parker County Cowboy Church PlayDays, B.R.A.T races and the High School Rodeo Association. These team members compete in barrel racing, pole bending, and other speed events. The girls are also involved in activities at Parker County Cowboy Church, volunteer work, and mentoring to the younger girls in our organization. All these young ladies are strong in their faith, ride with a purpose, and shine for the Lord. Our goal is to encourage these young ladies improve their individual skill levels and confidence to move onto college rodeo teams or other equine programs in the industry.
Fellowship Team
Sonny James Equine Ministries (SJEM) inspires riders of all ages to improve their skills through faith in God. There are three teams and a lesson program that make-up the ministry. Utilizing their passion for horses, the riding teams, and lesson program, the ministry helps young women and men to leaders and volunteers in their communities. The young women and men are encouraged to grow their faith in God and share the Message with others.
