"The Saddle: Equipped for the Ride"
- Ephesians 2:10 — "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."
- Matthew 11:28–30 — "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Hebrews 12:1 — "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..."
INTRO: "Every Rider Needs a Saddle"
“REPEAT AFTER ME: The saddle fits the ride.”
“SAY IT WITH ME: The saddle fits the ride.”
Visual Aid: Saddle on display from the start.
- Start by holding a saddle or walking around it as you talk.
Illustration:
“Whether you're a cowboy, an equestrian, a trainer, or just someone who grooms and guides — we all need the right tools for the ride ahead. God has a saddle that fits every calling, every role, and every kind of rider in His kingdom.”
We try to ride bareback through life — but without what God gives us, it’s exhausting. The truth is… the saddle He fits you with isn’t a burden — it’s a blessing. That’s why today we’re declaring: The Saddle Fits the Ride.
Types of “Horse” people: Horseman/woman, rider, equestrian, trainer, handler, breeder, groom,farrier, hand/manager, cowboy/girl, rancher, wrangler, racer, roper, dressage, jumper, hunter, eventer.
“Whether you're a cowboy in the arena, a parent in the kitchen, a teacher in the classroom, a student trying to find your way, or someone just holding on through the storms of life — you need the right tools for the journey.
The saddle may look different for each of us. For some, it’s grace to endure. For others, it’s wisdom to lead, or peace to stay steady in pressure.
But here’s the truth — God doesn’t call anyone without equipping them.
He gives you what you need to carry what you’re called to do.
He fits the saddle to the rider, and the ride to the purpose.”
That’s why when the road gets rough, and the trail seems long, we can hold on — because the saddle fits the ride. You may not understand it in the moment, but He tailored you for this.
- “God fits you for what He’s called you to carry — not just in church, but in life.”
- “It doesn’t matter if you’re riding herd, raising kids, fixing trucks, or fighting battles in your mind — there’s a saddle for your season.”
- “Whether you lead the charge or support behind the scenes, the ride still matters — and the saddle still fits.”
- Single moms and dads — “your saddle might be strength and stamina”
- Teachers or nurses — “your saddle might be compassion and clarity”
- Teens — “your saddle might be identity and direction”
- Businessmen/women — “your saddle might be discernment and discipline”
- Retirees or the overlooked — “your saddle might be wisdom and quiet influence”
“You may not be a cowboy or a show jumper…
But God knows exactly where you are — and He’s crafted the exact equipment for your journey.
You don’t have to borrow someone else’s gift, calling, or path.
The saddle He gave you fits the ride He called you to.”
It is not just the people who are different. People’s tools are different as well. Those tools can be related to the saddle:
There are dozens of saddle types, but they generally fall into two main categories: Western and English. Within each category, there are specific saddle types designed for different disciplines (field of study/expertise), jobs (careers), or rider preferences (likes/wants).
15+ types of “Western Saddles”: Ranch, Roping, Barrel Racing, Trail, Cutting, Reining, Show, Pleasure, Endurance, Wade, Training, Youth, Mounted Shooting, Western Parade, Working Cowboy.
12-15 more “English” saddles, and 5-10 more specialty and hybrid saddles.
"Just like there are different saddles for different riders and rides — ranch, rodeo, trail, or show — God fits each of us with what we need. You don’t need someone else’s saddle to ride your trail. You just need to trust the One who knows exactly what fits your call."
So when you feel unqualified, when you feel worn down — remember: God’s not asking you to ride someone else’s trail. He’s saying: You’re built for this one. The saddle fits your story. The saddle fits your ride.
So you may ask, why is there a need for so many different saddles?
- First off – there are there are that many and more types of people.
- The distinction between the “Western” and the “English” saddles holds a key as to why we are talking about saddles today.
- The distinction between Western and English saddles comes down to history, purpose, and riding style. Each evolved for different types of work and environments (different careers and surroundings, if you will), and their design reflects their function.
Why this Distinction Matters:
Each saddle is a tool made for the job. So allow me to say this another way: “Different people possess and require different tools.”:
- Western Saddles are like a pickup truck — built tough for long days, hard work, and carrying a load.
- English Saddles are like a sports car — built for precision, responsiveness, and speed.
“Some of us are built for long-haul endurance. Others for precise assignments. But no matter the saddle, no matter the style — when it’s placed by the Master, it fits the purpose.
Your saddle isn’t a burden — it’s the blessing that equips you for the ride you were born to take.”
POINT 1: The Saddle Is a Tool of the One in Control
Scripture: Hebrews 13:21 — “Equip you in every good thing to do His will...”
- A saddle isn’t something the horse chooses — it’s chosen and placed by the master.
- God doesn’t just use the Bible and prayer — He uses your story. Your pain. Your upbringing. Your scars. Your skills. Those are your saddles — the tools (positive or negative) that fit your ride.
- Real-Life saddles for us common folk today:
- A Rough Childhood
- Someone who grew up in instability or poverty may have learned resilience, street-smarts, or deep compassion for the broken.
That’s a saddle — forged in survival but now used in ministry.
"You didn’t just survive it — God shaped a saddle that lets you ride with wisdom others don’t have."
- Addiction Recovery
Someone who’s been through addiction and healing now carries the ability to walk with others through their valleys.
That’s a saddle of testimony and empathy.
"You know the trail out of the darkness — now you're equipped to lead others down it.
- Broken Relationships / Divorce
Hard lessons from heartbreak have taught them grace, humility, and how to counsel others.
That’s a saddle of wisdom through pain.
"God doesn’t waste heartbreak — He forges strength in it."
- Being Raised by Grandparents / Nontraditional Upbringing
Grew up different, always feeling like the outsider — now they know how to see the unseen.
That’s a saddle of perspective.
"Your path was unusual — because your purpose is, too."
- Blue-Collar Work Ethic
Factory workers, mechanics, farmers, truckers — raised to work hard and stay humble.
That’s a saddle of endurance and reliability.
"Faith isn't always flashy — sometimes it shows up at 6 a.m. with steel-toe boots."
- Military Background
Discipline, leadership, and sacrifice — they know how to carry weight and keep marching.
That’s a saddle of courage and order.
"Some of the strongest warriors in God’s army wear uniforms and scars."
- Loss and Grief
A mother who lost a child, a man who buried a spouse — they carry quiet wisdom and depth.
That’s a saddle of deep comfort and strength.
"Your tears watered the path others will now walk with your help."
- Single Parenthood
Learned to carry double the weight with half the help — and still showed up.
That’s a saddle of grit and grace.
"You were never riding alone — and now you ride with others in tow."
- Former Rebel / Outlaw Spirit
People who fought the system, questioned everything — now they fight for Christ with boldness.
That’s a saddle of passion and fire.
"God doesn’t tame your fire — He aims it."
- Being Overlooked or Underestimated
The quiet ones, the late bloomers, the ones who never felt “seen.”
That’s a saddle of humility and power-in-hidden-places.
"The ones others overlook are often the ones God rides in with."
- “Every scar, every setback, every season you thought disqualified you — God was shaping a saddle. You thought it was breaking you. He was fitting you.”
- God equips His people for His purposes, not just for comfort, but for mission.
- Illustration: “A smart cowboy doesn’t just grab any old saddle and throw it on any horse. He takes the time to fit the right saddle — because every horse is built a little different, and every ride has a different goal.
You don’t use a rodeo saddle for a trail ride, and you don’t put a lightweight saddle on a horse that’s about to rope cattle.
And in the same way — God doesn't just toss something on your back and say, ‘Figure it out.’
He fits what you're carrying to who you are.
Your background, your struggles, your personality — even the stuff you thought disqualified you — God has been shaping that into the perfect fit for the ride He’s called you to take.”
Tie-In: You’re not outfitted randomly — your gifts, personality, and experiences are part of how God has equipped you for the journey (the ride).
POINT 2: The Saddle Makes the Ride Bearable
Scripture: Matthew 11:29–30 — “Take My yoke upon you... My burden is light.”
Message:
- Riding bareback, on your own (no tools/saddle) may look wild and free, but it’ll wear you out fast.
- God gives us spiritual tools — the Word, the Spirit, the church, prayer — not to restrain us but to strengthen and sustain us.
- The saddle is not a restriction — it’s a grace tool.
- When life tries to buck you off — it’s the saddle that steadies you. And if God placed it on you — He’s saying, ‘I’ve already prepared you. I’ve already fitted you. You can ride this out with Me.’
Example: (Bobby explains the saddle and the purpose)
Components of the saddle have a specific purpose, just like God’s components have a specific purpose in your life. We need to learn to identify and utilize them.
The stirrups give balance. (God’s TRUTH gives you balance)
The horn gives you an anchor. (God’s DISCIPLINES give you something to anchor to)
The cinch strap keeps things tight when the ride gets rough. (God’s PRESENCE keeps things tight when life gets rough)
So do God's truths, disciplines, and presence.
POINT 3: The Saddle Is Not About How You Look — It’s About How You Last
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:21 — “Useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”
Visual Aid Moment: Bring out both saddles — one old, worn, cracked... and one new, polished, custom-crafted.
Key Line:
You might feel cracked and weathered… or you might still be shining from the start line. But both are ready, both are usable — because the saddle fits the ride.
“One of these has stories to tell. One has yet to see the trail. But both are ready to carry the rider if they’re willing. Just like us — God uses both the broken-in and the brand-new.”
Message:
- You may feel worn down by life — but if you're still willing, you’re still useful.
- You may be new to the journey — but if you're surrendered, God will equip you.
- The saddle fits the ride because the Master fitted it for you.
CLOSING REFLECTION:
Bring it all together...
“Whether you feel like that old saddle — worn and weathered — or like the brand-new one — crafted and waiting, the truth is the same:
God’s not looking at the condition of the leather… He’s looking at the heart that’s willing to carry His purpose.
He’s fitted you for this ride. The saddle fits — because He made it that way.”
INVITATION / TRANSITION TO SONG:
- Invite people to recommit to using the tools God has given.
- Invite those who feel worn out to find rest in His grace.
- Then introduce the song with this line:
“You may not have felt like the right fit. You may have questioned your worth. But the One who made you — He doesn’t make mistakes. He doesn’t fit you with failure. He fits you with purpose.
Whether you’re just getting started or carrying dust from decades of riding, the truth remains —
The saddle fits the ride. Because the Rider knows your story.
And now… let’s listen. Let’s receive. This song is our prayer.”
