Brandy’s hooves stir up dust as she races around the arena. Rider Adison Wright holds Brandy’s reins in one hand. She has a giant flag in the other. Cactus with rider Elly Rainey isn’t far behind. A dozen other riders on horses follow them in formation. The horses are fast. Their riders are skilled. Ridin’ on Faith Ministries is an equestrian flag team. It performs at rodeos and other events. The team uses horses, music, skits, and flags to tell about Jesus.
Lisa Searcy founded Ridin’ on Faith Ministries in 2011. The riders on her team love horses. But they love Jesus even more! The Ridin’ on Faith team’s key verse is Colossians 3:17. It says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
These athletes are excellent horseback riders. They range in age from six to 32. Each has her own horse. Just like the riders, the horses audition for their place on the team. They are not afraid of big flags or loud music. The riders work hard to teach their horses how to move to music. The songs and skits they perform are carefully chosen to tell people about Jesus and the hope we have in Him.
The riders and their horses meet weekly to learn new routines and practice old ones. “I don’t think people realize what goes on behind the scenes,” says Coach Jennifer Ingle. First, the riders learn each routine on foot. They may look silly galloping around the arena––but not for long! Soon, the riders mount their horses and slowly ride them through the choreographed steps. With each practice, the routines get better and faster. Coach Ingle loves watching her riders grow year after year. Older teammates encourage younger ones. Ridin’ on Faith is a family.
Ella Womack is new to the team this year. “Even on hard days, my friends and coach cheer me up. I love Ridin’ on Faith,” she says.
The team performs across the southeastern United States. They do routines at fairs, rodeos, prisons, nursing homes, summer camps, churches, and orphanages. “It doesn’t matter if there are 10 people or 1,000,” says Mrs. Searcy. “We reach people that may not ever go to church. We have a simple message. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
