At the southern ends of the earth, south of Aukland, New Zealand, Navigator Juliet Cayzer and her horse, Pilgrim, are shown here participating in a horsemanship competition. Spirited and playful, Pilgrim ended up being the star horse of the day, helping Juliet to take first place. The victory demonstrated Juliet’s ability to communicate well with Pilgrim as they traversed many obstacles on the course.

Juliet’s passion for horses started when she was a child. Over the years, she’s mastered many aspects of equestrian sports and handling horses. Working with a horse (the right way), she says, resembles the manner in which God relates to His people—with gentle guidance rather than dictatorial force.

Horses have opened doors for Juliet and her husband, Simon, to develop friendships with other New Zealanders who share the same interest. Simon serves as the country leader for the Navigator work in New Zealand, but he shovels his fair share of horse manure and joins Juliet at competitions. Together they focus on serving “everybody and anybody in any way.”

This attitude of service and friendship has opened doors for many conversations about God and faith within the “horse community,” says Simon. Some are quite distant from faith in God and others are more receptive. Some have moved in God’s direction, even if in small ways.

Juliet’s dedication to equestrian sport also serves as a model for how we all might integrate recreation and hobbies with friendships—in ways that open doors for the Gospel. What is your passion?