Hi Everyone

[Aspen Taylor Black]

Well, I'm relatively new here and still setting up my page, so I thought I would introduce myself and write a little about my ministry.  My name is Aspen, and I am a singer/songwriter, poet, and horseman (woman).  I have been married for just over 10 years to my husband, James, and we have two children- a son named Riley (age 9), and a daughter named Alice (age 7).  We live in the mountains of Southern Virginia with our horses, dogs, and cats.

God has blessed me richly with horses and music, therefore, I have two areas of ministry.  Musically, I am a performing songwriter of Christian, Western, and Folk music.  I play solo, as a duo with my husband, and as the leader of the Christian Folkgrass band, Empowered.  I also perform with my dancing horse, Foxies Gambler, as "Cowgirls to the Cross". 

With horses, I am the founder of the "Empowered Riding" method.  It is a Christian-influenced method for recreational riders (trail riders, "backyard" riders, etc.).  Our motto is " be safe, and have fun".  My book (due out in spring of 2013) guides riders of all ages (but especially adult beginners and "re"-ginners) through a home study program that encompasses choosing the right horse, building a trusting relationship, basic riding skills, more advanced riding skills, horse care, farm setup, and motivational ways to enjoy your horse.  All of this is interspersed with Bible passages and testimonies from everyday Christian living.  Aside from my book, I also teach a limited number of private lessons and give clinics.

I have been teaching lessons and training horses at my ranch for almost 20 yrs.   I also work for the Franklin County Public Schools in enrichment and remediation. 

I am really excited about meeting everyone on here and becoming friends with others who share the love of Jesus Christ! 

I'll close for now.

Blessings,

Aspen