Forward in Faith was honored to recognize Tish Campos as the 2025 Instructor of the Year at our home horse show in October. Tish has been a devoted and inspiring member of the Forward in Faith family, and her journey is a powerful testimony of God’s redeeming work.
A Divine Appointment
Covid-19 hit hard for so many people, and this was especially true for Tish. Tish entered one of the most difficult seasons of her life. She contracted COVID-19 and battled severe complications that left her fighting for her life for nearly a year. Weak and uncertain, she believed her days of working with horses were behind her.
When she was strong enough, Tish’s husband encouraged her to attend a horse conference. In what she calls a “God moment,” she met an instructor at this conference who urged her to explore a horse ministry in Alabama. That ministry was Forward in Faith Ranch, and no one knew what God had in store. God was orchestrating something that only He could at just the right time.
A New Beginning
The first day Tish walked onto the ranch, Elizabeth sensed the Lord was doing something special. Although Tish appeared fragile and struggled to make it down the hill, her determination and the spark in her eyes told a different story.
From that moment forward, Tish became a treasured part of Forward in Faith. Over the past four years, she has grown into a confident, passionate instructor who challenges her students with excellence and cheers for them with genuine joy. Her well-known stirrup-less canter lessons and the deep care she pours into every rider has blessed countless students.
A Life Transformed
Upon receiving her award, Tish reflected on her journey:
“Forward in Faith Ranch saved my life. My whole life I have been searching—asking the Lord, ‘Where do I belong?’ Forward in Faith taught me what it is to be part of a community.”
She continued:
“When I went home that night, I looked at a lifetime of awards and accomplishments—things I worked hard for and relationships I treasured. But now, God has shown me that He wants to use me to truly make a difference—to give back to the next generation.”
Her words remind us that the greatest legacy we leave is not in achievements, but in the lives we touch.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’
And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” — Isaiah 6:8
A Heart That Continues to Pour Out
Forward in Faith is profoundly grateful for Tish’s obedience to God’s call and the love she continues to pour into every rider, volunteer, and horse she encounters. Her story is a testament to God’s healing power and the beauty of a life surrendered to His purpose.
