A midst this whole moving debacle that won't seem to end, I have neglected to tell you about one of our finest horses. And since our horses are like family members, it's the equivalent of having another child and not filling out their baby book, or sending out birth announcements.
Oh, the guilt!
Earlier this year, we got a little sorrel mare that turned out to be a bad fit for my 7 year old. Although she was soft mouthed, and really sensitive to leg cues, she had some horrible habits that we didn't have time to break... and she frequently lost her mind. When we started referring to her by the name given to Woodrow's horse on Lonesome Dove, we knew it was time to get rid of her.
Life's too short to ride bad horses.
Then, like a beacon of light shining down from Heaven, this gray gelding came into our lives out of the blue.
A friend of ours knew that we were looking for another horse for the kids, and asked if we'd like to have Cade. Her 16 year old daughter rode barrels on him, and used him for rodeo queen flag running and parades. She had been training up a younger, faster horse and Cade wasn't getting used much any more. She could do just about anything on him including flips off his back, and nothing phased him. He was perfect for young kids and crowded arena events.
Our friend knew that he'd be spoiled rotten, pampered, and adored by three horse-crazy kids if he came to live with us. She also knew that he would get the chance to be ridden often, go on trail rides, and chase a cow every now and then. Plus, his rodeo experience would be put to good use with 4-H events.
Cade is a hunk of sweetness and sunshine. He's a gentle and kind-hearted soul and we are so thankful to have him.
He and Jake became fast friends, and although he's at least 15 years younger than Jake, we still refer to them both as "old men".
He's got scars on his nose and neck, and if horses could talk, I'm sure he'd have a great story to tell of all of his adventures. The minute my husband unloaded him out of the trailer, the kids gave him a bath, and spent a good hour grooming him until he sparkled. I think that's a great way to bond horses with people.
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They have a tremendous respect for old things, old people, and apparently....old horses.
Jake and Cade take good care of my babies, and we, in turn, take good care of them.
I'm thankful to add Cade to the list of things that warm this mamma's heart.
Nell
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That is awesome! "old" ranch horses are the best for kids. They've been there done that and have the t-shirt to prove it. :) Congrats on an awesome pony for your kids!
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