If you've been waiting for pics/vid of Caiden & Touchdown...

[Jenni]

We've had some unseasonably warm weather here in WI (not to worry though blizzard conditions are on their way for Friday, ugg). Anyway I took advantage of the good weather to get Caiden out on Touchdown for his first real rides. Last night we went for a quick ride down the road - Me on Twister, Kelsey on Sofia and Caiden on Touchdown. We only went for a short ride - about 1/4 mile down the road to the stop sign and back.



Sofia and Touchdown heading back home like good friends.



Then tonight my arena had dried out enough to try a barrel pattern. I can't get over the nice handle this horse has on him and it looks to me like he's done the barrels before. He breaks into a nice gentle lope so easily and nicely. Caiden wasn't expecting him to lope but he was so excited about it and about his new horse. He can't wait to barrel race this summer.

[Idaho Linda]

Jenni, you have found a diamond here! That is a nice, easy, soft lope.

[Jenni]

I know Linda - I test rode him last week out in the field and that lope made me smile. You can't see it in the video but the train was going by just as we started riding out there and it didn't phase him at all. He is conformationally not much to look at - over at the knee, straightest back legs I have ever seen and seems weak in his pasterns but for the level of competition he's going to see he should do just fine. Like my vet said - if we get a year or 2 out of him for confidence building he's more than worth it. For harder trail rides we can still use Izzie if needed. Can't wait for spring to arrive for real!

[ride4fun]

Thanks for sharing Jenni, I have a big Ole grin on my face. Horses like Touchdown who make riding easy and fun for youngsters just starting are such treasures. I'm so glad this guy is in a great home, getting the excellent care he well deserves.

[Idaho Linda]

He has to be much tougher than his confirmation would indicate or he could never have achieved this level of training. Big smile here!

[Jenni]

Saturday morning during our morning cuddles in bed Caiden said "I can't wait til we go to a barrel race" out of the blue...I'm not sure he's ever said that before.

[Idaho Linda]

You are one lucky mom with two kids with the "H" gene.

[Jenni]

For Caiden tractors and stuff with his dad will always win out if given a choice but Kelsey and I are ok with that too.