"Chad" is a special gelding with a bright future here at the farm.
Chad came to us in 2006, and has been brought him along to be
a really great addition to our camp roster. From jumping to team
penning, Chad is getting it together and is a very popular guy
with our residential campers. Who wouldn't love a grey?

Here is Chad relaxing in the field with his buddies.
He is five years old in this photo and you can see
he is what is called a 'fleabitten' grey. He is looking
rather chubby here but he is actually quite a trim
athletic horse, resembling the quality that is behind
him. The interesting sire back there is a Paint, named
"Johnnys Paycheck" tucked away back in his pedigree.
He was quite a well known animal. Chad is filling out
and looking like a horse now - we are expecting some
great things from him. He certainly has a kind
disposition and is very willing to learn!

Chad learned to jump in 2006, and is now a full time
part of our english program. He has had some really
great riders this summer, and they worked hard to
bring him along and expand his horizons. This is such
a cute picture, showing how interested Chad is in what
he is doing. He is growing like a weed and is almost
15.2 HH now - what a strapping youngster he is! At
maturity next year, he'll most likely have reached his max
growth and start to fill out and look more muscular.
He is comfortable over 2'6" now if he has a rider that
is relaxed and steadies him - he gets 'into' the game so
you have to watch he doesn't rush too much - I have
to say, he certaily loves his job here on the farm!

What we really love about Chad is the fact that he is versatile.
He is quite comfortable in western tack, turning a barrel or
chasing after a cow. He's just the right build that he can switch
tack and go back and forth between the two disciplines - which
is a real bonus here at the farm. Here, a camper puts him through
his paces during a barrel racing clinic at Headin' West Camp.

Chad has a 'love - hate' relationship with cows. He gets so
frustrated when they don't move that you have to watch
he doesn't reach out and take a nibble! Here, he is working
a cow during the driving rain - focused and steady, he is
really getting the hang of this team penning stuff. Granted
he's had some really good riders this year to bring him along
just right, and we couldn't be happier with him. I think he
is an enjoyable horse, with a good work ethic and a happy
go lucky attitude. This one will be one of our best, I'm sure!