A little cowboy with a big heart

There was a team roping in town yesterday, the 2nd Annual Qwaden's Heart Foundation Benefit Roping. Qwaden is a local kid who had heart surgery when he was very young. To show their appreciation to the hospital and doctors who saved Qwaden's life, his family established a foundation in his name.



All proceeds from this roping are going to Qwaden's Heart Foundation to help pay for a life-saving cardiac surgery for another child.



There were plenty of cowboys and horses and cows to take pictures of at the roping, but I had the most fun watching and taking pictures of one particular cowboy...



...a cowboy named Qwaden.



As the ropers warmed up their horses between events, Qwaden and his horse, Peanut, were out there with them, having the time of their lives.

Whoa, Peanut!

Lost my stirrup.

I never saw a horse take care of his rider like Peanut takes care of Qwaden. That mighty little mini knows that his job is to keep Qwaden safe. With a little prodding, Peanut would work up to a mini trot, then a mini canter.


Then Qwaden would lose his hat and then his stirrup, but never his seat. The kid can ride.


My guess is by his tenth annual benefit roping, Qwaden will be out there heading or heeling himself, helping his family raise money to fund more cardiac surgeries for kids.