Lucky

Today Dad's horse, Lucky, turns 25 years old. 

I can't even count all of the people who have been able to ride him.  Because he's such a great horse, many people took their first rides on him.  He is the kind of horse every person should have at least once in their lives.  He's gentle, but can get things done.

We had one person say that they'd never moved cattle before, but Lucky knew just what to do, so they let him do the job while they sat on his back.
We have a lot of tamarisks on our place and some are pretty tight to ride through; however, Lucky has been one to fight through them whether you're ready or not.

Dad went to a bunch of rodeos with him, got bucked off four times (two of which were after Lucky was fully broke [ride-able] and in rodeos), roped and drug tons of calves at brandings, and more.

Though Dad never thought this horse would be a kid horse, Lucky proved to be one of the best.  My siblings and I began riding him when we were very young.  With his age, he is semi/mostly retired from riding, however.

The last winters/droughts have paid their toll on the ole' guy and he is showing some signs of aging, but thankfully with this green grass, he's getting better.  
We even got the horses up today, though Lucky got to stand at the hitching post while we rode. 

So, happy birthday, Lucky Duck.   : )