Sunday, November 22, 2009

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.

22 comments:

  1. My husband and I both oohed and awed at your photos and story. You have captured the essence of this child and his horse. Thank you!

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  2. You captured the day so beautifully. As always, you are an amazing photographer Linda.

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  3. Oh, my! That little boy and his horse are SOOOooooo cute! What an interesting story.

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  4. OH that made me tear up there... what a great kid, great pics, excellent pony, surrounded by all those big horses. Such a wonderful story!

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  5. that's some mighty fine photography, you've really captured the spirit of the event and the little boy. thank you.

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  6. What a wonderful story and what an adorable little boy with beautiful blue eyes! Thanks for sharing!

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  7. My daughter had open heart surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot when she was 7 months old. She's the fastest runner in her class and everyone is shocked when we talk about what she's been through.

    What a wonderful idea to help other kids - the surgery and subsequent procedures) wiped us out (even though we had insurance), and helping other families is a wonderful gift.

    The photos are lovely. Thank you for this post!!

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  8. Great event for a great cause - fun to see the little boy on his mini - how do you train a mini for riding?

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  9. Precious! His smile would brighten anyone's day.

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  10. That is the cutest thing ever.

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  11. That's so great! This post has it all. What a great kid. What a great family. What a great community. That hat looks like it's going to swallow him whole! Your photos had me laughing and joining in the fun of the day yesterday. Thank you!

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  12. You, Qwaden, the mini and all those wonderful townsfolk, made my day!

    I am so glad you shared this with us! I am looking forward to next years event and many more to come!

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  13. Awww. How sweet is that! Thanks for the loving story.

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  14. What a wonderful story. He's the cutest little boy and that little Peanut, what a good little horse. I love that his hat looked a mite big for him and when he was fixing his stirrup he was so adorable.

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  15. Extra cute! Love the whoa picture!

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  16. What an adorable kid and pony! Great cause, thanks for posting!

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  17. That little boy is absolutely adorable on his mini! And what a lovely way for his family to give back.

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  18. AWWW....Love that little guy! Any possibility I can obtain that pic? I'd love to frame it in a 5X7 and hang it by my puter for daily inspiration.

    Look at the big horse's expression on the right...HA HA...hysterical!

    Lori

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  19. Love it Linda...good job everyone, 'specially Peanut. But then, I'm a little partial to the little ones....horses and people alike.

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  20. That is the cutest horse and rider I ever did see!

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  21. You did such a great job with this story. Let me tell you he is the most inspirational lil guy you could ever meet. You can't help but fall in love with him, his family, and their entire story. I don't know if you knew it or not, but that first picture of the two guys roping is Qwaden's dad heeling and his nino (god father) heading. Qwaden's mom told me to check out your blog. I laughed and cried at the same time. Thank you for featuring this story and capturing the essence of Qwaden, he's a real cowboy--heart, mind, and soul!

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  22. Tears - what a sweet story!

    Monty and Harlow

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