Comanche

The stirrups could have used a bit of adjustment. Woody is the first male Comanche ever let ride him without trying to pull something — like laying down and rolling or trying to run straight down the side of the mountain. Comanche doesn't like most men. He's picky.

This is the moment Oriann awaited for several weeks. Comanche is not a big horse...small, like an Arab. He's half Arab, half Quarter Horse. Even at this size and having been raised with him, Oriann is still a bit intimidated by Comanche. She's seen him at his most rambunctious. Eventually she'll be comfortable enough to take him out by herself.

Comanche hadn't been ridden in about 4 years. I decided today was the day … he was full of himself. This was taken after I'd been on him for about 15 minutes and he'd had a chance to get some of his "ya-yas" out. It's tradition : every spring, I'm his first rider because I trained him; I know what he'll do; I know what he'll not do — most of the time. He'll test other riders but he won't pull stunts on me. I know him too well. He's not mean. He's just a practical joker.

Comanche in his field.

Oriann took this photo. She's getting pretty good with the camera!

This is Comanche, our horse. He lives with Jim and Barb and loves it. They spoil him rotten. I consider Comanche community property. He belongs to everyone at the homestead as well as the rest of us.