Tad was purchased as a weanling and soon after he went into ground training on and off for the next two years. Due to me having a broken arm, Tad was placed with a professional trainer … light riding began as a long 2-year old where he was conditioned and disciplined into a fine gaited mount both in the arena and on trail. I started riding Tad as a 3 year old, again on trail and in the arena. Later, we participated in the Montana Shooting Dog Championship where I was judging and Tad was exposed to the “Big Country” and some gunfire. Since then, I have competed in bird dog field trials handling my dogs and occasionally scouting and judging off Tad. Tad has grown into his role of traveling the states, riding in all kinds of country and becoming a trusted and reliable mount. We even had the opportunity to work cattle in Montana which surprisingly brought out the “cow” in him! Tad is very smooth and evenly gaited whether up hill, downhill, or on the flat. He is very smart and enjoys an alert rider that reflects his exceptional talents. In all of our travels, Tad has never lost the prettiest horse contest. He has been very reliable and a tough, all day kind of horse. Now that my days of field trialing are over, I can honestly say I have ridden the best of horses and am retiring at 73 years with a smile and my other quiet, younger trail horse, Smoke. As a special note, I also purchased Tad's half brother (same sire), prior to Tad, and he was raised the same as Tad and spent thirteen years with me before I retired him. Both of these horses were my #1 horse during our time together. Thank you for viewing this fine horse. ( Photos & videos available )