Texas-based hunter/jumper trainers Bob and Dana Brawley welcomed their first child, Lucas Henry, on Jan. 19, which also happened to be Dana’s birthday.
“He’s a complete delight. He’s a happy baby; that’s what’s so wonderful about him. It’s definitely a little more work. It’s life-changing,” said Bob, who has two grown children from a previous relationship.
The couple, who have been together for five years, run Brawley Farms in Argyle, Texas. They spend about 25 weeks a year on the road, and Lucas got his first taste of horse showing when he was a month old at the Gulf Coast Winter Series in Gulfport, Miss.
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The Brawleys brought nine horses and several students to the circuit for three weeks of showing, including Amadeo, the 2012 U.S. Equestrian Federation 3’6″ Performance Working Hunter—Increment Horse of the Year.
Dana’s mother helped care for Lucas during the day at Gulfport, and Bob and Dana shared feeding duties at night. The couple stayed in a camper, which made for some interesting nights. “They make so much stuff for babies now, it’s crazy. As far as I think, Dana’s gotta have everything, and it makes the camper a little smaller, that’s for sure,” Bob joked.
The Brawleys will head to Pin Oak (Texas) on March 20-30 next, and little Lucas will be along for the ride. “He’s going to go to everything. He’s a traveling baby. Have baby, will travel,” said Bob.