The Harry Whitney Clinic - Hamilton, Montana, August 2005

Linda and I almost had to leave Red and Jack at home in Idaho due to an outbreak of Vesicular Stomatitis in Montana. Luck was with us and with traveling papers in hand; we arrived happy and eager to learn. You can see how thick the smoke was from more than 40 wildfires along the Idaho Montana border.		Jack was ready for his riding debut. A year ago he was totally shut down and his shoulders were so stuck he could barely move his front legs. Years of bad saddles, bad riding, inappropriate training devices and neglected injuries had rendered him un-ridable. He came to me with no trust or faith in humans.
Rider up! Harry set the goal for our first ride. “You have to let him see that packing you around is no big deal. If you fuss with him much, he’ll get discouraged.” I sat on Jack offering little guidance and much praise. He poked around like a drunken sailor but he was not discouraged!		Our first day out in the field, I spent more time off Jack doing groundwork, than I did riding him. He threatened me with rearing and bucking, but by the second day he was able to trot around with the group in a large field.
Day Three. More confidence building from the ground. This time Jack was in full tack with a bit and a bridle.		Still the third day and Jack is happy to be gently guided. He also trotted forward willingly and was able to make the upward transition without the familiar hop and throwing of his head. He kept his head low and offered no threats of rearing or bucking. Happy I am!
Cookie and her Mustang, Duke, learn about introducing the flag to a timid horse. One major key is to bring it in at nose level. If it’s on the ground, it can get his feet. If it can get his feet, he’s dead. No wonder he snorted and acted like it was going to kill him.		Harry explains the meaning of life to Linda and Red after appointing Red to the Board of Directors for the Minimalist Society. Thank you, Harry. We all benefited from a wonderful clinic.