A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to attend horsemanship clinics given by Walt Vermadahl. Those of you who follow rodeo will remember the Tryan's AQHA heading horse of the year"Walt". They bought him from Walt Vermadahl, hence the nickname. Walt lived in Montana at the time; he now lives in northern California- and he came every May to Canada and put on a colt starting and horsemanship clinic. I learned so much from him, and from another gentleman that he used to bring with him- Al Grandchamp, a master rawhide braider and Walt's mentor. I believe Al is 100 years old this year.When he was 93, he made me this bosal hackamore, which I use on all the colts I start.
Sassy has a little muzzle, so I need to make a couple of wraps with the mecate to make it fit better. I use it at this stage of training just for longeing and turning from the ground. When it's time to get on her, I will use it for her first rides.
I am thankful to Walt and Al for all that I learned from them. Taking those clinics dramatically improved my understanding of horses and riding, and gave me building blocks to keep on improving, and the desire to keep on learning.
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