There are many facets to the Walking Horse business that make it attractive to a variety of people. One such area of activity is the " art of whittling” that seems to accompany and blend so well with the atmosphere and attitude of the Walking Horse stable. Whether or not this is inherent with our breed or is indigenous to all horse lovers is not known. What is clearly recognized, however, is the fact that whenever two or three are gathered together to discuss our breed, someone in the group will invariably have a sharp pocketknife and a piece( or two) of choice timber from which tumble, by the hour, shavings of varied shapes and sizes.
To enlighten our readers regarding this '' therapeutic” activity we are presenting a series of short articles designed to uncover the deep secrets of why men whittle, especially since they endeavor to make nothing— except shavings, of course. Our author is open to any and all thoughts regarding this subject.
THE EDITORS
The great American society has successfully survived many revolutions, or major changes of established customs from one generation to another, just as we are experiencing a great many changes today.
My little Civil War-era granny and her loved ones never heard of a psychiatrist, or took a tranquilizer. Instead, she rocked or visited with her neighbors, while grandpa rode a horse to the village store where he just talked, listened, and '' whittled.” You see, a whittler was never known to blow his top, burn his house, shoot his neighbor, whip his wife, mistreat his children or become an alcoholic.
To be an effective whittler, one needs a proper environment such as a barn, the rhythm of a Walking Horse, the fellowship of friends— but first of all he must have a proper knife and, above all, the proper wood.
Let’ s start with the needed wood. This Tennessee whittler likes aged cedar( preferably one hundred or more years old). Inch-thick sticks about twelve inches long are best. This wood is desirable for several reasons, probably because of its antiquity, or rarity or scarcity, but mainly because it soothes the nerves to handle it, you can slowly draw a pigtail shaving, the texture is beautiful and the aroma delightful.
Let’ s consider the techniques of whittling- whether the stroke should be forward or backward, what type knife is best, what size and shape shaving, all of which have special and beneficial meaning, will be discussed later. Did you know, for instance, that you can watch a man whittle and tell if he is under heavy tention; if he is worried or angry; or you can see him in meditation, asking and answering himself honest questions, such as: Would he cheat his fellowman? would he bribe a judge, injure his horse, sacrifice his pride, wrong his family? Yes, sir... a whittler just has to think and ponder and, as my granny used to say, you think on a matter long enough and you will finally come up with the right answer. As she also used to often say, " Whittling makes you think.”
( To be continued)
CHICO STATE COLLEGE, CHICO, CALIFORNIA, TO HOST ROTATED HORSE SCIENCE SCHOOL IN SUMMER 1966
Clovis, California, November 26, 1965— The rotated Horse Science School in the summer of 1966 will be held on the campus of Chico State College at Chico, California, according to a joint announcement made today by President GLENN KENDALL, of Chico State College, and Dr. M. E. ENSMINGER, President of Agriservices Foundation. Other pertinent details revealed by the joint sponsors are: 0 The dates of the 5J / 2-day course: June 20 to June 25.
• The dates of the special 10-day Farrier Science course( Horseshoeing), June 22 through July 2. Enrollment in the Farrier Course will be limited on a first pre-enrolled, first accepted basis.
• This is a horse school, and not a horse clinic. As evidence of the caliber of the course, it, along with the other concentrated Schools conducted by Agriservices Foundation, are the only short courses in the nation that carry regular resident college credit for those eligible and interested. Yet, enrollment for college credit is not required. Anyone, any age, and both sexes may enroll: a love for and interest in horses, and a desire to learn more about them, are the only requisites.
• A new Horse Science Handbook, Vol. 3, is now being authored and will be off the press in time for the School.
• All enrollees will be housed in the new and beautiful Craig Halls on the campus of Chico State College, with classrooms and group food service at the same location.
• The equitation courses and the farrier laboratory will be held on the nearby grounds of the Silver Dollar Fair; with a college bus transporting students on the 10-minute run between the fairgrounds and Craig Halls.
• Local horsemen of the area will provide the necessary horses, tack, and other supports.
In their joint announcement, President Kendall and Dr. Ensminger continued, " An outstanding staff has been recruited, and the program is now being finalized.” For a printed program or other information, write to Dr. M. E. Ensminger, Director, Horse Science School, 3699 East Sierra Avenue, Clovis, California.
JIMMY RICHARDSON " Plays a New Tune "
HORSE INSURANCE
Immediate? Personal Coverage j Service
JIMMY RICHARDSON
684-6836— 684-1661 SHELBYVILLE, TENNESSEE
20 VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse