Paul Dietz Horsemanship

“Think about controlling the feet and shifting the weight. If you get the horse to move his weight, he’s got to shift his feet - but I bet he doesn’t move his feet first. He shifts his weight, then moves his feet. He prepares his position and then there’s a transition. Don’t try to get the horse to go without getting it ready.” - Ray Hunt

"In the late 1980’s a mutual friend of Ray and Carolyn Hunt and mine commissioned me to draw a portrait of Ray, though the deal never reached fruition, the process allowed me photo access into an arena with Ray during a couple of clinics. When we met before the initial event and I was impressed by his wit and a smile that made his eyes flash a hint of mischief. He was of a breed of man whose integrity and dignity set him apart from the rest, and like the old illustrators who have passed on in my genre of art, their spirit and unique talent will not come again. In the arena I was astonished by the immediate connection he made with a herd of unbroken two and three year olds. He was tactile with each horse as he demonstrated with strong, weathered hands. Using patience and a soft touch, except for some swift, immediate corrections here and there, the initial physical contact and mental connection was made. He whispered a firm “You’ll be okay!” which held me and the horses in awe. I doubt he was heard in the stands, but from my point of view, I had just experienced the worlds greatest horseman up close. I would later do a series of study sketches of his hands. The rest of the clinic I saw through a lens, but I’ll never forget the reassurance he gave those youngsters. Or the owners who rode them that next day...or was it that afternoon, I forget." - Robert Shufelt.

'Challenge to a Whisper' by Robert 'Shoofly' Shufelt.
The original drawing was donated to The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
Here you'll find the story behind this wonderful work of art and information as to where prints may be purchased - https://shoofly-art.myshopify.com/collections/giclees/products/challenge-to-a-whisper-1

Still time for the next workshop