White-Light
the inspiration for the Leather Horseman’s Halter was rescued from slaughter on June 8, 2017.
White-Light, the inspiration for the Leather Horseman’s Halter was rescued from slaughter on June 8, 2017. I had no idea what sort of life he’d led before being sold to slaughter or the horrors he experienced while in the kill pen, but there was something about him, an emaciated, wounded and terrified soul that made me feel I must do everything within my power to save him.
After rescue, while in quarantine, I was told White-Light was “dangerous.” He attached to other horses and was unhealthily protective of them, sometimes running through humans if need be. It was strongly suggested to me that he be humanely euthanized. His behavior could get someone killed, I was told. I was sure there was a better option. I just had to find it.
Through a longtime friend in the horse community, Andrea Hoosick, I was lucky enough to be told about Doug Cross and natural horsemanship. I spoke to Doug, told him about White-Light, and asked if he thought he could help him. Doug said he would like to try.
I knew little about natural horsemanship as my training, beyond a childhood of naughty ponies, "jump on, hold on and ride," took a more traditional path. In my twenties, I began eventing, hunters, fox hunting and show jumping. My first horse, Handsome, was magnificent in every way. We had a full, beautiful life together until he died at 34, on Christmas Day.
White-Light arriving Cedarwood Farm from quarantine. First time I see him in person.
White-Light arrived at Cedarwood Farm in Ipswich, Massachusetts, on August 8, 2017, and Doug started working with him that day. I began learning from Doug as well as the online Parelli program. It has been quite challenging. I’ve had to reevaluate most of what I knew about horse training. White-Light has been a glorious teacher and through working with him, I’ve had to dig deep, reexamine and relent to my own shortcomings. White-Light has taught me patience and a better understanding of myself. Through Natural Horsemanship I have learned many different skills I can utilize but most importantly, I now have a different mindset. Today, if things are getting sticky rather than feeling frustrated I find myself slowing down and taking a moment to think of a way to better explain what I want to communicate to my horse. Now, the challenge is mine - How can I best use my thoughts, body and energy to allow my horse to understand? What can I do differently to make it easier for him? How can I become better for my horse? Through Natural Horsemanship I have become a thoughtful, patient, gentle teacher - with a sense of humor. I have learned how to accept and flow with nature, instead of going against it and muscling through. I now hold the virtue of patience and rest in the knowledge- pure love heals and brings peace to the soul.
When I began the natural horsemanship program there was something that troubled me. Many years ago I had a horse get hung up with a traditional style unbreakable nylon halter. Since then, it has unnerved me to use a halter that will not break. Should a potentially dangerous situation arise I want my horse to have the ability to free himself with less chance of injury. When I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I utilized my skills as a fine artist using leather as my medium and designed The Leather Horseman’s Halter. For me, nylon horseman’s halters have a purpose, they are a training tool not unlike spurs. They aid tremendously in training and are most effective when in skilled hands. The Leather Horseman’s Halter is the perfect everyday Natural Horsemanship Halter for horses who have achieved a certain level of training, best for those that yield to pressure. I love how the Leather Horseman’s Halter works: the lightness, the versatility, how it feels, its beauty and most importantly the leathers natural ability to give way when required. The rough-hew natural leather is perfect for turnout, work in hand or riding. I consider each piece, my art. Every piece of Leather Horseman goods are lovingly handmade. The custom made halters are signed and numbered, your horses measurements are kept on file (just in case you want one in every color). I designed the Leather Horseman Lines and Reins giving ergonomic consideration for the hand. My designs offers the handler comfortable hand placement, an open hand allows the leather to slip through while a closed hand can easily and gently take hold.
Looking forward to a better and kinder future for all horses.
I truly believe White-Light’s story is here to teach others, so the horses dismissed as hopeless cases, might be saved. He was my path to natural horsemanship a once beaten down, broken, skin and bones horse from the kill pen who is now healthy, thriving and rehabilitated. He and my other rescue, RedBud are the inspiration for the Leather’s Horseman’s Halter. Every halter sold helps support White-Light and RedBud.
My only goal is to keep horses safe, happy and healthy. It is now and has always been: For the Love of Horses.
Jennifer, White-Light, Redbud.
If you would like to follow along with White-Light’s Story please follow his Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/White.Light.Story.of.a.Rescue.Horse
About the Artist
Jennifer Clement holds a BFA in painting and a Teaching Degree of Advanced Standing from Montserrat College of Art, graduating Summa Cum Laude. In addition, Clement studied Fashion Design/ Merchandising and holds an AAS in Marketing/Communication from “FIT”- The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, New York. Additionally, she holds an AAS in Interior Design from Newbury College in Boston, Massachusetts. Clement also studied directly with her painting mentor George Gabin, a founding father of Montserrat College of Art and painter Wolf Kahn at Vermont Studio Center
White-Light rescued from slaughter June 6th, left the kill pen June 8th 2017. This video chronicles his first year post-rescue.