Thursday, August 16, 2007

Team Dirving Clinician Doc Hammill Caught In Montana Grass Fires

Doc Hammill a well know team driving clinician was caught in the wildfires raging through Montana. Our own clinician Dawn R at The Natural Gait had this to say
(If you would like to see pictures here is the link The Natural Gait Doc Hammill
Many of you may have seen or heard national news reports about the Montana wildfires recently. It hit us close to home here at The Natural Gait when we found out that our own treasured friend and clinician Doc Hammill and his horses were nearly caught up in it. Doc was just here the end of June for his 3rd and best yet Driving Clinic. (Doc’s 2008 have already been set for June 20-22, mark your calendar and call me to reserve your spot) As the fire raged in the area over 100 firefighter and volunteers arrived at the ranch ahead of the fire to help save his property. They tried to clear trees, water down buildings and set backfires to no avail. Doc had to abandon his home and turn his beloved horses loose to make a run for it. Doc spent the following days sleeping out in a pasture on a reservation not knowing the condition of his home ranch or his horses. When he was finally allowed to return to his home he had found that he had lost his beautiful barn, 2 out buildings, many wagons, carts, implements, pretty much all the tools of his trade. Doc told friends that he was looking forward to teaching and hosting full calendar of clinics one day and out of business the next! True to his character Doc is already talking about rebuilding next year. His horses were safely recovered and are living in a rented pasture. Friends are getting their heads together from all over the country on how best to help Doc. So please continue to check back here and we will update you on Doc and how best to help as we get the official news. Doc was born and raised here in Iowa, graduated from Ames in Veterinary Medicine, then headed west to start a practice in Montana. Over the years he has developed into one of this country’s leading authority and a gifted teacher of driving. You can read more on Doc and see more photos on his website www.dochammill.com Dawn Roelli Equine Event’s Coordinator

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