Horse folks in VA: is Red Revelle still alive? Retired?

[Dr_Doolittle]

I was poking around Google and the last FB post (and tweet) he had was back in 2012; they did show a “video tour” of his farm from last June, but other than that, nothing more recent.

I used Red Revelle to help me with a problem loader 45 years ago :eek:!!, he had a magic touch, and was legendary in our area back then. I’m figuring he’s got to be in his 80’s if he’s still with us since he was in his 30’s when I was a teenager.

I ask because I’ve been having some relatively recent loading issues with my young mare, and one of my students also has a problem loader: she mentioned that a fellow boarder had gotten help from Red Revelle a few years ago. (He WAS “the bomb”, so it’s not beyond the realm of possibility.)

So I just wondered whether he was still working his magic, far past when any ordinary mortal would have hung up their training spurs to enjoy a VERY well-earned retirement…

[coloredhorse]

I have no idea … been away from the area long enough to be well out of the loop. I hope he’s still around, even if not working. What a great guy! Watching him work with a horse or even just chatting with him was a great educational experience.

[Juliette]

So far as I know he is! I recently saw an ad for training at the local co-op…although “recently” could mean in the last 1-2 years :lol:

[Dr_Doolittle]

coloredhorse, yes – that seems to be a common experience! What a local treasure

Maybe I should just try the number that’s listed as a contact for him? I guess the worst that could happen would be finding out he’s no longer with us.

[paintedtrails]

I have emailed with him in the past 2 years…

Equine Behavior Modification by Red Revelle
Orange, VA 22960
Contact Person: Red Revelle
Email Address: horsewhisperva@gmail.com
Phone: 540-672-0724

[Dr_Doolittle]

@paintedtrails

I have emailed with him in the past 2 years…

Equine Behavior Modification by Red Revelle
Orange, VA 22960
Contact Person: Red Revelle
Email Address: horsewhisperva@gmail.com
Phone: 540-672-0724

Cool, thanks!

Have you used his services?

[paintedtrails]

I actually did not, but hear many good things about him. (just happened to use someone a bit closer to work with my problem loader)

[Salty]

He taught my problem loader how to load. He is amazing! Although my horse, considering himself tricked, wouldn’t eat carrots for a year. He did load perfectly forever after, though.

[Dr_Doolittle]

Good to know! How long ago was that?

I sent an email last night, figured if he is “no longer with us”, that would be an easier way for them to let me know than over the phone.

He might be retired - if I don’t get an answer within the next day or two I’ll call.

[Salty]

It was in the late 80s or early 90s. I hope you can get in touch with him!

[paintedtrails]

@Dr. Doolittle

Good to know! How long ago was that?

I sent an email last night, figured if he is “no longer with us”, that would be an easier way for them to let me know than over the phone.

He might be retired - if I don’t get an answer within the next day or two I’ll call.

Did you ever hear back?

[Dr_Doolittle]

@paintedtrails

Did you ever hear back?

Oh yes!

Not only did I use him (with good success - he “fixed” my mare, who - with a few mild setbacks here and there, has remained “fixed” ), but I referred him to both a friend and a student. Both of them had success, and in the case of the student, her horse was IMPOSSIBLE. Red transformed her in one session (her attitude towards loading is completely different and now MUCH more chill), though she now needs a “tuneup.”

He is quite the horseman; has incredible instincts, good timing, and is very patient and gentle.

Though getting up there in years (78, I think?), he is quite spry and strong, and it helps that he’s tall - he has a long “wingspan” which is useful when it comes to reaching around and tapping the horse who becomes crooked when on the ramp. His timing is very good, and he seems to have a magic calming effect on horses.

Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

[ILuvmyButtercups]

I knew Red! Boarded my horse at a stable in Burke Va. back in 1968 to1971. Red was the GO TO man for all loading problems all around that area. Very famous, everyone knew him. Much later, after school and my getting into race horses, I galloped at a barn in Leesburg Va. Must have been around '76, '77? Red Revelle was renting a house on the property I was getting on horses in the afternoons. He didn’t stay long… he was brilliant with horses, no question about that. Very personable, not so much luck in love though, according to him! Straight from the horse’s mouth. I’m delighted he’s still around! Wish I had a horse load problem, I’d get him here just to see a dear old friend!

[PoloYoYo]

He IS still alive and well. I will see him tomorrow, and plan to show him these posts! He will enjoy reading them. He really seems to be loved by many, and is a great man!
-Yolanda Brittle