Ray Hunt, a name synonymous with intuitive horsemanship, left an indelible mark on those who sought a deeper understanding of animal behavior and communication. Though my personal interactions with him were brief, his methods, as observed through clinics, videos, and accounts from those who knew him, profoundly shaped my approach to working with horses. His ability to engage horses with seemingly minimal effort, maintaining their balance and readiness for the next cue, was remarkable and distinct from many other trainers. This distinctiveness inspired a deep dive into his techniques, aiming to translate his skills into my own practice.
This exploration into what made Ray Hunt so effective led me to develop horsemanship ideas that, at times, were met with skepticism, even accusations of deviating from his core principles. While I may have faltered in how I initially shared these insights, the fundamental beliefs derived from studying his work remain strong. This piece, however, is not intended as a treatise on horse training. Instead, it seeks to illuminate the essence of Ray Hunt’s genius and how his philosophy can enhance communication and skill, not only with animals but potentially with fellow humans as well. It’s crucial to remember that this is a personal interpretation, a reflection of what I’ve gleaned, rather than a definitive statement of Ray Hunt’s own thoughts or actions.
A key aspect of Hunt’s clinics was his commitment to working within the horse’s mental and physical capacities. If a participant’s riding ability didn’t match the demands of the exercise, the experience might prove challenging. This approach, while sometimes unsettling for beginners, was inherent to his methodology; he didn’t pre-screen participants, leaving that self-assessment to the individual before signing up. This was particularly evident in colt-starting scenarios and horsemanship classes where clear thinking and riding proficiency were essential. For those who possessed the requisite skills, the benefits were substantial. Even for those initially overwhelmed, Hunt’s powerful impressions and memorable sayings often resonated, surfacing later as their skills developed. His ability to teach effectively while consistently prioritizing the horse’s well-being is truly commendable.
The most significant inspiration I drew from Ray Hunt was his mastery of influencing animal behavior through the application and release of pressure. Witnessing him work a horse in a round pen, demonstrating profound feel, timing, and balance, was incredibly inspiring. His communication with horses, utilizing a rope, flag, and halter, was exceptional. Simultaneously, he was adept at connecting with his audience through his words and emotional expression.
Another impactful experience was observing Hunt’s work with a group of saddled horses in an open arena after they had been introduced in the round pen. Using his flag and a seasoned saddle horse, he could unite fifteen or so unfamiliar horses – a mix of studs, mares, and geldings – fostering a sense of order and coexistence. He maintained enough control over their movements to ensure the riders’ safety, provided they allowed him to guide the situation and refrained from interfering.
Initially, I struggled to comprehend his techniques, perceiving it merely as “getting movement.” It wasn’t until I began applying similar methods myself and observing Buck Brannaman’s expertise that I truly grasped the extent of influence one could exert over individual animals or a herd. This level of stockmanship, which prioritizes the safety of both handler and animal, is among the highest I’ve encountered. It transcends simply moving horses around an arena or pushing cattle through a chute; it involves a profound understanding and control that can, quite literally, place a life in your hands. The skill of leading clinicians in starting multiple colts with various riders hinges on this very ability.
Ray Hunt’s approach resonated most deeply with me among all the mentors I’ve encountered. I’m content with the amount of time I spent learning from him; any more might have led to imitation, which I cannot do. I believe he may not have particularly favored me, or perhaps I would have sought out more time with him. However, what I experienced was just enough to ignite a persistent search for deeper knowledge.
I often wonder about his potential contributions to the modern cattle handling movement. In my view, no one else has influenced my understanding of all stockmanship as profoundly as he did. It would have been fascinating to see the direction he might have taken cattle handling within a commercial framework. I am confident that his cattle would have been managed with the same near-amazing proficiency as his horses.
~ Curt Pate
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