Anyone have any news about Ray Hunt?

[Sonesta]

I just got word that has has died of a lung infection. I have not been able to confirm it yet, so I hope it is just one of those rumors. But if so, the horse world has lost a great man.

[SarahandSam]

I just heard the same... haven't seen an article yet though. Very sad... one of the greatest horsemen ever.

[Robin@DHH]

Go to Google News and put his name in the search. AQHA has obit.

[katarine]

http://www.aqha.com/news/2009PressReleases/03122009rayhunt

[pintopiaffe]

Godspeed to a man who left tremendous legacy.

He was my my old cowboy teacher's teacher... back before there was any sort of name for NH, before it became 'popular.' I never got to meet him, but certainly felt his impact through his excellent teaching students.

Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance... somehow the current whiz kids just don't even remotely do it for me the way these guys did. :(

[katarine]

I had the privilege to ride with Ray in a clinic several years ago in Memphis. He was truly a great horseman, ever willing to help. When one attendees horse wouldn't load Sunday AM to come to the clinic from a nearby barn, he jumped in her truck to go with, and get that darn horse, come on let's go! They were back, horse in tow, in about 30 minutes, tops. His version of a 'carrot stick' was nothing more than an old car antennae, the retractable kind, with a piece of plastic tied onto the end to flag the horse. His personal horses were quiet, attuned, soft, aware of every motion of his, on the ready to do as he asked.

He did things so quietly you might easily miss it. Frankly, his methods were far removed from the noise and overt ways of Clinton, Craig, and Pat. They are good. He was so, so much better. Not to say he wasn't human...I also witnessed him push a horse too far that same day, and a tidy wreck ensued. That took him off the pedestal for me, made him human again. Four days with Ray, less than 20 riders, and even managed a lunch one day with him and his wife, and 3-4 other attendees. All for 400 bucks. Try getting anywhere close to the other big names without jumping through hoops, paying through the nose, and buying their equipment.

Anyway, them that's gots has gots to lose, and we lost a great one in losing Ray.

[monstrpony]

The horses have lost one of their last, great advocates.

I'll bet Buck Brannaman is feeling a heavy weight today.

[mp]

I rode in one of Ray Hunt's clinics. He was a down-to-earth guy with an incredible feel for horses and no use for showmanship or excuses from humans. He always said "I'm here for the horses."

Rest in peace, Mr. Hunt. Thanks for being there for all of us.

[MidlifeCrisis]

Just read this on another BB. A great loss.

[Woodland]

:cry:

[Gestalt]

Happy trails Ray. What a great horseman. :cry:

[Touchstone Farm,Ky]

One of the greatest horsemen I ever knew. The horses in heaven are now better trained<s>

[Daydream Believer]

Oh wow...so sad.

Rest in peace Ray.

[hunt_jumpfl]

Here is the article on him from AQHA... It includes some great quotes at the end. http://www.aqha.com/news/2009PressReleases/03122009rayhunt

Certainly a great loss of a true horseman...RIP

[Evalee Hunter]

Earlier thread:

http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=194619

[MunchkinsMom]

Rest in peace, Mr. Hunt. Thanks for being there for all of us.

Amen to that, and I'm sure the horses that benefited from his wisdom are thankful too.

[Long Spot]

Oh gosh. A GREAT loss.

Happy Trails, Ray. :sadsmile:

[Foxtrot's]

There goes a legend. Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrance influenced me a lot even if I am as far from a NH person as you can find. These two were true horsemen. Period. I phoned Tom Dorrance once and he even answered his own phone. He was just a charming, gentle man.