Ray Hunt Memorial

[fantasia]

The time is here! The Memorial Clinic is scheduled for next weekend, Feb 27-28. I know there'll be a bunch of us there from EH. Let's try to meet up somewhere. I'm not familiar with the venue, but how about if we try to meet up around the food counter ( I assume there'll be one) around 9 am on Saturday?
Please respond , if you're attending.

[CarolH]

My friend and I will be flying in Friday late afternoon. We are staying at the Residence Inn Fort Worth University 1701 South University Drive. I know there are a few others from Wa state staying at this hotel.
Would be fun to meet all of you. Snack bar works for me.

Thanks,
Carol

[CarolH]

There is a mixer planned for Friday evening at the Blue Mesa Grill.

[fantasia]

CarolH- will make note of that- thanks! Can't wait until the weekend- looks like we'll need our woolies.

[CarolH]

FYI-

There will be a marathon on Saturday morning and it looks that the Will Rogers arena is in the center of the race route. This may cause some street closers, the race starts at 7:30 am. You may want to check with your host hotels for alternate routes.

Carol

[fantasia]

oh my! Thanks for the update- I'll pass this on.

[twofatponies]

missed this thread! would have been nice to meet you all there. what a nice weekend. i really enjoyed watching everyone working, and such a nice bunch of horses.

[addypaul]

The invited presenters were chosen and are being honored specifically for their dedication to the horse and to Ray Hunt's legacy; a legacy that includes inspiration of Ray's teacher and friend.It is going on this weekend.Several of our members are attending and I hope have a computer with them for reports.If not, we'll hear Sunday night or Monday.I just wanted then to know we were anxious.

[reata]

Well it was a great weekend!! and well worth the effort to travel from Australia to go ..
I was a "little apprehensive" with the format but Bill Smith, the main guy on the mic., kept it all in line with what Ray would have wanted..In fact I thought he did an excellent job of keeping Mr Parelli, the nauseating Bob Tallman and Carolyn under control. Full marks to Bill Smith..
The colts were all pretty small being only coming up to 2 years and it would have been better if they were coming up 3 years but they were all strong and in good condition..
The guys in the round pens on a whole did a great job..with the time they were allotted..A few of the ones that rushed in with egos all polished and shinny and were "gunna get the job done" found out that that attitude was not going to work out and must have had a long hard think about it on the Saturday night as most did a much better job the next day ..A couple needed help the next day to fix up the mess they had made on the Saturday but overall most did a nice job and some did real good ..
The guys that stood out were Buster McLaury, Tom Curtain and of course Charlie Hill. Charlies little horse was about to jump out of the RP, he was really looking for a friend when Charlie stepped in .. Charlie offered the colt what he needed and they were friends from then on ..It was really pretty to watch even if Charlie had a couple of broken ribs and a big leg that wouldn't bend.. He was my choice for Rays saddle ..
I really liked Buster and I think his colt finished up the softest. It sure was moving nicely after a very short time ..
Tom decided to lay his colt down, I really don't think it was required but it still was nice of him to share with us what Ray had shared with him ..It was a little risky in front of all those people but it payed off.. Bill Smith talked us through it as Tom worked with the colt and it was copy book ..Ray would have been proud..That little colt got up soft and happy with Tom on board ..Good job Tom!!
Lee Smith was another one that went about her business and produced a good result.. She had drawn a very small colt and she is a big lady, but she prepared that colt and he liked it when she did get on and ride him ..even if it was for a very short time .. he had a real nice expression got a real nice start..
Ty Van Norman was another who stood out ..I had watched Kip Fadland get a little too demanding with his colt and he got his feet quite stuck and when Ty asked his horse to do the same thing as Kip wanted and Tys horse started to shut down he "just went for a ride" it was good to see!!..Good timing Ty!!
Bucks colt looked a little braced and rushed but the "Master" sure can start colts..He and Martin could have gone roping off their colts, in fact they DID!!! LOL
There was a lot going on in the 3 RP's and you could only really concentrate on one so I'm sure I missed lots of good stuff.
I also saw some not so good stuff. A couple of guys that I wouldn't take a horse to that have shingles up .. Those guys need to rethink a couple of things.. They are not Ray Hunts.. and I think they may know that now!!
But mostly it was a great tribute to Ray and his teachings.. Some of Rays best students were missing and that was sad but the concept of a competition was something that didn't sit right with a few so sadly they didn't go. It almost kept me away but in the end I went to honour Ray and I'm glad I did..
If some sort of Legacy to Ray and Tom could be planned and all moneys raised donated to help young guys get more knowledge in this type of horsemanship, held say every 2-5 years would be great..To have all those horsemen and women in one arena was a sight to behold..
The Tom Dorrance Benefit was great and I think the Ray Hunt Memorial was just as good, just the real purpose behind it was a little hard to swallow at times!! I'm pleased I was able to see it and so pleased I got to go to the Winnamucca Ranch Rodeo on the way home and I'm also glad to be home!!
Good horsemanship, good entertainment, good horses and good company.. life is good!! :)

[kennewman]

reata, this group of horsepeoples needs to know that you went to grand expense and effort to attend this gathering. yes, many peoples asked me ' what did your friend reata think of the deal'',,my stock answer was ''it did not matter what anyone thought , except what them youngster horses thought'', they certainly matter and showed it in their responses to their handler as time went on. we can say it again, with out playing favorites, the horses wound - up the winners. your observations seem solid for the most part and not without entertainment. some of us enjoy your genuine insight and that is a fact. life is good , yes, and far better when we have folks like you to be keeping it good. as far as attendees and supporting folks, every person deserved to be there. no exception. and some were sorely missed.
this was for a ray hunt ...legacy. there were no losers. only winners.
on the subject of perpetuation ,, my words to the old man implied, ''it will only get better'',,,,a serious pause, then we both laughed like hell! in duet form ,,, ''as long as we're not in their way"! some of you know the laugh.

[BayRoan]

man i wished i could have gone! fort worth is only like six hours away, kinda makes me feel bad seeing that reata traveled from australia to honor ray and i couldnt drive six hours lol, my dad grew up admiring ray and he sure as heck wanted to go just couldnt scrape the funds together. i had two saddles i was willing to sell to get the money to go the buyers just fell through right before. i will be going next year God willing and hope to see yall there!

[reata]

BR, I think if you go next year you might be the only one there..
It was a once only event..:)

[BayRoan]

aww man i thought it was gonna start to be an annual thing! or at least i hoped haha