Ray Days:

A New Event to Celebrate Horsemanship and Inspire Future Generations

This October 24th & 25th marks the inaugural “Ray Days,” an exciting new event designed to honor the enduring legacy of a legendary horseman known Ray Hunt. Conceived by his long-time students and friends, Lee Smith and Tom Curtin, Ray Days promises to be a unique gathering for reminiscence, shared stories, and the cultivation of a deeper understanding of horsemanship for new generations.

Lee Smith first met Ray in 1980 and continued to study with him until Ray’s passing. “We’re still learning from what he shared with us,” Smith states, emphasizing that Ray’s teachings remain relevant and impactful daily in their work to “offer the horse a better deal.”

Tom Curtin’s connection to Ray began even earlier, around 1979, when he was just 13 or 14 years old, seeing Ray in Big Timber, Montana. While initially too young to grasp the profound nature of Ray’s work, a pivotal moment arrived in January 1992, when Curtin, at 28, witnessed Ray achieve unparalleled results with horses. “I seen him do things with horses that day that I’ve never seen anybody do, not even close,” Curtin recalls.

Both Smith and Curtin highlight Ray’s ability to impart a profound sense of “realness” in his teachings. This authentic approach to understanding a horse’s needs, rather than focusing on human desires, revolutionized their perspectives. Curtin recounts a telling conversation where Ray predicted he wouldn’t truly grasp his insights until he was 45 or 50. True to form, at 47, a transformative experience with a horse revealed the deeper meaning of Ray’s long-ago words: “The horse will know when you know, and he’ll know when you don’t.”

The primary motivation behind Ray Days is to “keep this thing alive and going.” The organizers envision the event as a catalyst for future learning, including the potential establishment of a scholarship fund to provide long-term support for passionate young individuals interested in horsemanship.

The first annual Ray Days will be held this October, focusing on a reunion atmosphere. The event kicks off on Friday with a potluck, live music, and a “meet and greet.” Saturday will be the main event, featuring a barbecue, a “tack swap” where attendees can exchange horse gear, and an open mic session. This open mic provides a unique opportunity for those who were part of Ray’s “first or so generation” of students to share their personal stories and insights.

Smith and Curtin are particularly enthusiastic about the power of shared experiences. “There’s so many, so many people that don’t even teach out there that had so much to offer these horses,” Curtin notes, referring to individuals who applied Ray’s principles in their daily lives. The hope is that these untold stories will surface and inspire attendees. “Those stories give us such ideas,” Smith adds, emphasizing how past experiences continue to impact her future.

The event welcomes everyone, regardless of their direct connection to Ray. “I don’t care how much time you spent with Ray. I don’t care how much time that’s irrelevant,” Curtin stated, emphasizing inclusivity. The aim is to create a vibrant community where like-minded individuals can connect, learn from each other, and rekindle their passion for horsemanship.

Plans for future Ray Days include inviting vendors who create gear aligned with Ray’s philosophy. The organizers are also actively seeking to involve influential figures who also teach horsemanship as well as clinic sponsors and longtime students. Their stories, the organizers believe, hold “so much information out there that we haven’t even got to yet.”

Ray Days represents a heartfelt effort to preserve and propagate a unique approach to horsemanship. By fostering a community of passionate individuals and providing opportunities for continued learning, Lee Smith and Tom Curtin are ensuring that Ray’s profound influence on horses and people will continue to resonate for generations to come.

See you in October!