Ray
Hunt

Idaho Ranch Life and a Career Transformed by Tom Dorrance

Ray Hunt was born on August 31, 1929, in Idaho and grew up around horses and ranch life in the western United States, the son of a teamster who raised workhorses. As a young man, he worked cattle and rode extensively, developing practical horsemanship skills through real ranch experience rather than formal schooling. During the early part of his life, Hunt used the more traditional, force-based training methods that were common at the time.

The turning point in Hunt's horsemanship came through a difficult bucking gelding named Hondo. Unable to solve the horse's problems with the methods he knew, Hunt sought out the horseman Tom Dorrance, to whom he was introduced by Tom's brother Bill Dorrance. Dorrance's philosophy of understanding the horse and working with the animal's mind rather than overpowering it deeply affected Hunt. He later credited Tom Dorrance as one of his greatest influences and mentors, and became widely known as Dorrance's best-known student. Inspired by what he learned, Hunt dedicated himself to a softer, more responsive style of horsemanship built around patience and communication, and from the early 1970s he carried those ideas to riders through clinics across the country.

"Make the Wrong Thing Difficult and the Right Thing Easy"

Over time, Ray Hunt became known throughout the United States and Canada for his horsemanship clinics. His clinics drew riders from many backgrounds, including professional trainers, ranchers, recreational horse owners, and competitors. Hunt focused heavily on teaching riders how to improve themselves so they could better help their horses. He often opened clinics by saying he was there "for the horse, to help him get a better deal," and among his most remembered sayings was, "Make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy."

Hunt's methods centered around softness, balance, feel, and timing. Rather than relying on intimidation or excessive pressure, he encouraged horsemen to observe the horse carefully and respond appropriately. He believed horses naturally wanted to cooperate when handled correctly. His demonstrations often showed horses becoming calmer and more willing through consistent, thoughtful handling.

Ray Hunt also became highly respected for his colt-starting abilities. He demonstrated how young horses could be started quietly and effectively without unnecessary fear or roughness. Many horse trainers who later became nationally known clinicians and competitors acknowledged Hunt's influence on their work.

Mentor to Brannaman — and a Lasting Impact on Natural Horsemanship

Hunt was featured in the acclaimed documentary film Buck, which highlighted the influence he had on fellow horseman Buck Brannaman. Brannaman frequently credited Hunt as a mentor and one of the most important figures in his horsemanship education. Through students like Brannaman and countless others, Hunt's influence continued long after his active clinic years.

In addition to his clinics, Hunt's teachings were preserved through books, recordings, and educational materials. One of the best-known works associated with his philosophy is the book Think Harmony With Horses, which helped introduce many horse owners to his methods and ideas.

Ray Hunt passed away on March 12, 2009. His emphasis on feel, communication, and understanding the horse changed the way many people approached horsemanship. He is widely regarded as one of the foundational figures in modern natural horsemanship and continues to influence horse trainers around the world.