Ray Hunt passed away. When I first started riding colts in earnest I did so under the tutelage of some of his most ardent groupies. They taught me lots of cool stuff and later I attended several of his clinics In Oregon Washington, Wyoming and Montana and started a colt at the one in John Day Oregon. After that clinic I ran into him and ask if he'd seen Buck Branamman lately, a prodigy of his who helped me and ecouraged me a bunch in my Montana days, back when Buck only charged ten bucks for a Saturday afternoon clinic.
During that conversation Ray he told me that I'd done a nice job on the colt I started. It was a nice colt so it was no big deal but I appreciated the validation and will always remember it. Ray was major idol of mine and I have great admiration for him.
The last time I saw him was in Fort Worth at the cutting futurity. He was talking to his wife- alone by themselves out where people were milling around in the vendor area. I think he was in his chaps. I wish I would have walked over and said hi but I didnt and now I regret it.
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I liked the tone of regret, as well as the tribute to a champion. It's good you have the memory of the compliment on the colt. And that you had that brush with greatness.
ReplyDeleteHorsetraining sounds likes another talent to add to your shingle--the one that reads: Cowboy, Humorist, and Writing Coach.
Danny
You are too kind ol Chap- Thanks for the encouragement from another chammpion. Your Pal.
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