Personalized Consultations

A large part of Ray's business is involved with personal consultations. Working one-on-one has proven to be a highly effective method of rapid training and learning for Ray's clients. Over the last year, Ray has booked over 50 private consultations with clients whose skill levels range from advanced amateur, all the way to nationally known professionals. The optimum timeframe for learning has proven to be a three-day period. Prior to the consultations, Ray requests that each client choose six to eight horses to work with, as well as goals for each horse, and the identification for an overall personal goal for the three-day period.

On the first day Ray observes the trainer/amateur work with each horse during a warm-up period. The overall weakness of the horse and/or rider is compared to the overall objective is then assessed, and a plan is developed revolving around teaching the horse and/or rider to improve the first, most basic "move" necessary to improve the overall performance. This plan is initiated for each horse/rider on the very first day. As each horse is worked with, and progress occurs, commonalties within the training theme, both good and bad, are discussed. The key thoughts and training techniques that are identified for improvement are then compared to the client's overall goal for the three-day period. If they are consistent, no change to the overall goal is made. If there are inconsistencies, then the overall goal is reevaluated and modified to more accurately reflect where progress is most needed.

By day two, a firm plan has been made for each horse, and each horse is worked until improvements are made. Usually during day two each horse progresses in a definite, easily definable manner. What will be noticed is, that as each horse improves, he also begins to relax. (So does the client!)

Additionally, as each horse is worked, the commonalties noticed on day one become very apparent, and therefore much easier to work with.

By day three, the horses have usually progressed to the point that finishing touches, rather than major changes, are the order for the day. As day three winds down, Ray spends time discussing and reviewing the starting point (where every horse was on day one) and what steps were taken, and why, in order to reach the point of progression in day three.

Each personal consultation session is different. Each client will have a different learning style. Some clients like to watch while Ray demonstrates, some prefer to be guided while doing all the work themselves. Recognizing these patterns and adapting to them in order to facilitate rapid learning, is a large factor in the outstanding results that Ray achieved with these personal consultations. By the end of the three-day session, each client has a much more complete understanding of the necessary steps to take in order for future progress to continue.

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