Heidi - I just wanted to add my 2 cents regarding the Ray family. We have known them from when we first got into miniatures. The whole family - Gayle, Richard and their daughter, Amanda Ray O'Cull, have been very helpful to us... from loaning me a cart at a horse show, to mentoring Dan and DJ in training and showing, not to mention the beautiful Amanda showing our stallion, Alliance Star Wars at the 2008 AMHR Nationals and winning Reserve National Champion 30" and Under Country Pleasure Driving Stakes! They are always very willing to lend a hand.
In addition to their generosity, they all have that "touch" with the horses. Gayle showed our yearling filly for us in one of the championship classes at the Shelbyville show in April. The filly did absolutely wonderful for Gayle and came out with 2 out of 3 Champion of Champions in the show! We were amazed, because our filly is only about 27" tall, competing against the taller horses... all thanks to Gayle.
So if you plan to use the Ray's for training, whether for halter or performance, we highly recommend them!
Tam