The world of equine wellness often intersects with profound life lessons, and few embody this connection as deeply as Buck Brannaman. Known for his philosophy of working with horses rather than against them, Brannaman’s approach extends far beyond the arena, offering insights into empathy, resilience, and self-understanding. This article delves into the man, his methods, and the impact of his life and work, inspired by a visit to one of his clinics and the documentary that bears his name.
A Journey into Buck Brannaman’s World
The journey to a Buck Brannaman clinic is often a significant undertaking, as illustrated by the author’s own eight-hour drive to the Bay Harbor Equestrian Centre. This desire to attend stems from a deep-seated aspiration to work harmoniously with horses, a pursuit ignited by early challenges with a difficult horse. Devouring the teachings of training pioneers like Buck Brannaman, Ray Hunt, and Tom Dorrance, the author sought firsthand experience, leading to the discovery of a local clinic.
The Bay Harbor Equestrian Centre, described as a “five-star equine resort,” presented a striking contrast to Brannaman’s unassuming demeanor. While Western saddles were predominant, the presence of an escaped calf roundup in the dressage rings served as a subtle, ironic reminder of the clinic’s universal appeal. Equestrians from diverse disciplines gathered, united by a common goal: learning “for the horse.” Witnessing Brannaman work with young, adaptable horses in a new environment was particularly inspiring, prompting reflection on less “well-seasoned” horses back home – those with trailer-loading anxieties, pre-show jitters, or issues with farriers. This observation fueled a renewed determination to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
What resonated deeply was Brannaman’s patient, grounded approach. He offered an equal opportunity to all attendees, regardless of their background or perceived skill level, provided they were at the clinic for the right reasons. There was no “showboating,” no promotion of specialized equipment, and no elaborate marketing schemes. Brannaman wasn’t selling a product; he was offering an opportunity to cultivate a stronger partnership with one’s horse, often leading to self-discovery in the process.
Documenting a Legend: “Buck: The Documentary”
The story of Buck Brannaman’s influence is further illuminated by the documentary “Buck,” directed by Cindy Meehl. This award-winning film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim, chronicles Brannaman’s life, including a difficult childhood marked by abuse. From a very young age, Buck and his brother Smokie were accomplished riders and ropers, becoming the youngest members of the RCA (now PRCA). Their early lives involved performing at rodeos and fairs, and even starring in a Kellogg’s commercial at their father’s insistence.
Following the death of their mother and their father’s escalating struggles, Buck and Smokie were placed with foster parents, Forrest and Betsy Shirley. This intervention occurred after a football coach noticed Buck’s injuries, prompting action from the county sheriff. Brannaman often credits these challenging childhood experiences with shaping the compassionate and resilient person he is today. It was with his foster parents that he learned invaluable lessons about healing and transforming a troubled spirit into a productive individual. He also benefited immensely from his association with the late Ray Hunt.
As Gwynn Turnbull Weaver, founder of the Californois Ranch Roping Contest, notes in the film, excelling in this discipline requires sensitivity: “That vulnerability, that sensitivity to feel the subtle change, is what makes you great.” This deep empathy allows Brannaman to connect with horses on a profound level. He explains, “Horses are my life, and because of some of the things I’ve been through as a kid, I’ve found some safety and some companionship in the horses… I was just looking for kind of a peaceful place to be where I wasn’t threatened, or my life wasn’t threatened, so I have an empathy for horses… when something is scared for their life, I understand that.”
Horses as Mirrors: Insights into Human Behavior
Today, Buck Brannaman dedicates nine months of the year to traveling the country, conducting clinics on colt starting, horsemanship, and ranch roping. Participants journey from all over, seeking to improve their horsemanship skills or find solutions for challenging horses. Often, they leave with a deeper understanding of themselves.
Brannaman famously states, “A lot of times, rather than helping people with horse problems, I’m helping horses with people problems.” In the documentary, he offers a poignant observation to a clinic participant struggling with a difficult horse: “If you’ve got a lot going on in your life, probably a lot of it is a lot bigger than this horse…. This horse tells me quite a bit about you. This is just an amplified situation of what is. Maybe there’s some things for you to learn about you that maybe the horse is the only damn way you’re going to learn it.”
Despite his current ability to connect with people, Brannaman was once terribly shy. He worked diligently to overcome this, enabling him to conduct the numerous clinics he offers today. He has also focused on managing residual emotions from his childhood, moving forward with grace. “One of the biggest challenges of a horseman is the ability to control your emotions,” Buck shares. “I live in the moment… you can’t live in two places at once. You never forget, but you don’t have to keep living in the past.”
The Legacy of a Horseman
The documentary “Buck” offers an intimate look at Brannaman’s travels and his interactions with his horses and family. It also clarifies his significant, though often understated, role in inspiring the horseman character in the film “The Horse Whisperer.” Robert Redford, who starred in the film, acknowledges Brannaman’s profound contribution, stating, “Buck played a greater role than a lot of people realize… He contributed everything. There was a humanity and a kind of gentleness of spirit that I adopted for that character, because of Buck.”
Through his clinics and now the documentary, Buck Brannaman has positively impacted countless horses and humans. His future, he suggests, will involve continuing his life’s work. As he puts it, “Bill Dorrance was roping when he was 94. That’s how I want to be when I grow up, if I ever do.” His dedication to understanding and working with horses offers a powerful model for personal growth and harmonious living.
