The final season of Yellowstone has stirred up a passionate debate among fans, with some viewers expressing frustration over what they perceive as an overemphasis on horse-related scenes and the presence of creator Taylor Sheridan himself. These fans feel that segments featuring Travis Wheatley, played by Sheridan, and the intricacies of the horse business detract from the main Dutton family narrative. However, for those deeply involved in the equestrian world, these scenes offer a compelling and authentic glimpse into an industry often misunderstood.
As a lifelong horsewoman and a dedicated Yellowstone fan, the outcry over “too much Taylor” and “too much horse show” is quite amusing. Many of the viewers complaining likely don’t own horses and therefore miss the nuanced, albeit sometimes dysfunctional, portrayal of the horse business that Sheridan, a genuine horseman himself, is showcasing. The scenes in question, set at his Bosque Ranch, highlight the realities and unique characters often found within the equestrian community.
The plot point revolves around Beth Dutton’s need to secure funds for the ranch. She tasks Travis Wheatley with selling the ranch’s prized cutting horse stallion. Rip Wheeler, Beth’s husband, playfully warns her about Travis’s notorious charm, comparing horse trainers to “Corriente bulls” known for their aggressive pursuit. This sets the stage for Beth’s encounter with Travis and his girlfriend Sadie, played by supermodel and equestrian Bella Hadid. Hadid’s appearance, stemming from her participation in a charity cutting horse competition hosted by Sheridan, offers a brief yet memorable cameo, even appearing in an auction sequence.
Following a scene involving a strip poker game, Beth and Sadie observe Travis showcasing the cutting horse’s prowess to potential buyers. Beth, intrigued and perhaps skeptical, questions Sadie about her attraction to Travis, highlighting his arrogance, condescension, and misogyny, as well as the significant age gap. Sadie’s simple, unwavering response—”Have you ever seen him ride before?”—followed by intense shots of Travis’s skilled riding, immediately validates her choice. This interaction poignantly illustrates a common dynamic within the horse world: the undeniable allure of exceptional riding ability, which can overshadow less desirable personal traits.
The narrative further delves into the less savory aspects of the horse industry. Travis orchestrates a scheme with fake buyers to inflate the stallion’s price by $1 million. When Beth questions the buyers’ potential exploitation, a fellow cowboy admits Travis’s trickery but reiterates the age-old adage: “a horse is worth what someone is willing to pay for it.” He likens the unpredictability of horse sales to lottery tickets, but with the added element of the horse’s spirited nature. These moments, while seemingly scandalous, resonate deeply with those familiar with professional horse dealing, where ethical boundaries can often blur, and the value of a horse is subject to intense negotiation and a degree of luck. The portrayal of Travis duping wealthy individuals into overpaying for a horse feels less like fiction and more like a documentary observation of the industry’s complexities. Horse trainers like Travis, while perhaps ethically questionable, are often masters of their craft.
For enthusiasts of the show who are also involved in the horse world, these elements are not a distraction but a core appeal. Sheridan, with his background as a ranch owner and horseman, authentically reflects the industry’s realities. The criticism directed at him for including these authentic depictions is arguably unfair. Sheridan’s career began as an actor, and after delivering critically acclaimed television for five years across multiple successful shows, he has certainly earned the right to indulge his passion and expertise within his own creation. The inclusion of detailed horse-related storylines, from the training and selling of high-value stallions to the complex relationships within the equestrian community, enriches the Yellowstone universe, offering a unique perspective that many viewers, especially those within the horse industry, genuinely appreciate.
The scenes featuring Travis Wheatley and the horse business, while generating some controversy, provide an authentic and insightful look into a world that is integral to the Yellowstone setting and to Taylor Sheridan’s own life. These moments, far from being a mere indulgence, serve to deepen the show’s realism and appeal to a significant segment of its audience who understand and appreciate the nuances of horsemanship and the often-unpredictable nature of the horse trade. As the show concludes, these horse-centric narratives stand as a testament to Sheridan’s dedication to portraying the authentic Western lifestyle in all its facets.
