The recent penultimate episode of Yellowstone‘s fifth season featured prominent scenes with reining pro Travis Wheatley, portrayed by show creator Taylor Sheridan. These scenes, set at Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch, have sparked debate among viewers, with some feeling there was “too much Taylor” and an overemphasis on horse-related content. This perspective overlooks the authentic portrayal of the equestrian industry, offering an inside look for those familiar with its intricacies. Many fans expressed their dissatisfaction online, with one X user commenting, “15 mins of story and scenes wasted with watching Taylor Sheridan showboat on his own show, partying and just doing his thing.” Another viewer stated, “I definitely do NOT watch #Yellowstone for Taylor Sheridan.” The sentiment was echoed by a fan who felt that “Taylor Sheridan took 2 years to write these final episodes THAT CENTERS ON HIM!” and hoped for more focus on the Dutton family in the series finale.
As a lifelong horsewoman and a dedicated Yellowstone fan, the fan outrage is amusing. The viewers expressing these complaints likely do not own horses and therefore may not appreciate Sheridan’s nuanced depiction of the horse business and its inherent dysfunctions.
The episode’s plot unfolds as Beth Dutton, facing financial pressure to save the ranch, tasks Travis with selling the ranch’s premier cutting horse stallion. Beth’s husband, Rip, jokingly warns her about Travis’s amorous intentions, remarking, “Honey, he’s a horse trainer, he’d try to (use your imagination here) in front of me if he could. Horse trainers are like Corriente bulls.”
This warning proves prescient as Beth walks in on Travis hosting a strip poker game with his girlfriend, Sadie, played by supermodel and equestrian Bella Hadid. Hadid, who recently participated in a charity cutting horse competition hosted by Sheridan, makes a brief appearance during an auction sequence. Following the revealing poker game, Beth and Sadie observe Travis showcasing the cutting horse stallion’s abilities to a group of prospective buyers. Beth, intrigued by Sadie’s choice of partner, questions the appeal of Travis, describing him as “the most arrogant man that I have ever met in my entire life. Condescending. Misogynistic. Also 25 years older than you.” Sadie, with her eyes fixed on Travis’s riding, simply replies, “Have you ever seen him ride before?” The scene then cuts to intense shots of Travis expertly handling the stallion, prompting Beth’s understanding nod. This dynamic highlights a common observation within the equestrian world: the presence of arrogant, older horsemen and the young women captivated by their riding prowess.
Travis then employs a ruse, enlisting fake buyers to inflate the horse’s price by $1 million. When Beth questions Travis’s 10% commission and whether the buyers were swindled, another cowboy admits, “Travis is tricky. But a horse is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. There’s a lot of luck. It’s like lottery tickets – if lottery tickets bucked.” This cynical yet accurate portrayal of the horse trade, reminiscent of the “what do women see in horsemen” trope, resonates with anyone familiar with the industry. As those deeply involved in the professional horse world know—dealers, trainers, and coaches alike—the character of Travis is a true-to-life representation. The horse industry is not always known for its stringent ethics, whether in shady deals or scandalous training practices. Therefore, Travis’s deception of wealthy buyers feels more like a documentary segment than a fictional drama.
For horse enthusiasts, the presence of horses is a significant draw to the show. Sheridan, a genuine cowboy and horseman who owns the 6666 Ranch, clearly possesses deep knowledge of the industry. His portrayal of the horse business is authentic. Furthermore, criticizing Sheridan for his “self-indulgence” is unwarranted. Having established his career as an actor and delivered critically acclaimed television for five years, he has earned the right to explore aspects of his passion on screen. The classical principles of the art of training horses are often seen in the dedication and skill displayed, even amidst the industry’s rough edges.
The scenes involving Travis Wheatley and the horse business, while perhaps not to every viewer’s taste, offer an authentic glimpse into a world that many Yellowstone fans are passionate about. Sheridan’s ability to weave these elements into the narrative, whether viewed as self-indulgent or insightful, adds a unique layer to the show’s rugged landscape. For those who understand the complexities and appeal of the equestrian world, these moments provide a compelling and realistic dimension. Where are the Lipizzaner horses trained is a question that delves into specialized equestrian disciplines, showcasing the diverse facets of horse training and management that Sheridan draws upon.
The inclusion of Travis Wheatley and the focus on horse-related dealings in Yellowstone serve as a testament to Taylor Sheridan’s deep connection to the equestrian world. While some viewers may find these segments excessive, they offer an authentic and often humorous portrayal of the horse industry’s unique dynamics. For those with an appreciation for horses and the business surrounding them, these scenes provide valuable insight and entertainment, enriching the overall Yellowstone experience.
