Buck Brannaman

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Dan M. "Buck" Brannaman is a horse trainer and a leading practitioner within the field of Natural horsemanship, which is a philosophy of working with horses based on the idea of working with the horse's nature, using an understanding of how horses think and communicate to train the horse accept humans and work confidently and responsively with them. One of Brannaman's stated goals is to make the animal feel safe and secure around humans so that the horse and rider can achieve a true union.[1]

Raised in Montana and Idaho, for many years a disciple of Ray Hunt, one of the founders of the Natural Horsemanship movement, and also inspired by Tom and Bill Dorrance, Brannaman now teaches clinics worldwide. "the goal for clinics really is to just try to get the human being to understand as much about their horse as I can help them to understand."[2]

Though many aspects of the book are fictional, Brannaman was one the primary individuals who inspired the character of Tom Booker in the Nicholas Evans novel, The Horse Whisperer and was the lead equine consultant for the film of the same name. Evans himself said, "Others have falsely claimed to be the inspiration for Tom Booker in The Horse Whisperer. The one who truly inspired me was Buck Brannaman. His skill, understanding and his gentle, loving heart have parted the clouds for countless troubled creatures. Buck is the Zen master of the horse world."[3] The publicity from the book and movie, along with Brannaman's approach to treating troubled horses and troubled humans with equal doses of compassion has helped promote other fields such as therapeutic horseback riding.[4] In that context, Brannaman has noted, "Horses are incredibly forgiving. They fill in places we're not capable of filling ourselves. They've given people a new hope, a new lease on life. A horse really wants to please you, to get along."[5]

Brannaman had a difficult childhood, characterized by considerable child abuse at the hands of his father, to the extent that he and his brother spent a number of years in foster care placement.[6] He took solace in horses, and learned from his own experiences to look at a situation from the point of view of the horse. He has written, "I've started horses since I was 12 years old and have been bit, kicked, bucked off and run over. I've tried every physical means to contain my horse in an effort to keep from getting myself killed. I started to realize that things would come much easier for me once I learned why a horse does what he does." [7]

He later used these experiences in his career as a horse trainer, recognizing in difficult animals the same fear and hostile reactions he remembered from his own childhood: "Abused horses are like abused children. They trust no one and expect the worst. But patience, leadership, compassion and firmness can help them overcome their pasts."[8] In recent years, he has become a motivational speaker for groups outside of the horse world,[9] frequently describing the connection between animal abuse and abuse of children and other human beings.[8] "For me, these principles are really about life," says Brannaman, "about living your life so that you're not making war with the horse, or with other people."[1]

Brannaman also is a skilled Trick Roper, having performed rope tricks in television commercials since he was six years old.[6] For his roping abilities, Brannaman also holds two spots in the Guinness Book of World Records.[9] Though Brannaman has said, "... my dad gave us the choice of practicing roping tricks or getting whipped,"[8] he still takes pride in his skill, offers roping and cattle working clinics, and retains a close connection to the historic vaquero cowboy tradition of the western United States.[10]

He lives with his wife, Mary, in Sheridan, Wyoming.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Brannaman, Buck. The Faraway Horses. Lyons Press, 2001. ISBN 1585743526
  2. ^ Williamss, Kenny and Lisa-Ross Williams. An Interview with Buck Brannaman," from If Your Horse Could Talk Allabouthorses.com, accessed December 18, 2007
  3. ^ Daily Lit Review of Believe
  4. ^ Stewart, Barbara. "Healing With the Power Of Horses; Therapists Use Riding To Help Treat Disabilities," New York Times, June 20, 1998, accessed online December 18, 2007
  5. ^ Id.
  6. ^ a b Franke, Linda Boston. Review of The Faraway Horses, Ranch and Country Magazine, accessed online December 18, 2007
  7. ^ Quotation by Buck Brannaman
  8. ^ a b c Farrell, Allison "Whispering wisdom" Helena Independent Record, April 30, 2004
  9. ^ a b Buck Brannaman, The Horse Whisperer
  10. ^ "Buckaroo Champions," Western Horseman, August, 2007
    • Miller, Robert and Richard Lamb. Revolution in Horsemanship. Lyons Press, 2005. ISBN 1-59228-387-X.

[edit] Published works

  • Brannaman, Buck. Groundwork: The First Impression Rancho Deluxe Design, 1997. ISBN 0965765709
  • Mangum, A.J. Ranch Roping with Buck Brannaman : A practical guide to traditional roping. Wesetern Horseman Books, 2002. ISBN-10: 0911647546, ISBN-13: 978-0911647549
  • Brannaman, Buck (with William Reynolds). The Faraway Horses. Lyons Press, 2001. ISBN 1585743526
  • Brannaman, Buck and William Reynolds. Believe: A Horseman's Journey Lyons Press, 2006. ISBN-10: 1592288995 ISBN-13: 978-1592288991
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