If you haven’t had a chance to see the movie “Buck” then put it on your list! It is a great documentary about the life work of Buck Brannaman. I have had the good fortune to ride with Buck as well as with both of his mentors, Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt. At the time, I was not aware of the legacy these men would leave. And now I count myself lucky for the time and experiences I got with these men.
With the release of the movie “Buck,” his teaching and message will reach far and wide. He is a man who doesn’t sugar coat things but is sincere in his compassion for the horse. From roping skills to “a soft feel”, I have learned much from my times with Buck. Perhaps the most lasting thing he taught me was to be consistent and to always strive for more softness in my connectivity.
In watching the movie, I was reminded of so many great lessons about horses. This quote sums up a big revelation that Buck helped me see in regards to horses:
“The horse responds to comfort, they respond to peace better than about anything else you could do. All he wants you to do is just leave him alone. So if the horse responds to you and you give him a little peace and comfort that means more to him than anything.”
Prior to riding with Buck, I thought comfort to horses was treats, praise, petting and hugs. I had been personifying the horse and not really seeing the horse for what he was, a horse! A creature of flight who operated in life very differently than I did. In learning with horseman like Buck, I have a better understanding of horses, and my horses thank me for it!
Did you have a take away from the movie that you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about it!