Tag Archives: documentary

“Buck,” practicing compassion while starting horses

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Just watched “Buck,” a 2011 documentary about Buck Brannaman, a leading horse trainer and practitioner of gentle methods of “starting” a horse – the complete antithesis of the violent and cruel traditions of “breaking” a horse.

His practice evolved out of the vaquero tradition and natural horsemanship. The practice came to more widespread awareness through the book and 1998 movie, “The Horse Whisperer.”

Brannaman was brought on as a consultant to the set of “The Horse Whisperer,” but ended up playing a much more pivotal role in the making of the Robert Redford film. He played Redford’s double, and Brannaman’s own horse was able to complete a scene in about 20 minutes after trained movie “trick horses” failed to do in hours of shooting.

Brannaman and Redford on the set of “The Horse Whisperer”

“Buck” is a gentle and very moving film filled with simple and powerful lessons. Brannaman has become a leading teacher of this method of starting horses based on compassion, trust, and safety. It is beautiful to see the dance between rider and horse, and the graceful precision possible – all without harsh words, treatment, or employing fear.

Brannaman’s gentle and respectful manner with horse and human alike is all the more impressive and moving after one learns of the horrific abuse he and his brother suffered as children. He overcame this and his extreme shyness (he was unable to even look people in the eye). He now spends 9 months out of the year giving clinics teaching the practice and spreading the word of kindness and respect.

Brannaman at one of his clinics featured in “Buck”

It would never occur to me to have contempt for this animal

Buck Brannaman talking about a horse so brain-damaged, violent, and extremely dangerous that it must be put down

It may sound like hyperbole, and I’m sure he’d immediately reject this assessment, but Brannaman’s message is as gentle yet potentially powerful and life-altering as a talk given by the Dalai Lama.

It should come as no surprise that I love the documentary, “Buck.” I watch it at least once every few years. It is no longer available on Netflix, but at this moment is available to rent on Amazon Prime.