LOS ANGELES—Buck is the true story of modern cowboy and horseman Buck Brannaman, the inspiration for the novel and 1998 smash film The Horse Whisperer starring Robert Redford.
“I learned the way the horse sees things,” explained Brannaman when we spoke recently in Los Angeles coinciding with the premiere of the new documentary about his life.
Brannaman was also a consultant for the production of The Horse Whisperer, helping the horses perform during the film’s shooting. He also coached Redford, and quipped in the documentary that he suggested to Bob that if movies didn’t work out for him, he could become a horse trainer.
“I try to teach the rider to see things from the horse’s perspective and respond in a way that develops a kinship between horse and rider,” said Brannaman.
Finding a different way of communication and understanding in his life is what helped him overcome the trauma of his childhood. Brannaman and his brother where abused by their alcoholic father, who turned violent after the death of his wife and the boys’ mother.
His experience made him determined to become a master horseman. But to truly be a master horseman, your work has to help teach the horse’s riders and caregivers as much as the horses themselves.
The best definition of a master horseman isn’t about winning ribbons in the show ring or races on the track. A true master horseman works with people and horses in a kind and compassionate way, encouraging people to understand how their energy, thoughts, and habits affect the horses as well as those around them.
Brannaman’s website offers a part of his philosophy: “Your horse is a mirror to your soul, and sometimes you may not like what you see. Sometimes, you will.”
The Documentary
A film festival darling, Buck has won 11 festival honors, including the 2011 Audience Award for Documentary at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. The film is a visual tapestry of stunning beauty and richness. Walking with Buck through his life story draws the audience into a different and thought-provoking reality. Buck’s way of problem solving can teach people about life.
When director Cindy Meehl decided to make this documentary, it was a heartfelt choice. She had never made a film in her life. But she wanted people to experience Brannaman’s unique way of doing things.
“I thought I can’t fail Buck ... the fact that he had allowed me to even do it. I thought that’s a huge leap of faith for him. I don’t know that he even knew that I had not made a film [before] when I asked him!” Meehl admits to me when we spoke.
Meehl organized her own production company, Cedar Creek Productions, LLC. She brought together an impressive group of women as her crew, and jumped into filming Brannaman as he worked around the country.
The film she made captures Brannaman’s unique approach to his work. It offers a new perspective and demonstrates how to move beyond the enslavement of old habits and patterns, and to awaken to different choices rooted in kindness.
The Man
Brannaman carries with him a quietness that one usually finds only when alone in nature. It’s an inner stillness that was palpable during the interview. Dressed in crisply ironed jeans, cowboy boots, Western belt, and a cowboy hat, he was just very natural and in no way affected by the media hoopla that surrounds film releases.
I could see why the horses work well with Brannaman. It was very soothing to be around him. He speaks honestly and genuinely with no facade. The word “refreshing” sums him up.
“Most horse problems are people problems. When I ask a person about their problems with the horse, it’s not really about the horse. By the time they have finished, I can see where their problems are and why the horse is having difficulty … They tell me, thinking they are talking about the horse, but instead it’s about themselves.”
Buck will delight not only horse owners or riders. It’s for anyone who has dreamed about horses, or in fact, anyone who wants to look at life differently. Its a must see!
For more information: www.buckthefilm.com
