What are the qualities of a horseman?
As someone who is seeking what’s best for your horse, you’d probably agree that there are a lot of trainers in the world, but few horsemen.
So what’s the difference?
I’ve touched on this subject many times in my articles but, in a nutshell, a horseman is flexible in his approach to horses, and will put the horse first despite peer pressure, ego, and counter-productive emotions.
A horseman understands and takes to heart that any “issue” with a horse is usually not about the horse at all; rather, it’s about what the horse is reflecting back to you.
The longer you’re around horses, you’ll come to realize that a horse will eventually cause you to feel every emotion imaginable.
Controlling your emotions is the biggest challenge for a horseman.” ~Buck Brannaman
Not Your Typical Documentary
Buck Brannaman beautifully demonstrates the qualities of a horseman as he brings to the big screen an incredible educational documentary about horse-human relationships in the film, Buck.
I saw this film its opening weekend in the Dallas area and since I’m a native Texan, I was happy to learn that the idea for the documentary originated in Texas.
Even if you’re not a horse guardian, you’ll love this film because it’s not so much about horses as it is about your journey in life and developing as an individual.
If you’re a horse guardian, you’ll find that the film brought to life some realities of horse-human relationships and the results produced when something goes horribly wrong with your approach to horses.
There are many things I love about this film and I was especially pleased with the question and answer session right after it where Buck Brannaman made a live appearance.
During that session, we learned much more about Buck and his journey than what was included in the movie.
Although Buck obtained a large portion of his knowledge about horses from other great horsemen such as Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrance, the special qualities he’s developed throughout his life allow him to effectively communicate not only with horses, but also with people.
Throughout the film you’ll find Buck Brannaman to be a kind, gentle soul with a great sense of humor. He has an uncanny way of educating people about horses with a humble approach that helps the audience understand the important lesson that horses are a mirror to your soul.
A powerful and memorable statement from the movie says it all:
Your horse is a mirror to your soul. Sometimes you might not like what you see… sometimes you will.” ~ Buck Brannaman
As Buck points out throughout the film, it’s not about the horse. It’s about you as an individual and where you are in your journey.
It’s a Dance
There were many moments in the film that were captivating, but the one that resonated with me most is the beautiful dance Buck demonstrated with his horse… it’s a treasured feeling and a beautiful picture that will always be with me.
As Buck stated in the movie, “It should be a dance with your horse.”
All great horsemen understand that it’s important to find that balance between being as gentle as possible but as firm as necessary.
In the end, it becomes a dance between two willing partners.
Nothing is ever forced, there’s connection and understanding and the horse’s dignity stays intact… it’s not compromised.
Touching Lives at a Magnitude Unimaginable
If you’re a horse guardian seeking true unity with your horse, then this film will be one more piece of the puzzle that gets you closer to that ideal, not only with your horse, but also with important relationships in your life.
It’s refreshing to see a film like this reach such a large number of people. The messages about not only horses but about personal growth and development are presented in a way like no other.
Buck travels around the country putting on horsemanship clinics as one way to help spread the messages he communicates through his film, Buck. Bringing this film to theaters has given him the opportunity to touch lives at a magnitude he probably never imagined.
You hope you say the right things to plant a seed and hope that they find the answers in their life.” ~ Buck Brannaman
No matter where you are in your journey with horses, this is a must see film. Be sure to bring all your non-horsey friends and family too… they’ll thank you for it. 
In closing, I’m going to leave you with another great quote from Buck the film:
Whether you have horses, dogs or kids, with that comes a great responsibility. You have to be able to teach them to get along in the world.” ~ Buck Brannaman
Non-Traditionally Yours,
Stephanie Krahl
Note: I did my best to extract quotes the best I could during the movie but writing in the dark was a challenge. If any one sees that I misquoted something, please let me know and I’ll correct it.
Additional Resources:
- Buck the Film Official Web Site
- Listing of Theaters Where Buck the Film Is Playing
- Click here to purchase Buck the Film
BUCK
You can’t go wrong by adding this wonderful film to your horsemanship library.
About Stephanie Krahl
Four of my friends and I drove to Atlanta, Ga (two hours from our home) to see this film. We were not disappointed, to say the least! There are some people you look to as a guide to becoming better in your own life and he is one of the few I believe I could aspire to. The emotional fitness he displayed toward the damaged stallion is something I will continue to reflect on.
You wrote an excellent commentary. I will have to share this article with my friends. As for the rest of my horse friends, well, I guess they will just have to salivate awaiting its release in DVD!
Hi Joy,
I felt it was well worth the drive too… we drove an hour to go see it.
I agree the emotional fitness Buck displayed not only toward the stallion but toward the lady who owned him has given me much to think about as well. That part of the movie may be difficult for some to see.
In reality many horses are driven to that state… many we never hear about. Since Buck was there for a Q&A after our viewing, someone in the audience asked about the woman in the movie who brought this stallion and who had so many more stallions at home. It gave many people a lot to think about.
As Buck stated, and other great horsemen also say, it’s our responsibility to teach our horses to be in a human’s environment. When that isn’t handled properly, things can go wrong very quickly. It’s unfortunate that the horse is the one who pays the highest price… as Buck said in the movie “the human failed this horse.”
Thanks for your compliment on my article. It was great to hear your thoughts on the movie.
~ Stephanie
Will certainly make it a point to see the film.
One thing that caught my attention in the film clip was that Buck had a severe/abusive father. As you may know this parallels the life of Monty Roberts. He was the first person in California to receive a CAT scan. Hundreds of fractures were discovered. Literally hundreds. He got a rifle, loaded it and planned to shoot his father. Fortunately he spoke first with a teacher, a nun, who found the words to dissuade him.
Why do these terrible early experiences sometimes seem to produce, or to some extent contribute, to shaping a human spirit with a rare connectivity to both animal and other human spirits? I have no ready answer.
Under enough pressure a lump of coal becomes a diamond. But many who have similar experiences do not overcome them. Still, people like Buck and Roberts show the enormous capacity of the human spirit to survive and thrive.
GT,
You always provide such incredibly insightful commentary that amplifies the messages I attempt to get across.
Thank you for taking your time to read the article and provide such great words of wisdom.
~ Stephanie
Steph- sounds like a must see movie and this is a must read article.
It is fascinating to me as well how some of the more challenging upbringings can create such empathetic and compassionate human beings; then not. I wonder (because I can’t imagine) how many of those who emerged “a diamond in the rough” may have had a special relationship with an animal. I’m inclined to think most.
I love the quotes you chose too – as a mom, it’s so relatable! (could a 9 + 7 yr. old see, ya think?)
Thanks for another great/important article. Like Buck, you are planting seeds, which makes me hopeful for all those equines whose suffering/death at the hands of incompetence and/or ignorance may now be prevented.
Hi Mo,
I believe that as children, some of those “tortured souls” often turn to the comfort and unconditional love of animals when they can’t get it from their parents. I’ve always believed animals are angels on earth and are a gift to us.
The movie is rated PG which means some material may not be suitable for children. I would caution those who might want to bring kids. There are a few sceens that include a mentally damaged, violent horse. It was even hard for me to watch because I know that situation could have had a much different outcome.
I’m glad you asked about bringing kids…. great question.
Appreciate your comments,
~ Stephanie
Does anyone remember the quote Buck’s mother made about being flexible? I have tried to remember and find it online and I can’t.
But I agree.. I also saw it in Atlanta.. I was pleasantly surprised. I love documentaries as it is… but to me this wasn’t your typical documentary.
Hi Woody,
The quote is:
I love that quote too! Thanks for stopping by.
~ Stephanie
Thank You for the beautiful review of this film. I was fortunate to see a preview of it before the release date and plan to have it in my library as well. I hope to see it in the company of friends out in the world. It was so well done!
Indeed, I am thrilled to have discovered your web site, and have referred people to it as an avenue into this movement toward interchange and colloquy and conversation with the critters we share the earth with. I believe our lives depend on it. Thank you for your presence on the internet.
Hi Peg,
Your comment just brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful compliment. I agree and believe our lives depend on the movement you describe. We can all learn from each other.
~ Stephanie
Stephanie,
I found you through the Damn Fine Words writing course. Your website is fabulous! Great to have you in the course.
I am a horsewoman as well. I haven’t seen this film yet, but it’s on my shortlist.
I especially appreciate the quote, “Your horse is the mirror of your soul”. That is so very true. Especially for my Arabian mare, Ally, who has been my partner and best friend for 10 years. I wrote about her in a post way back in my site, “How Our Passions Sustain Us”.
Hi Mary.
Yes, Buck is a must see film for horse lovers as well as for non-horsey people
I stopped by and read your article “How Our Passions Sustain Us.” I loved it and I can definitely relate to what you shared.
It’s always wonderful to stumble upon someone like yourself who not only loves horses but who also strives to be a great writer. I’m happy our paths have crossed.
Absolutely one of my all-time favorite movies!!
I appreciate your passion for horses and technology as I let myself get pulled away for far too long from my passion (horses) and I won’t do that again! The good thing is I discovered technology and social media along the way, and they lend themselves very easily and successfully to promoting horses, horse business, and the wonderful Western lifestyle.
I have to say this film is toward the top of my list as well.
I understand about easily getting pulled away. My passion for horses is a priority in my life. Finding that sweet spot between merging my experience in the technology field with horses has been wonderful. You hit the nail on the head, combining the two is an asset. Thanks for stopping by Susie.
I volunteer at an Equitherapy Riding Arena I think I do pretty well handling the horses and I am a Senior leader. My question is: when some of the horses try to bite what is the best way to handle that issue? They tell us to block with our elbow but I don’t find that works very well for me. Thank you and Buck’s movie was great!!!
Hi Patricia,
Biting is mostly a dominate behavior and more often than not, the horse has a high play drive. Fully answering your question in a comment is not practical but this subject is something I can cover in a future article. Blocking does help if you’re close to the horse and if it’s done in an effective manner and without ever getting frustrated or angry. If either of those emotions arise, it will not be effective. Something to keep in mind is that if your horse is backed away from you then they can’t bite you.
Hi Stephanie,
Just saw the movie, and stumbled on your site trying to find a quote without having to rewatch the whole movie; admittedly though, that wouldn’t be a bad thing! It was a really inspiring movie for anyone. I’m not a horseman, but I’m an animal guy and have always been fascinated by horses and the horse/human relationship. While not a horseman, I am a father, and I feel like a lot of the things that Buck talks about can apply to parenting.
So the quote was something to the effect of if you approach a horse in anger they can sense it and they respond accordingly. Something like that. You seem like you’ve nailed down several good quotes, maybe you have that one as well.
Hi Justin,
That’s one quote I haven’t nailed down – now you’ve got me wondering. I plan to purchase the movie this month and watch it again. I’ll pay close attention and listen for the quote you’re referring to. Thanks for stopping by.