7 Clinics with Buck Brannaman: The Complete Series

Horse trainer Buck Brannaman—the inspiration for the central character in Nicholas Evans' novel The Horse Whisperer, as well as Robert Redford's film adaptation—was also the subject of Cindy Meehl's excellent documentary Buck (VL Online-9/11). Meehl has culled through hundreds of hours of outtakes from Buck to create this seven-disc set featuring Brannaman's famed horsemanship clinics. “So much I learned from Buck that I had never been taught,” says Meehl, who first met the man at one of his clinics in 2003. “It's really about your relationship with your horse.” Brannaman is known for his gentle but effective training techniques, encouraging a horse to do what the rider wants by understanding the animal's psychology. In the series, Brannaman starts with “groundwork,” such as getting the horse accustomed to a saddle and bridle, and comfortable with the rider; moves through riding skills, including dressage; and deals with problem behavior such as biting or bad attitude. All of the lessons were filmed at clinics, with Brannaman leading in his quiet way, and students trying the techniques with their own horses—and achieving astonishing results. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (F. Gardner)