Buck Brannaman

Hi, I have both seen and had lessons with a few trainers.

I very much like Mark Rashid. Both watched, had my own horse, been to the US for clinics on his horses, and also been to the Aikido clinic. I have learned stacks, and feel it a positive experience to take my own horse.

Watching Buck Brannaman in Liverpool last year, I liked him too, but would not go to a clinic with my horse, I don't think, as there were an awful lot of horses in the arena, and I think I learned more by watching.

Like Richard Maxwell, seen a few demos and think he is good, but he does not give all his prowess away I think, as the other two do. By this I mean the other two explain more the nuances of what they are doing more clearly to me, but I would consider his help for a specific issue.

Andrew and Manu McLean are in a slightly different vein, but like them enough to both attend clinics and lessons regularly with my own horse.

Seen a few others, that I have been less happy with, but they seem to work for other people.
 
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Thanks.Instructor went to watch Buck at Liverpool and was very impressed but did comment on how many horses there were.I was sceptical having watched on tv the Pat Parelli/Monty Roberts.Got some of Bucks ground work DVDs and was quite impressed.He gave a master class on gentle considerate bridling of the horse.
I went to a western clinic which was not a great success for me and the first session seemed to be endless chasing the horse s e round on a rope with no purpose.
Watching Buck I began to understand the whys and how's.
 
Have you seen Buck's film? If not, perhaps watch that and make up your own mind if you like his methods. I don't, despite his quiet demeanour.
 
No I haven't seen the film.Will try and get it.Disappointing perhaps.They all seem so good to begin with don't they.Maybe just take what you like and junk the rest.
Best I have seen is Danish trainer Kirsten Alexander Hannsen on Epona tv rehabbing a Fjord called Bailey.
 
eahotson said:
They all seem so good to begin with don't they.Maybe just take what you like and junk the rest.
Best I have seen is Danish trainer Kirsten Alexander Hannsen on Epona tv rehabbing a Fjord called Bailey.
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Agreed. I'll look out for the Danish trainer (ducking out of spelling the name!).
 
Like Red-1, I like Mark Rashid and his methods/approach. I've been to a UK clinic but not to a US one- I'm jealous, must have been a great experience.

I do like Buck Brannaman- to watch. Dont' like Monty and his methods, but I wouldn't bash him.

I do ride western. Have done for years and been to several clinics. I have never been to a genuine western clinic that involved chasing horses around on a rope. Sounds more like an NH clinic to me! There may be some rope work early on with colt starting, but I haven't experienced it in genuine western clinics focussing on learning the aids of western riding. Its a shame you didn't have a good experience.
 
Well it was supposed to be a western clinic.The morning session was just an endless lunging session on the western ropes so not large.I had no idea what we were supposed to be achieving and suspect that it was to tire the horses prior to the afternoon riding session.I stopped because neither the horse nor I were enjoying it or learning. Anything.Then we had a massive personality clash.I never went back.I thought he was an unpleasant play ground bully.
 
eahotson said:
No I haven't seen the film.Will try and get it.Disappointing perhaps.They all seem so good to begin with don't they.Maybe just take what you like and junk the rest.
Best I have seen is Danish trainer Kirsten Alexander Hannsen on Epona tv rehabbing a Fjord called Bailey.
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Yes, she's fab. Lots of good stuff on Epona TV

Not a fan of any of the NH type stuff - they all *sound* good ... but then you watch them ... ugh!
 
eahotson said:
Well it was supposed to be a western clinic.The morning session was just an endless lunging session on the western ropes so not large.I had no idea what we were supposed to be achieving and suspect that it was to tire the horses prior to the afternoon riding session.I stopped because neither the horse nor I were enjoying it or learning. Anything.Then we had a massive personality clash.I never went back.I thought he was an unpleasant play ground bully.
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would be very interested to hear who this was - even at colt starting clinics the trainer should explain why his using certain techniques.
 
eahotson said:
Well it was supposed to be a western clinic.The morning session was just an endless lunging session on the western ropes so not large.I had no idea what we were supposed to be achieving and suspect that it was to tire the horses prior to the afternoon riding session.I stopped because neither the horse nor I were enjoying it or learning. Anything.Then we had a massive personality clash.I never went back.I thought he was an unpleasant play ground bully.
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I can remember about 15 years ago going to what I thought was a western clinic as everyone was in western tack and at that stage I didn't know better (I'm not implying that is the case with you eahotson, just that's where I was at that stage). My experience was similar to yours and a bit soul destroying. I realised afterwards, on meeting some really great western people and good quality trainers, that it was not western but yet another variation on NH. I made sure to avoid it in future.

I like Mark Rashid as in my opinion he is an excellent horseman and regardless of what style of riding he adopted he would be a great horseman.
 
Starbuck said:
I can remember about 15 years ago going to what I thought was a western clinic as everyone was in western tack and at that stage I didn't know better (I'm not implying that is the case with you eahotson, just that's where I was at that stage). My experience was similar to yours and a bit soul destroying. I realised afterwards, on meeting some really great western people and good quality trainers, that it was not western but yet another variation on NH. I made sure to avoid it in future.

I like Mark Rashid as in my opinion he is an excellent horseman and regardless of what style of riding he adopted he would be a great horseman.
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I am a very novice western rider.Yes everyone else had western saddles a lot sold to them by that 'trainer'.
 
My lad was backed using Buck Brannaman way. And I still do the ground work etc with him.

I like it and the technique, it suited this horse. Also I like matching the ground work to the ridden work and how it's all connected. I've.got his ground work.dvds and it's always fun to learn something new and have a play.
 
There are good and bad in all manner of training methods. I've taken some useful things from bhs, parelli, buck, Heather Moffett, western etc. I think to tie to one persons way of training can be a disaster. No one horse is the same as another so I find cherry picking from different ones good.

What I did like about buck in the film was his candid words to the lady that owned that poor stallion. She had caused his issues and while he got his point across he also tried helping her out abit too.
 
eahotson said:
Well it was supposed to be a western clinic.The morning session was just an endless lunging session on the western ropes so not large.I had no idea what we were supposed to be achieving and suspect that it was to tire the horses prior to the afternoon riding session.I stopped because neither the horse nor I were enjoying it or learning. Anything.Then we had a massive personality clash.I never went back.I thought he was an unpleasant play ground bully.
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I had an unpleasant experience like this too, in England. TBF he did explain what he was doing, but I did not like the methods, or the fact that horses were stood still for 2 hours in the cold, then worked their backsides off, with deliberate tension, then stood stock still.....to the point that one was very ill. I was also a bit taken aback when, over the microphone was "Red-1 said that blah blah......" along with something that I did not say! The trainer running at the horse whilst cracking a lunge whip, and berating him when he moved was also not a high point for me.

In contrast I have worked with a 3rd generation cowboy in the US, we co-trained a clinic, on the theme of "English and Western, comparing the two to find the commonalities". In fact, I borrowed one of his horses for the clinic, as we taught mounted, and was blown away by the way a proper bridle horse can go "on the bit" despite never having done so, learn shoulder-in in 5 mins flat, learn to jump a course of fences (whilst still in a western saddle)....... The horse was trained to yield to pressure and seek an answer. The horses were his own personal working horses, had a fab work ethic. This man did not have a "system" to sell, no book, no video, just quiet, patient teaching.
 
I like what I have seen of BB. Enjoyed the film 'Buck' and I've read the book of was based on, The Faraway Horses. I really respect that he tells the owners/ handlers what they've done to cause the horse's problems. Seems pretty straight talking. I wasn't sure what to make of some of his methods initially but I'd like to see it in person.
Reading his book was v interesting because you get a real insight into his methods and views on horses, people and training.

Of all of those mentioned, I'd like to see BB in person the most.
 
The best person I ever met was a horse driver called John Willmot.He was the nicest and kindest of men and even (whisper softly) did treats albeit at very specified times.All his horses had wonderful manners and were calm and relaxed.He was magic.
 
I really like Buck Brannaman, and use his approach when I can. It has really helped with bringing on a couple of youngsters, and helped me developed a great partnership with the mare I ride.
I watched all 3 days of his clinic at Aintree last year, and really enjoyed observing his common sense approach 1st hand. The wannabe cowboys and cowgirls in their outfits made me chuckle, but each to their own! There was also a woman there who was asked to swap the rope halter she was riding in for a snaffle bit, as her horse was just on its own trip…she didn’t, and simply sulked for the remaining sessions…her loss!
He comes across as a genuine horseman, and unlike PP and MR is not out to sell you carrot-sticks and other associated paraphernalia!
 
Blurr said:
Have you seen Buck's film? If not, perhaps watch that and make up your own mind if you like his methods. I don't, despite his quiet demeanour.
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Just watched a bit more of the DVD.Not quite so impressed now.Think I will do as others have sugested (and in fact often have done) look, listen, take the bits I like, junk the rest.
 
Gunslinger said:
I really like Buck Brannaman, and use his approach when I can. It has really helped with bringing on a couple of youngsters, and helped me developed a great partnership with the mare I ride.
I watched all 3 days of his clinic at Aintree last year, and really enjoyed observing his common sense approach 1st hand. The wannabe cowboys and cowgirls in their outfits made me chuckle, but each to their own! There was also a woman there who was asked to swap the rope halter she was riding in for a snaffle bit, as her horse was just on its own trip…she didn’t, and simply sulked for the remaining sessions…her loss!
He comes across as a genuine horseman, and unlike PP and MR is not out to sell you carrot-sticks and other associated paraphernalia!
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The wannabe cowboys/cowgirls! Saddle fitter went to a western show near him for interest as he has been to America and ridden western and thoroughly enjoyed it.There they were in stetsons etc.They were not competitors but audience and one (from Accrington) was talking in a broad American accent! Still a harmless fantasy.
 
Gunslinger said:
I really like Buck Brannaman, and use his approach when I can. It has really helped with bringing on a couple of youngsters, and helped me developed a great partnership with the mare I ride.
I watched all 3 days of his clinic at Aintree last year, and really enjoyed observing his common sense approach 1st hand. The wannabe cowboys and cowgirls in their outfits made me chuckle, but each to their own! There was also a woman there who was asked to swap the rope halter she was riding in for a snaffle bit, as her horse was just on its own trip…she didn’t, and simply sulked for the remaining sessions…her loss!
He comes across as a genuine horseman, and unlike PP and MR is not out to sell you carrot-sticks and other associated paraphernalia!
Click to expand...

I was sitting near the mother of the girl who was asked to swap to a bridle. Both the girl and mother were concerned as the horse (I seem to recollect on veterinary advice) had a mouth issue and was not supposed to wear a bit. The girl did try to call out to Buck, but due to the number of people, and the fact that he had turned his attention and was talking through the microphone elsewhere she could not talk about it. She did call the mother over, they had a discussion and decided to try it against their better judgement, she swapped to a bridle, but you could see she was fighting an internal battle. She then swapped back, without being able to discuss it. Obviously she felt miserable about it. That was day two, I did not see day three as I had to get back to work.

Not anyone's fault, but this was one of the reasons in my original post (about number two in this thread) why I would not take a horse with me to a Buck clinic. I learned a lot more from watching, and there were so many people in the ring that if there was a problem Buck was not immediately available. To my mind there is no doubting the man's ability, wisdom, talent etc etc, and I will be first there at ringside next time. But, maybe not with my horse, unless we have already squared off any major problems, which kind of defeats the reason for going!

With the Mark Rashid clinics you are either one on one, or in small groups where you have times with one on one tuition. As a person who likes to analyse this allows me to work through my "stuff" in order to help the horse with their "stuff", whilst often finding that when I have cleared up my "stuff" the horses does not seem to have any "stuff" that needs working through any more! In fact most times when I have been to a Mark Rashid clinic there have been tears at some point. It is the shifting of my "stuff" and the release from that, I think. Although, I do feel sorry for the man, all these girly tears, as often-times I am not the only one!!!

With Manu or Andrew McLean I have been one on one. They are less about my "stuff" and all about the correct application and release of pressure. This has produced amazing results in itself.

I also like different trainers. Something to learn from them all.
 
chestnut cob said:
Enjoyed the film 'Buck'
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I enjoyed the film too, but wasn't overly impressed with the way Brannaman read and handled the 'yellow' stallion - although his was a super-hard case that came about through the folly of his owner. I spent a long time going through through certain scenes on the DVD frame by frame and thinking about it, and I still can't decide whether BB avoided making an improvement in the horse's behaviour (or said how that might be possible) because he knew that ultimately it couldn't work out well for the horse anyway. Was the stallion pts or gelded? I don't know.

There are Western trainers who are immensely experienced, skilful and successful, but whose methods and manners I dislike. Buck Brannaman is borderline for me. On the other hand, I did like what I saw of Mark Rashid's work with horses when I met him 15+ years ago.
 
eahotson said:
Well it was supposed to be a western clinic.The morning session was just an endless lunging session on the western ropes so not large.I had no idea what we were supposed to be achieving and suspect that it was to tire the horses prior to the afternoon riding session.I stopped because neither the horse nor I were enjoying it or learning. Anything.Then we had a massive personality clash.I never went back.I thought he was an unpleasant play ground bully.
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I too would be very interested to hear who that was? Could you pm me? Thank you

Red-1 said:
I had an unpleasant experience like this too, in England. TBF he did explain what he was doing, but I did not like the methods, or the fact that horses were stood still for 2 hours in the cold, then worked their backsides off, with deliberate tension, then stood stock still.....to the point that one was very ill. I was also a bit taken aback when, over the microphone was "Red-1 said that blah blah......" along with something that I did not say! The trainer running at the horse whilst cracking a lunge whip, and berating him when he moved was also not a high point for me.

In contrast I have worked with a 3rd generation cowboy in the US, we co-trained a clinic, on the theme of "English and Western, comparing the two to find the commonalities". In fact, I borrowed one of his horses for the clinic, as we taught mounted, and was blown away by the way a proper bridle horse can go "on the bit" despite never having done so, learn shoulder-in in 5 mins flat, learn to jump a course of fences (whilst still in a western saddle)....... The horse was trained to yield to pressure and seek an answer. The horses were his own personal working horses, had a fab work ethic. This man did not have a "system" to sell, no book, no video, just quiet, patient teaching.
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Red-1, Could you pm me the names of these 2 as well? Again, I`m intrigued to know who they were. Thank you.


I have a lot of time for Mark Rashid, I have read all his books numerous times, and I follow his page and musings on facebook. I`m hoping to see him when he`s next back in the UK. I cannot stand Parelli and don`t have a lot of time for Monty Roberts either.
 
I was lucky enough to get a place on and ride with Buck at Aintree - in the pre pack, it stated that a horse should be ridden in a headstall, either with a bit or a hackamore (bosal) no halters - if their horse had a problem with this, then they should not have applied for a place on the clinic or pulled out of the clinic - it was over subscribed so names were pulled out of a hat and their space could have been filled easily. I have watched Buck's DVDs, watched him in action at the Legacy of Legends but the experience of actually riding with him, far surpassed my expectations - it was the greatest experience of my life! He is such a humble man and the reason for the numbers is that he wants to impart as much information to as many people as he can! For me, my horse struggles when energy is increased so it was great to have that happen and get guidance from Buck - he pretty much sees everything! Watching is not the same as doing and I have watched a number of people. I also like Mark Rashid and have worked and ridden with Kathleen Lindley Beckham for a number of years.
 
A bit off topic - but I really rated Mark Rashid. The clinic I watched he was solving a problem with a high level dressage horse, a bucking horse, some others Ican't remember and the sort of rude horse that walked all over its owner. Success with all in a nice quiet manner, but with authority. Never come across Buck Brannanman, although I heard the name.
 
BB has been in NZ a couple of times over the last year, and while I have not been to his clinics I know several people who have.

Opinions are very divided - some loved him and he could do no wrong.
And two I know who signed up for a two day clinic (not cheap!) didn't go back for the second day.

The biggest complaints were too many horses in the arena at once, too much emphasis on only one or two horses, and he did all of his demonstrating on a horse that was already very well trained.
 
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