Buck Brannaman Clinic Aintree 2017
“ It’s a devotion and art to refine a horse "
Buck Brannaman, Aintree June 2017
Buck Brannaman needs no introduction, a true horseman of the highest calibre and possibly one of the most genuine people you could hope to meet. I can hardly believe it has been 2 years since Buck first came to the UK to do a clinic, but due to the determination of Total Horsemanship’s Tina Griffin, Buck returned this year. The venue again was the wonderful arena at Aintree Racecourse.
Now a lot has happened since Buck was last here and I unfortunately lost my equine partner Ada just prior to the clinic. So having participated last time, I now found myself experiencing the clinic from a different perspective, but I guarantee that did not mean there was any less to take away.
The participants were a mix of abilities and experience, some having ridden with Buck before and many for whom, it was their first time. On the first day the atmosphere was almost palpable with excitement and anticipation, but when Buck walked in and made everyone feel like they were amongst friends, there was a collective sigh of relief.
Buck had 2 demo horses this year, Spider (a 17hh bay ISH gelding) for the morning class and Archie (a 15.2hh grey Welsh x Irish gelding) for the afternoon class. Both horses were unseen by Buck before the clinic and their individual progression over the 3 days was wonderful to watch.
I never get tired of watching Buck on a horse, if you pay close attention Buck teaches you on at least 2 separate levels. The first is visually during the dance with the horse, and secondly in the parables he tells you. These are peppered in throughout each session, and are absolute gems of wisdom and knowledge. A particular favourite of mine this time was this:
“There is a piece of the horse, the best thing he has, that most riders will never use let alone find. But depending on the rider’s personality that piece can end up dead in the horse, and you will never get it back. That piece that made him something special. When it is gone, it is gone forever. So even if you can’t find it, or use it, whatever you do don’t kill it in that horse.”
For me that sums up how high a regard Buck holds a horse. It is never a one sided conversation when he is with one. He offers them the lightest of aids, waits on them to think and then gives them the peace they seek through the release. That’s how a horse learns without trouble, and as Buck says, “Soon what the horse does last, he will start offering first”. Now that for me is a conversation.
Another key thing from the clinic was the importance of the reins hooking down to the feet. That you have to understand that whenever you take a hold of the reins, it is a connection to the horse's feet. With this is mind it is also important to know where the feet are. Buck had the afternoon group go round the arena past him, and he asked them to call out when they thought a particular foot was leaving the ground (this was quite entertaining). Without an understanding and awareness of where your horse’s feet are, and bearing in mind that your reins should be connected to those feet, you leave yourself open (if your timing is off) to pulling your horse off balance or experiencing a brace when he physically cannot carry out what you are asking of him. He will protect himself, so you need to understand where and when those feet are so you can influence them when leaving the ground. Something so simple in idea, is actually so pivotal when communicating with our horses.
It is not just his feel and timing with these animals which take this style of horsemanship beyond the mechanical, it is the respect he shows them, and indeed expects from them in return.
Buck is truly alive in each moment he is with a horse, particular in every detail and really with them and there for them.
Now those demo horses I mentioned, well Archie turned out to be pretty special. His lovely owner Angela is emigrating and I had the privilege of having a short ride on him after the last session of the weekend. To ride a horse that Buck had ridden for 3 days literally brought me to tears. I have never felt such softness, lightness and try from a horse before…..and I am pleased to say Archie is now mine.
There is something very special about a Buck Brannaman Clinic. From the dedicated team who put this all together, the riders, the spectators.. It certainly attracts a wonderful kind of person. Buck is so giving with his time and teachings, not just with the riders, but also the spectators. Every afternoon he met with them and gave them all as much of his time as they needed. He was patient, kind and most of all humble. There is a real consistency and congruence with how Buck is with horses and people. It really runs through him, free from gimmicks and ego. You can’t help but respond to him how the horses do… you give him the best version of yourself and try to build on that.
There are a lot of handy horsemen out there, that can get some pretty neat things done with a horse, but for me what makes a Buck clinic so different is that you aren’t just learning to get along better with your horse, this kind of horsemanship, with this man, well you go away just a little bit richer and more centred in your whole life.
Kate Street
Photos courtesy of Total Horsemanship.
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