Buck Brannaman Horsemanship I Clinic

Buck Brannaman and Cat Parks standing to the left

Even though I’ve seen Buck Brannaman at the Californios Ranch Roping and Stock Horse Contest for at least 10 years this was my first time attending one of his clinics. It was at Trinity Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, just a mile from my home. They have a very large arena so there were 30 riders and about 300 people auditing the course from the sidelines.

The Horsemanship I clinic is his second level after the Foundation clinic and is described by him as “For the green horse and rider already comfortable in the snaffle bit along with aged horses needing continued work. This is the first stage of progressing into the bridle with all basic movements introduced. All levels of riders – no matter what discipline – will benefit. The class features strictly dry work – no cattle. All maneuvers stress the vaquero style of riding and are appropriate for horses from first level snaffle to experienced bridle horses. Hackamore horses welcome.”

Buck and that’s me directly behind him
I was very impressed. I’ve seen a lot of clinicians over the years but his knowledge about horses was a level above. He’d say it’s all about the feet and virtually every subtle movement by his body, feet and hands were designed to communicate a special “feel” to tell the horse what he wanted. He was very clear about what he wanted and didn’t hesitate to give corrections while he watched us try things.

giving it my best
And there were endless stories about him, his life, his debt to Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt for teaching him about their training methods and there were more than a few laughs.

It’s a four day event, we were on horseback all of the time and he led us through a series of progressive exercises designed to lighten our horse, teach specific cues, and all the time see how smoothly and lightly we could do it.

I learned a lot and so did my horse. We’ll always be better because of Buck and I really hope to do another one of his clinics in the future.

Highly recommended!

Buck’s rig – I’m jealous
You can get more information at his website by clicking HERE.

The video clip is from one of his upcoming DVD training series that will be available very soon.

If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE.

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