In The Tradition of Horse Whispering

By Gabriel Denison

“Horse Whispering” implies a transfer of secret information from a human to a horse, with miraculous results. As humans, we assume the communication is a spoken word. We overlook the possibility that the communication may lie in the realm of silence – of gesture and emotion – and could pass from the horse to a receptive human, forming a dialogue between the two.

This gentle training method has become widely recognized through trainers like Ray Hunt, Monty Roberts, and Buck Brannaman, who worked as advisor on the book and subsequent movie, “The Horse Whisperer.”

Brannaman, a traditionalist in the “whispering style,” was recently at Catalyst Farms in Sisters, Oregon, to teach this form of horse and rider communication. In a four day workshop, split between mornings of taking broncs to bridle horses, and afternoons of horsemanship instruction, Mr. Brannaman set a demanding pace for all the participants involved. Instead of preaching what riders must do to their horses for desired results, Buck advocates a heightened awareness in how to do things with your horses.

“You do what the horse needs,” he called to his colt starting class. “You don't just wack ‘em because you read somewhere they need wacking. You follow the horse.”

Expanding their awareness to watch for the “try,” sometimes the “slightest change you can imagine,” in their horses, proved challenging for some riders. At the end of the clinic, every one of the 35 participants could only recount their experience in an almost religious context.

“This has changed my life,” said one woman, her hands trembling as she reached to stroke her gray geldings neck. “I never imagined it would be so powerful.”

The colts were saddled for the first time, and then released together to experiment with their new gear. On occasion, 25 colts would surge and spin, running and bucking around Brannaman like a flight of birds.

Buck worked on, single-mindedly, helping a student on the ground. Waiting for “try,” describing each move in a running monologue to the spectators through a headset microphone. “She's still not giving, she's still showing resistance…( to the horse) I will pet you…I will rub you here… but you will not crowd me. No dropping the shoulder…( to the audience) This mare's learned as she has to do is push on somebody and they go away and leave her alone. That's her dominance move. We have to turn that around.”

As Buck describes it, horse work is a dynamic interaction. If you, the horseman, are not aware of the why behind your horse's actions – even the simplest movement – you are missing worlds of language. You have the right to ask for compliance, and you have the duty to provide security and emotional support for your horse, delivered mostly through the medium of touch. The rider must be crystal clear in what he wants his horse to do; and Buck Brannaman advocates time, sequential steps, reward and release as the repeated method to achieve success.

He is specific with his instructions on how to touch your horse. No claw fingers, no tapping, no rough, macho slaps or pats. “Just like a mare would touch her foal,” he explains. “Think is you were troubled, and a friend tried to soothe you… rub them comfortingly. Your horse values your friendship…why wouldn't you treasure the trust of a good friend ?”

The afternoon riders worked the outdoor arena to dust in 97 degree weather, struggling to master accuracy in their cues, rather than a firm hold on the reins. Working with Buck's constant availability, patience and attention, all began to experience a new teamwork with their horses. “Ride your horse the way he is today,” he admonished them, “Not the way you want him to be.”

During the heat and thunderstorms, colts and riding classes, Buck Brannaman signed autographs, copies of his books, “The Faraway Horses,” and “Groundwork,” listened to individual problems, stood and smiled for photos to be taken with students and horses. He was on time and on task, and constantly aware of everything, and available to everybody.

Buck Brannaman is scheduled to return next July for another clinic in Central Oregon, and if you plan attend nothing else next year, plan for this event. It‘s a worthwhile investment for man or beast.