Review of Buck (2011) by Ray H — 12 Jul 2011

This was a very interesting and well done film. We learn the background and current work/private life-style of Buck Brannaman, a real-deal "Horse Whisperer". He suffered severe child abuse. He was lucky to have adults intervene and get him and an older brother into exceptional foster-care. Given a fair chance, he found his calling and profession as an exceptional horse trainer.

He comments to the effect that he rescues horses from people, their owners. He is as much a people trainer as a horse trainer. He also says that a persons horse is a mirror into their soul. I agree to some extent; that how a pet behaves around its owner, can give some indication about what kind of person they are.

We see a few snippets of examples of people who could be handling or dealing w/ their horses in a better way. Toward the end of the movie, there are 2 more detailed examples.

The last example concerns a young horse who is dangerous and has attacked people. The animal was born w/ a lack of oxygen to the brain. It was also an orphan. It was not able to be socialized as a horse by its mother/mare. We are told this animal may have to be destroyed. There are limits on what a horse trainer can do.

The film could have been better w/ a few more short examples of training of horses and people. And, some asides by Buck about why what a person was doing or not doing was a problem for the horse would have helped.

One woman apparently had about 20 stallions in a pasture together. Apparently, this is a major no-no that the person should have known without being told. We can guess abt why. But, it would have helped to have the issue more directly explained. There is also some talk abt gelding horses. This seems to be done as a matter of course. But, it is never explained.

Still, this was a very interesting and worthwhile trip to the movies. I recommend this one.