Faraway Horses (23 page)

Although Buck’s venture into the game of polo was mainly inspired by the attraction of warm Florida weather, he nevertheless rose to the occasion.

No matter where Buck traveled, the stories of his rope tricks traveled with him. In West Palm Beach, Buck swings a big loop over a crowd of dignitaries, including author George Plimpton.

Mr. & Mrs. Buck Brannaman at their wedding at the Cold Springs Ranch, with Betsy Shirley.

Buck and Mary on the big day with daughters Lauren and Kristin.

Buck holding daughter Reata.

Buck during an interview with ABC in Australia. Features on Buck’s techniques were widely carried on television in that country.

During one of Buck’s clinic trips to Australia he was asked if he had ever saddled anything other than a horse. This picture says it all.

Buck takes a break at his Sheridan, Wyoming, ranch during the filming of one of his instructional videos on roping.

Buck at a clinic in Eagle, Colorado, working with a young horse to untrack or “free up” his hindquarters. This maneuver helps the horse understand turning when asked by the rider.

The moment of “hooking on,” when horse and man connect. Here the horse chooses to come closer to Buck as Buck moves away. It is as if they are linked by an invisible thread.

A horse’s first ride is about establishing comfort with the rider’s presence and about direction. Here Buck asks the horse to turn by moving away from his lariat.

Buck’s mission is giving horses the best possible start in life. Here he visits with a mare and foal on his ranch.

Buck introduces Robert Redford to the correct use of the flag and to Rambo, Buck’s new horse who would ultimately play Redford’s horse “Rimrock” in the film The Horse Whisperer.