Brannaman Clinic

I obviously haven't been blogging much in the last months, and all I have to say about that, is...well, I've been busy having fun!

I have meant to several times, but sleep overcame when the chance to sit came available. It has been quite an eventful year/summer, and I thought I should probably catch up. My blogs is one way my daughter is able to see 'what goes on' here, now that she lives in North Dakota (much to my Heart's Dismay) (No, I'm not over it)

Shortly after June started I had a friend come in from Georgia, Yep, Charlene, My Georgia Peach came to visit again. * She had asked my earlier in the year, that if she came here, would I take/accompany her to Sheridan, Wyoming, and allow her to ride my horse (Marshmallow) in a Buck Brannaman Clinic. * Well, ...... after I thought about for the whole amount of time it takes to take a breath, I said "Heck yeah!" I'm all for a free horsey/friend trip! And really, who (that is involved and loves all things "Horse") doesn't want to go to Wyoming to a Buck Clinic? Only someone CRAZY! I may be crazy, but not like that!

Charlene got here in early June, to spend some time just doing what we do, and getting familiar with Marshmallow again. (She rode her in a Carolyn Hunt clinic last year) We went to the races, had a few dinners out, did a bit of shopping and touristy things, and of course rode. Then about Mid July, we loaded up the horses (cuz I was gonna take one too, duh!) and trailer, and truck with all of what we thought we might need. This is when I should interject and say I"m dragging another friend along with us, my Great friend Sharon, who also loves all things horse. So, picture this, 3 of us girls, loaded into the truck, responsible for horses and equipment, heading off for a 12+ hour drive to Sheridan, Wyoming! Woot Woot! That part of the trip sounds much funner than the actual drive was. Don't get me wrong, it was fun, and I wouldn't have missed it for anything! I used to do that sort of thing all the time, but I've become a married woman with a husband who does all the driving, and apparently, I"m not as "into" it as I used to be. But the sights were gorgeous ( no pics, cuz yep, I was driving )

The clinic was to be 4 days, and we left on Wednesday, to have Thursday to rest and let the horses rest. Friday would stat the clinic. We got there in the dark, and they'd just had lots of rain, so pulling into an muddy as heck unknown place packed full of trailers, wasn't exactly my favorite thing. But we did it, and got the horses settled. I was really proud of them, they hadn't given us any beef during the ride, and got out of the trailer respectfully, though I"m sure they were sick to death of it. I do love my horses!

Technology these days sure comes in handy, I will say that! I put the address of where we were headed in my "Smart Phone" and she did not let us down. I got pretty familiar with "Siri" during that drive. Though I will say I"m not a huge fan of IPhones. I had one cuz I had had everything else, and I like to try new things. (Siri was not to be with me long) After depositing horses, we still had to find our hotel, so Siri helped again. Sleep was pretty wonderful that night.

We didn't do much on Thursday, just simply taking care of horses and preparing for Charlene to ride the next day. If you've ever done anything like that, you know that her nerves were jangling and she was feeling butterflies in her belly. I was just excited. I had arranged to be photographer, so I knew I'd be up close and personal. During a clinic, There are about 10 colts that will be saddled and ridden for the first time in their lives. Colt starting is in the morning, and then Charlene's Horsemanship Classes would be after lunch.

I have to say that Buck has an amazing place. Simply amazing. Not fancy necessarily, but well thought out. I imagine he can afford fancy, but remember, he is a Cowboy, who has lived a Cowboy's life, and knows the 'ins and outs' of what is good stuff, and what's just fluff. As well known as he is, he's a pretty down to earth man, with basic likes and dislikes. And he's not really afraid to tell you about it. I have known him for a few years, (remember he married Wayne and I a few years ago) and I respect his integrity, and I always respect someone who tells is like it is, if it's not done with malice.

The photo below is of the 1st day Colt Starting. Obviously, this is inside his indoor arena. I love that he has a full side of mirrors. And I loved that he said, it's not a vanity thing. It's a useful tool, so you can "see" what you're doing/sitting like/how your horse looks. That's just smart. The colts have their saddles on, and he's just moving them around a bit to get them to feel what it feels like to wear a saddle. The horse that he is on, is Reuben, who he got 2 years ago in Vegas at the Legacy of Legends. Reuben was one of the Colts that was started then, and he was a 2 year old then (maybe 3) so, he's only 5 now, being a working horse.

I was soooo excited to see Betty Staley here! She is from Sheridan, Montana. If you've watched the movie "Buck, the Documentary" you've heard her voice. She narrates the documentary, along with being a very close friend of Buck's. She was at the Legacy of Legends 2 years ago, doing Dressage/English demonstrations. If you've read my blogs much, you know that I was absolutely mesmerized by her. She's maybe 100 pounds, and just too wonderful not to enjoy. She rides great big horses, though maybe this photo doesn't show that. My horse is one of the tallest I know, and the horse she's on here, is a good hand taller (4 inches) This horse is also a 3 year old, and her horse improved by leaps and bounds during the Horsemanship Class. At this time, I want to say, that these clinics and "Horsemanship Classes" are NOT just for Beginners. No matter who you are, what your "level" of Horsemanship is, it is/should never be below you to strive to improve. Betty is literally a World Class Ride/Horse Woman in her own rights, and I'm sure could possibly collaborate with Buck herself. The point is, to always strive to improve. (really, that goes for anything you do in life) And having said that, my own disclaimer that I'm not riding in the clinic myself, is simply a Monetary Issue. If I could I would, without a moment's hesitation. I'm very fortunate in having this type of 'connection' in my life, where I get to "audit" so many clinics, free of charge. The things I learn by watching are immense and I try to soak every bit of it up. One thing I love about taking the photos is, that I may semi forget things, but going thru the photos is a a great way to job the memory and I think "Oh yeah, such and such was going on, and this is what happened"

The photo below shows Betty's care for her horse, and how he responds to her. I can NOT stress enough how a simple touch/pet can calm/soften a horse, and help them relax enough to absorb more teaching. I'm often amazed how many people don't do it, and think it doesn't matter. This photo proves that it matters. You know, they say

"A Picture says a Million Words"

Below is Reata Brannaman, who obviously is Buck's daughter. Reata is (I believe) 18. She has just finished her first year in college in Montana. And I"m pretty proud to say, that she is now the "Colt Starting" instructor at MSU. That is quite an accomplishment. Some folks might say, at this time, that since she is "Buck's daughter..." I can't stress enough that she is another true horsewoman in her very own right. Of course, she grew up learning from the very best, from Ray Hunt, and of course her father. Some would say that makes it easy for her. I'd like to say, that those are some BIG shoes to fill. And some folks are simply not cut out for it. It can be scary, and physically challenging. She does it with heart and soul. It is obviously gonna be part of her life. I look forward to seeing where all she goes. The colt she is on, by the way, is one that just had a saddle put on, for the first time, the day before this photo was taken. Seriously, you can't fake confidence like this, and the horse KNOWS it. They KNOW when you don't know something, whatever "it" is.

The photo below is of Noah Cornish. I've known him for about 3 years, and I"m here to tell you, he is gonna be something to watch. Right now he is only about 15. If you've watched/read my blogs, you've seen photos of him before at the Legacy of Legends. He rides Western mostly, but he rode a 3 year old last year in Egnlish (with western leggings) and jumped that 3 year old a bit. And he wound up lucky enough to start one of the colts this year (in Feb in Vegas) that his Dad surprised him with and bought (the colt) He has been apprenticing with Buck, and was starting another colt while we were there.

You see all kinds and all ages in clinics. And here is one that was a true joy to watch. Hannah was about 10 I believe, and she rode 2 different horses in the Horsemanship clinics and did herself proud. Don't let her size or her Pony's size fool you. She was every bit as dedicated as anyone else, and had the skill to show for it. This was the first time I'd seen her, but I wouldn't be surprised to find her doing demonstrations in other times. I chatted with her Mom a bit and she told me that there is a brother who loves roping and what can be done with a horse, but that Hannah loves what can be done "FOR" the horse. Quite a difference, though one is not wrong, but can make a huge change.

I met Fran this trip too. Turns out she came from Salt Lake City area. (folks had come from literally all around the country) She rides a horse named Chico, who I believe might be a Morgan Horse, though I won't swear to it. She was fun to watch and especially in part, because she loved the entire thing. She ate dinner with a us a few times, and we've remained in contact. I do believe she is planning to come and do some riding with us, to learn a bit of Western Life. As she has family in Boise, that's fairly convenient for her.

Below is Reata and her friend Ceily. They go to college together and in live in what is called the "Hen House" Ceily is also apprenticing with Buck, and the horse that she is on, was just started the previous week, and they are in the Horsemanship class. THAT is how nice it can be for horses, if done with confidence and reassurance. Fun is always a key part of whatever you do. Having fun doesn't mean you aren't doing it the best you can, but being relaxed enough to have the best of both worlds

This lady below, is one that deserves all of our thanks! You know how every now and then, you meet someone, and you can just tell, you're gonna be friends? Right off I felt that with Darby, and we had many laugh sessions. She ranches in Wyoming, and has such a love for horses. If you read Western Horseman, there is a magazine cover (I believe March of this year?? maybe) that she is the cover photo. I didn't know that, til months later, Wayne actually spotted it.

She had broke her leg not long before this clinic, so she wasn't riding, but it didn't stop her from coming to learn. They also (she and her husband) raise amazing horses with lots of color. In fact, Charlene had JUST bought one that was delivered to her home in Georgia barely before she flew out here. (oh the irony) Darby also had meals with us a few times, and she and my humor clicked, and yes, was maybe a bit sick, but she got it.

I give thanks to her, because when she heard of our devastating fires here, she went online and signed up for "National" status. Yes, she is a firefighter. Within hours, she was advised that she would be heading to Idaho, and was here with 2 days. She spent the greater part of 3 weeks near Fairfield at the McCan Complex. Though we didn't see her much, and not here at all, Wayne and I did go visit, to show our appreciation for her service. We took Bryce with us, and he got to meet a Wyoming firefighter who came to save his land. This is someone I will remain friends with. The next two photos show where she lived for the 3 weeks, and her and Bryce

Below, Buck is showing Travis some of his techniques.

One of the biggest joys to me of this trip, was my daughter coming from North Dakota, to kind of meet me half way. And of course, since she was there, she had to ride a bit. So here she is on my guy, Beamer.

Part of her purpose in coming was to bring me Austin, who was going to come home with me for a few weeks. Oh the JOY, the absolute JOY knowing I'd see them. Austin was my first Grandchild. I can not deny a 'Special' connection. Katie came with Austin and Cash, and we spent 2 days together, and the boys swam in our pool at the hotel. When they left, Austin was understandably quite upset, so he made his own connection with Beamer, who was also alone during the day, while we were busy. There is nothing like the outside of a horse that is as good for the inside of a man/boy.

I'm pretty proud of Charlene and Marshmallow. They had an awesome go, and learned a lot too. Marshmallow is one of those horses that just makes you feel that everything is gonna be "OK"

I feel kind of bad that there aren't many photos of Sharon, but here is one to prove she was there! I can't tell you what this woman means to me. She has stuck with me thru thick and thin, no matter what, she was my friend.

While there, I did an impromptu photo shoot with these 3 beautiful women. Ceily, Reata and Hannah. I do photography for a a boot company for their magazine ads, so these girls were gracious enough to put some boots on, and strut their stuff for me a couple minutes. Can't complain about my models!

Unless I've forgotten something, this blog pretty much covers June 5, thru 19 or so.