Horses are consistent and logical. The horse will do what is easiest for him. If you make it easy for him to buck you off, kick you, and run away, thatโs just what heโs going to do. And more power to him. But if you make it easy for the horse to be relaxed and calm and accurate โ and also have it be a beautiful dance between you and the horse โ it wonโt be too long before heโll be hunting for that just as hard as you are. Whatever you make easy for the horse, thatโs what heโs going to get good at.
Buck BrannamanThe horse is a gift to us, to humanity. And for that, there comes responsibility. If the horse is gonna work for you and work with you, then the best thing I can do for the horse is to make it as good a life possible.
Buck BrannamanThere is something in the human psyche that there is a connection between horses and humans, a real special kind of a thing, and I guess itโs always been there. I hope it will always be there, I hope we donโt evolve past that.
Buck BrannamanKind of where you end up your ride on a horse is so important. It's a little bit like when you guys were younger & you were dating, that last two minutes of the date can be a real deal breaker. With these horses it's the same thing you know? You got to quit on a good note.
Buck BrannamanHorses aren't lazy and they're not greedy and they're not jealous and they're not spiteful, they're not hateful. They're not that way. But the human can sometimes only describe a horse in the way that they view other human beings.
Buck BrannamanDon't be a victim. Be busy with your horse so you stay out of trouble - otherwise, trouble will come and find youโ, Brannaman would say. โBe assertive but don't be aggressive, if you are aggressive you'll make the horse flighty. The horse needs perimeters like anyone else. Give them guidance, support, rules. The same rules. Don't change the game. Don't let them have excuses just cause of their past. And love them.
Buck Brannaman