June 20, 2009 by Smokie.

Hello Friends,

I hope your summer is goin well and you are enjoying this warm weather and getting out to ride! Things have been busy out here in the equine world with clinics, training and trying to get a little time on my own horses too But I wanted to give you a little update on whats coming up and also pass on a letter I recieved yesterday from a young lady who attended part of my trailer loading seminar that I did in May..

First the news…

This last spring a friend of mine suggested I make up some t shirts and put some of the logos or sayings that I stress as part of my teachings on getting a good horse,training etc.. Sooooo.. I did! The first of which will be on the site in the next few weeks.. This one is for the gals out there and I and hope you like it.. It has the saying that I whole heartidly stress when looking to buy a horse.

“You Cant Ride Pretty! ” And that is all you get for now, so stay tuned

I will be selling these seperately and perhaps using them as a free gift with the purchase of my 2 DVD Horse Buying Guide. The intial order will be small so dont wait to get your name in the hat if you want one!

And there will be a couple of more down the road if the interest is there so let me know what ya think and your ideas..

Now here is the letter I recieved on e mail and my response…

Hi Smokie,

You commented on my blog today, and I wanted to get back to you. It surprised me that you did, but I respect you for taking the time to hear my opinion. And I had no idea you had taught at the University of Montana! I would love to hear more about the classes. I tried to contact the University to find out what kind of philosophy they use and just more about it in general, but they haven’t got back to me.

And about the trailer-loading clinic, what disappointed me most was how if you could get the horse in the trailer, you considered him good-to-go. In my opinion, to get a horse good at trailer-loading, he needs to be confident in the trailer. For some horses, this means lots of going in and out, in and out; for others it might mean waiting until they get curious about the trailer; or it might even mean hiding treats inside. There’s lots of strategies available to use. But I didn’t see you cause any one of those horses to be confident. You just put them in, and said “next”. So, I didn’t feel that you fixed the horses’ problems at that clinic.

Also, I understand your philosophy of no BS, but it wasn’t fair to tell people to get their horses into the trailer however they could - that’s where I think you’re telling them what they want to hear. I know most people are just concerned about riding and don’t have any professional goals, but I think that the horses got the short end of the stick that time. You’re not putting their needs first. For example, I remember you played with one horse (Palomino?) that was very hyped-up, and a lady there said she was very unpredictable and was a rescue horse. You got her into the trailer, and then you were done with her (which I also didn’t like as I stated above). She still wasn’t very confident with the trailer, and telling the lady to get her in any way she could is only going to make the problem worse in the long run. Plus, somebody is going to get hurt: forcing a scared 1000lb animal into a place that it doesn’t want to be isn’t what I call safe.

Oh, and what’s a brombie? I’d guess a problem horse, but I really have no idea.

From,
Erica.

Hi Erica,
And thanks for the reply!! You are most right on most of your comments… But! Had you been there for the first part you would understand more about what happened when you did get there.. I do advocate a lot of reps to get a horse good about being in the trailer and getting in. Not just once in and out and call it good. But at this clinic it was designed as just a demo not to work with horses that are bad about getting in! All the horses that were used have been loaded many times with the exception of the palamino which I did take more time with cuz she needed it. And you are right there are a lot different ways to load horses but the key is to make them want to be in the trailer and think its their idea to do it! Doing a full blown trailer loading session might take all day on one horse and I have had some that take more time than that.. So I think your ideas are right but you missed the point of the class! And like I said thats why I dont normally do trailering clinics cuz sometimes you just cant get it done like they do on TV!  And about getting a horse confident in the trailer, you are right there too and the horses that I worked with at the clinic were confident in the trailer or they wouldnt have jumped in as easily as they did! What I mean by anyway you can is exactly what you were saying there are many methods out there to teach horses to load, just like there are many trainers out there and many horses you can learn from as well! You will learn if you work with enough horses and listen to enough trainers that there is no complete system, bag of tricks, special sticks or halters, or one person that will do things the same way or be able to fix every horses problem.. So don’t be so quick to judge a horse, trainer, or method simply because its not the way you do it.. or the way the guy on TV does it!
If you would like to talk more I’ll look forward to seeing you at the round pen clinic..
And I wish you luck in getting into U of M.. You can go to my web page under clinics and trainers and contact my friend Jeff Griffith to find out more about the class, he is one of the horsemanship instructors.. You can also contact my friend Rusty Heble at ***-###-$#$#. He also teaches in the program and he can get you in touch with the right folks to find out more..
Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with or explain more
Have a good one! And a Brombie is a wild horse in Austrailia!
Regards and “Just Ride” Smokie

That’s about it for now folks so get out there and ride! And we’ll see you on the trail!

Smokie

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May 18, 2009 by Smokie.

Hello Friends!

I hope your srping is off to a good start and you  are getting some saddle time on your horses… Just some quick info for you to put  on your calenders. I have the date set for the round pen clinic at Vinland Stables in Oshkosh WI. It will be on Aug 8th from 10 am till we get done.. I will be doing a limited number of round pen sessions with private horses after the demonstration on a first come, first served basis so get your name on the sign up list early if you would like me to work with your horse.. Jenny Dorro’s contact info  is listed on the clinic date blog a little farther down.. Cost is $25.00 per horse and $5.00 to audit the clinic.. I hope to see a lot of you there!  I am also working another horse buying clinic for this year so if you are looking to buy another horse or would like more info, you can pick up my new horse buying dvd “You cant ride pretty” or look for upcoming dates on the clinic later on this summer.. That’s about it for now folks so stay safe, enjoy your horse and “Just Ride”!

Smokie

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March 13, 2009 by Smokie.

Yesterday we lost one of the greatest horseman of our generation. Ray Hunt passed away of complications from a lingering lung infection but hopefully he will now be in the employ of our maker gentling the lords herd of Caballos. Ray was my friend and one of my mentors and I will miss him. But the horses will miss him more. Please take a moment out of your busy lives to reflect on what this man has done for the horse industry and the methods of training that have become so popular today..Without this mans persistence in getting the word out on the better ways of training and getting along with our equine partners we would still be “breaking” rather than gentling the horses we love and enjoy…

May the sun be at your back Ray and have a great ride in the green pastures of heaven with the good horses there with you. You will be missed but you gave us your  gift and I am thankfull for revieveing it..

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February 11, 2009 by Smokie.

Hello all,

Hope you and your horse are ready for spring! I know I am.. I wanted to give you some dates of upcoming clinics that I will be doing this spring and where I’ll be if you want to stop by.. Also my new horse buying guide is here and ready to mail! This is a 2 DVD set with more than 6 hours of great information on how to find the right equine partner that will best meet your needs. There’s more info on my web site.  Get your orders in now they wont last long.. And it is time to start thinking about dusting off that horse of yours and get him tuned up and ready for that spring ride. If you’ve been lax in working with him this winter and need some help give me a call we can get him back on track!! Have a good one and…

“Just Ride”!
Smokie

Here is the list:

Horsemanship and Problem Solving Clinic
April 3rd thru 5th 2009
Neigh Haven Equestrian Farm
Ludinton, MI

Contact Jeri Bye 920-379-5081
(4H clinic on Sunday)

Midwest Horse Fair
Madison WI
April 17 - 19 2009

Trailer Loading seminar and clinic
Vinland Stables
Oshkosh, WI

Contact: Jenny Doro 920-851-1839

Round Pen Clinic

Aug, 8th  10am till….
Vinland Stables
Oshkosh, WI

Contact: Jenny Dorro  920-851-1839

TBA
Hope to see you at the round pen!

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December 15, 2008 by Smokie.

Hello there friends,

I just wanted to let know about my friend Lana Yates and her business making leather coats and other great stuff!

She made this jacket for me for the wild west shows I do in the summer and it is just fantastic work. She copied an original jacket worn by Wild Bill and it is pretty dang close! Her website info is in the classifieds section of my website  and below..so go check it out! If you’re looking for something  different this is it!

www.lostriverleather.com
www.leatherbylana.com

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July 23, 2008 by Smokie.

hello friends,

Here’s something that might give you some pause for thought.. Please let me know what ya think.. I also want to let you know that the new round pen video is at the printer and should be back in a few weeks! Stay tuned…

Here ya goooo..

The keys to being a good horseman and trainer…

  Not long ago my apprentice ask me the question… “ What is the most important thing you can teach me to become a good trainer and horseman?”  It took some thought, sole searching, and recollection of the things I’ve learned over the years to give her an answer but here goes…

Through the years, I’ve come to realize that the keys to being good with horses does not lie entirely in the sums of acquired knowledge of training principals, or the tutelage received from the all knowing masters of horse training. The keys to obtaining the level of wisdom and to truly be one with the horse come from the deepest darkest parts of your sole and your experiences in life. It is how you see, interact, and judge, your self, your horse, and others, against the perceived realities of the world around you. And how you manage the turmoil within yourself.  This is how the horse will see you, respond, and work, (or not work) for you.

Horses are remarkable creatures in that they can look into the eyes of you, “The predator” and instantly know if they can trust you with their life. They will not prejudge or hold a grudge if they cannot.  They will willingly accept you as the leader if you have their respect and their confidence as the protector of the herd, their life, and their existence on this earth.

People that have not had or lived through a profound life changing or emotional experience and know the true meaning of what life is all about, cannot become true horsemen.  If you do not know, or haven’t seen your life for how truly simple it is, and cannot give a part yourself, or your knowledge, without judgment, for the betterment of the others in the heard, you cannot appreciate or comprehend what it takes to really know the horse.

I’ve talked with horseman and women that truly have a gift with horses. Virtually all are at peace with themselves and all creatures, including the rest of the bipeds.  All have witnessed and faced death, the miracle of life, and they know that it all can change in an instant. One bad kick, bad argument, bad war, relationship, or decision made for some self-serving mission or concept of reality.

The horse is one with his herd and his environment.  He will do his part to continue his existence and that of his species.  It’s a simple forgiving life.  The horse has no concept of human emotions.  He knows nothing about love, revenge, hate, time, responsibility, perfection, prejudice, or production.  He knows only two… The only two perfect unchanging concepts of emotion and human reality, living and dieing. These two concepts manifest themselves in the horse as “forgiveness and fear”.  Trainers or horse people that base their training on other human concepts will not succeed in training or horsemanship.  If they cannot accept and let go of their distrust, anger, jealousy, control, and preconceived ideas of life, love, sacrifice, time, and how we live life on this earth, they will never know or experience a true willing partnership with the horse or the humans in their lives.

Learn to forgive yourself, your horse, and others for their imperfections. Do not fear yesterday or tomorrow. Or get balled up over those things that you cannot change, were unsuccessful, needs more work, or simply forgotten.  Just be patient, and live for today, the best way you can. Be in harmony with yourself, your horse, and the others you share your life with. Have no regrets, and expect no more in return.

Trust the horse and the human to give the same of him as he sees in you and your lives will be better for it…

Then you will be on your way to becoming a horseman. At peace with yourself, your herd, and the world we live in… like your horse.

I’m not a true horseman yet but I work on it every day and I hope this helps you along the way.

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May 6, 2008 by Smokie.

Hello Friends,

I am still not sure if anyone is even reading these posts I put up here… But, I wanted to let you know that the interview I did with Rick Lamb for “The Horse Show” was just posted on his website! Take a listen and let me know what you think. Also, we had a great weekend with Andy Curry and Sue Robertson filming two training videos. One is on buying the right horse, and the other on round pen work. They will hopefully be available in June. If you are interested in ether of them let me know now so I can get an idea of how many to order.. AND PLEASE…. send me your comments!

Best regards and “Just Ride”!

Smokie

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January 30, 2008 by Smokie.

Hello All,

Here is a letter I received from Steve DePriest in Colorado. It is interesting in the fact that it truly typifies why I wrote “Whisper This…” and my hope to help people become more educated and safer horse enthusieist.  Here ya go!

Dear Smokie,

You don’t know me but I feel like I know you. I’ve  just got finished with your book and enjoyed it VERY much. I’ve also read your brothers books and took some of his clinics over the years. I am the quiet fellow in Bucks’ book “Believe”, pages 11-12.

I  owe you many thanks for your book, especially pages 6-10. I got crushed by one of those colts who had the misfortune to have a dingbat mother and a rattlesnake daddy. I was foolish and believed that there was no such thing as a bad horse. Whoops! Thank you so much for explaining it to me in plain english. Thank you, Thank you, etc,etc,etc! I hope you have another book in you. I am waitiing for your next one with bated breath. Or worms on my tongue!

Thanks again,

Steve DePriest

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November 16, 2007 by Smokie.

Hello friends,

I just wanted to update you on a few things.

If you didn’t get the October issue of the Western Horseman magazine, I have attached a copy of the article for you to read about “Whisper This”

I have also just started something new called the HORSEMAN’S SERVICES SCHOLARSHIP PROJECT. Since I have been donating a portion of the proceeds from my book to the Wisconsin Horse Council, Equine Foundation Scholarship Fund anyway, I thought that I could do even better by starting this project. I am seeking the help of my friends who have read my book, businesses, and anyone else… To become my partners in this project. For individuals buying the book you will be donating a portion to the price to this scholarship fund.. (And Thank YOU!) For any business that will purchase my book and carry it in their store, I will list them as a partner in my project on my web site and do everything I can to help them promote it through book signings and advertising. AND… I am not going to take any money for doing it! You see for me, it truly is about educating people about horses and what comes with it.. So if I can get the word out, print more books for folks to read and get a kid in school thats what I want to do. So please help me spread the word and give something back.. Thanks a lot! Smokie

Here is the article from the Western Horseman..

Whisper This: Not to Your Horse, to Yourself

Smokie Brannaman

ALL TOO OFTEN, Author Smokie Brannaman writes, he’s seen what he calls a “Black Beauty Fantasy” that ends up in… “broken bones, broken dreams, broken bank accounts and unbroken or ruined horses.”

To keep such scenarios from recurring when a wannabe rider steps up to horse ownership, Brannaman wrote Whisper This, his brief, common sense book on horse ownership, which he describes as a “no bull” book for horse and rider. Did I mention the author is blunt and plainspoken?

Readers looking for the fantasy horse experience probably will not appreciate all of Brannaman’s opinions: said opinions might hit too close to home. However, other readers and riders likely will wish their nerve and forthrightness was on par with the author’s.

And, yes. Brannaman is “the not-so-rich-and-famous brother of one of the finest clinicians and horsemen in the country, if not the world”

-FS.

Bunkhouse review, Western Horseman Magazine, Oct 2007

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October 2, 2007 by Smokie.

Hello friends,

Here’s a letter I recieved from my new friend Micheal Martin Murphy.
A great singer and fellow horseman. Love that song “Wildfire”

Regards, and "Just Ride" Smokie

Smokie,

I loved the book! It’s so practical, and down-to-
earth; a real breath of fresh of air and dose of reality in the
midst of all the “new age” horse stuff that’s going on. Some of that
stuff gets a little too weird for this cowboy!

My family ranch in Wisconsin, The Rocking 3M Ranch, is deeply
involved in equestrian activity of all kinds. We are breeders,
horse trainers, and  competitors- as well as the show business
activities that I do. We mainly show Paint and AQHA horses
though we do work with some pony  breeds and draft horses,
mostly in Working Cow Horse Events. Our oldest daughter,
Jessica, is studying to be a Large Animal Doctor at
UW- River Falls, and is the one who is most motivated about Paint
Horses. Our middle daughter, Sarah, spent all Summer working for Bill
Freeman in Texas, and has huge talent as cutting horse competitor.
She came within one point of the Superstakes Finals on her first
competitive ride! Sarah is also a very talented cowgirl poet. Morgan,
my youngest daughter, buys-trains- sells ponies( she does very well-
and is the most naturally talented rider in our family) and is
attracted to the farming side of agriculture, too. She is currently
working for, and being mentored by, an excellent dairy operator in
our area.

My wife, Karen is the real driving force behind the horse side of the
Rocking 3M Ranch. That’s not to say that she doesn’t do an awfully
lot of work with our Texas Longhorn Cattle and other critters on the
ranch- and she loves them all.

We’ll be in touch soon, as soon as we hear from Mike. And regardless
of what happens with the event at Steven’s Point, I’m hoping that we
can get to know each other as time goes on.

Murph

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