Author Archives: Smokie

About Smokie

Smokie Brannaman grew up on a 5000-acre horse and cattle ranch in Southwestern Montana. Working with horses, cattle and rodeoing as a professional trick roper was his way of life as a youngster. Upon graduating from high school, Smokie chose to serve his country in the United State Coast Guard. Although his military duties did not always allow much time to spend with his horses, he never the less, rode and trained horses of his own and others throughout his military career. Smokie retired in 2000 from the Coast Guard and worked as a Corporate Operations Manager for a security company. But he soon realized that his true enjoyment came from being around horses, training, riding and helping others with their horses. After working for 2 years as a stable manager for a large boarding stable, Smokie hired on at Ots Sunrise Farm to work with the young horses halter breaking, ground work and starting horses under saddle to progress to more advanced training. Smokie started his own business, Horseman’s Services Limited, llc in 2006 and now works full time as an educator of the horse and rider. Smokie utilizes the training methods of his brother Buck Brannaman, Jeff Griffith, and others, as well as his own techniques learned during a lifetime of working with horses. Smokie is a published author of two books about horses and their riders, Whisper This… Not to your horse, to yourself, and his newest book Equiknowlogy 101… and numerous horse training DVDs. Smokie lives in Greenleaf Wisconsin with his sweetie Vickie, and has three grown children, Kat, Travis and Jason. He raises and trains registered quarter horses of his own, which he uses as, Cavalry horses for his hobby, Civil War reenacting, and performing in Wild West Shows throughout the Midwest.

Shut up and ride… A clinic for kids

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Smokie

Hello friends, I just finished a clinic for kids in Hilbert WI and we all had a great time! I think everyone learned a little something and no one graduated from “Buck Off U”! For those of you that were … Continue reading →

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Without a good Mom there would be no good dads..

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Smokie

Hello Friends, Here’s a little something about how I look at fathers day.. Perhaps you will like it. From Equiknowlogy 101… Epilogue   My Mentor… And a true Master of Equiknowlogy and life… One of my most important teachers and … Continue reading →

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News from the round pen…

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Smokie

Hello Friends, Well it seems Bucks documentary is a great hit!  I’m looking forward to seeing it at a pre-screening in Milwaukee on the 23rd of June. I’m sure a lot of you have seen all the trailers, articles an … Continue reading →

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News from the round pen… Tell your trainer EVRYTHING!

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Smokie

Hello Friends, I’ve been pretty busy these last months starting colts and helping folks with their horses.  But occasionally things happen that makes things difficult and dangerous for those of us that work with other folks horses.. One such case … Continue reading →

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News from the round pen…

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Smokie

Hello Friends, Well spring has come and gone it seems but hopefully it will be back soon! We have a couple of colts in the barn to start with more on the list over the next few months. I just … Continue reading →

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News from the Round Pen…

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Smokie

Hello all, I just wanted to let you know that I did a radio show this morning for the show “Horses in the morning” It should be in the archives soon so drop by and take a listen! I very … Continue reading →

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Some sad news…

Posted on October 21, 2010 by Smokie

For those of you that don’t know my very  good friend Rusty, who I grew up with and is like a brother to me, I have some bad news… My friend has taken ill and is in the battle of … Continue reading →

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News from the round pen…

Posted on September 16, 2010 by Smokie

Hello Friends, I received some good news today! My first book Whisper This… has been picked up by a publishing company for reprint! This means a lot more opportunities for exposure and hopefully being able to help more horse folks … Continue reading →

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News from the round pen… Fall round up

Posted on September 3, 2010 by Smokie

Hello Friends, Well fall is just around the corner and it will soon be time to break out the winter jackets. Its been an up and down year here at the spread but as anyone into horses knows that’s par … Continue reading →

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Is anyone listening??? Here’s a question..

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Smokie

Hello Friends, Ya know I get about 4000 hits a month on my blog and web sites and yet no one seems to want to reply, ask a question or leave a comment.. Why is that? I try very hard … Continue reading →

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