In-Person Class: The Elderwise classroom at the Vineyard Church.
Buck is a richly textured and visually stunning documentary film (2011) which explores the life of Buck Brannaman from his childhood living with an abusive father to his successful approach to handling and training horses. Brannaman worked on the Robert Redford film The Horse Whisperer as the lead equine consultant. He teaches people to communicate with their horses through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment. The film follows Brannaman to several stops on his normal, 40-week-per-year circuit of ranches where he gives clinics on “natural horsemanship." Along the way, viewers learn about his childhood including his celebrity as a child performer of rope tricks, and the physical abuse that he and his brother endured at the hands of their father. Buck possesses near magical abilities as he dramatically transforms horses – and people – with his understanding, compassion, and respect.
Toby Teorey is the current Vice-Chair of the Elderwise Council. He is retired from the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan, and in retirement pursues his enduring love of world history, music, and culture.