Horses are the secret to Libby ranch's rider training

In the early morning light, a group of riders and their horses take off across a sweeping green landscape under a perfectly clear blue sky. The scene is idyllic. It is the living incarnation of the Montana dream, and every year guests make their way to the McGinnis Meadows Cattle and Guest Ranch outside Libby to experience what some have described as heaven on earth.

These riders have come from around the country and around the world to experience the Buck Brannaman-style of horsemanship with lessons from owner Shayne Jackson. Brannaman is famous as one of the individuals who inspired the Tom Booker character in the “The Horse Whisperer” by Nicholas Evans. He was the lead equine consultant on Robert Redford’s 1998 film adaptation.

Jackson has been riding with Brannaman for 17 years and has been teaching for 14.

“Buck is my mentor,” Jackson said. “I learn from him and want to share what I’ve learned with others.”

Jackson said he spends two months a year as a student himself; the other 10 months, he is teaching. His education, however, is never complete.

“The horse is always my ultimate teacher, so I never stop learning,” Jackson said. “If you are really driven, there is no end to the journey. You are constantly refining.”

A chance to start from scratch or refine the skills of a more experienced rider is exactly what Jackson offers. Jackson said the advantage of visiting a place like McGinnis Meadows is the horses.

“If it weren’t for these horses, people couldn’t excel they way they do in a week,” he said.

“We all ride consistently,” Jackson added. “That means the horses aren’t getting mixed signals from us. So the horses know what is expected of them. Then, even with a new rider, the horse can back up what I am teaching because they know their part. Without these horses, this would be just another dude ranch.”

There is a note of pride in Jackson’s voice as he talks about his favorite aspect of the work. He says this experience is as pure as it can be, and it changes lives.

“It’s about the relationship between the horse and the human. Once that touches someone’s soul, their lives are changed forever. I’ve seen it over and over,” he said.

“And in the years I’ve done this, it has changed me. It is a way of being with the horse that develops a kinship with the horse so that horse and rider become one.” 

Christian Waelder of Round Hill, Va., has been visiting McGinnis Meadows since 2011. He first attended a workshop with Brannaman and has returned every year since. This year, he already has been to the ranch twice and has at least two more visits planned.

“Shayne has such passion and drive. He gives you so much, it just makes you want to be here,” Waelder said. 

Waelder said he returns often because his goal is to be as good with his horse as he can be. As a firefighter with Fairfax County, Va., Waelder has plenty of challenges in his life.

“This affects all areas of my life. It’s what I most want to do,” he said. “I have my job and I have my horsemanship. And this is more challenging than anything I have ever done.”

For Jackson, McGinnis Meadows is a dream come true.

“This is what I want to do until I die,” he said.

Brannaman will be returning to McGinnis Meadows Cattle and Guest Ranch for two weeks this summer, starting July 14. For more information on this and other workshops, visit the ranch’s website, mmgranch.net, or call (406) 293-5000.