Robert Redford (1936–2025)

We've been collecting books about southern Utah and have become fascinated with the Outlaw Trail. In this book, Robert Redford chronicles his journey traveling the Outlaw Trail. Spending much of his trip on horseback, Redford weaves the history of the people and places with his experiences along this historic trail. Traveling with a small group of people including Edward Abbey, Redford makes you feel a part of the expedition. Combining photos taken by a National Geographic Society show more photographer with historical photographs, this book was a great armchair travel experience. Written in the mid 1970s, it's amazing how many things have changed and how much is still the same. show less

The book differs from the movie, which did a fair treatment of the trauma suffered by the young girl (she is not exactly the protagonist; I'm not sure who is). Segues into the relationship of her mother and the "horse whisperer" which upstages the girl's recovery even more than it does in the book.
Go to a non-fiction memoir of the real-life "horse whisperers" for a better story.
Or see this documentary about one of the trainers who assisted in the movie, and also another trainer Monty show more Roberts:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/jun/26/true-story-horse-whisperer-buck-bra...

Monty Roberts: A Real Horse Whisperer (1998)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472232/

Wikipedia:
The main character, according to writer Nicholas Evans,[4] is modeled after horse whisperers Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt and, in particular, their younger disciple Buck Brannaman.[5] Brannaman also doubled for Robert Redford in the film and served as the consultant. Redford likewise assisted in the production of the documentary Buck. Evans said, "Others have claimed to be the inspiration for Tom Booker in The Horse Whisperer. The one who truly inspired me was Buck Brannaman. His skill, understanding and his gentle, loving heart have parted the clouds for countless troubled creatures. Buck is the Zen master of the horse world."[5]

(Following caveats about unlikely events and unsafe techniques depicted in the movie): Lyons' critique also recognized the limitations of Hollywood film-making, stating, "In order to tell a story, things are often done that would be imprudent for horse owners to attempt."[7] show less

Background. The plot is loosely based on the Hindu sacred text the Bhagavad Gita, part of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, where the Warrior/Hero Arjuna (R. Junuh) refuses to fight. The god Krishna appears as Bhagavan (Bagger Vance) to help him follow his path as the warrior and hero that he was meant to be.

The accidental death of the older son of an affluent family deeply strains the relationships among the bitter mother, the good-natured father, and the guilt-ridden younger son. (IMDb)