Documentary About Real-Life Horse Whisperer Buck Brannaman Defines New Kind of Cowboy

(Motto Pictures)

Buck Brannaman is a family man who has dedicated his life to traveling across the country helping horses with people problems. Brannaman, the real life inspiration behind “The Horse Whisperer,” is on a mission prove that one does not need to be cruel to the animals in order to keep them in check.

“I was lucky enough to work with horsemen who, before me, changed the world of horses. I studied hard and work at it for a long time. I’m sure there was some natural talent in the beginning, but that doesn’t mean much without the hard work,” Brannaman told FOX411’s Pop Tarts, while promoting Cindy Meehl’s new documentary “Buck.” “Some people say [after seeing the film] that they re-think what a cowboy is, because it is not what they ever expected.”

Brannaman is determined to redefine what the word "cowboy" means to some.

“Some people use the term ‘cowboy’ like it’s a nasty word to call somebody. So I said to somebody the other day, if that’s what you thought a cowboy was, you need to get out more,” he said. “It doesn’t have much to do with wardrobe. It is all to do with the person and how you approach your own life. Lots of people think a cowboy is a negative thing to be, some people’s interpretation of a cowboy might be no more than some guy line dancing in a bar with a cowboy hat. That couldn’t be further from the truth.”

“Buck” follows Brannaman from his abusive and troubled childhood to his almost magical approach to training horses. Horse lover or not, there’s something in the film for everyone.

“The movie is not about horses, it is about people and relationships,” he said. “We’re all searching for something, and this documentary has struck a chord in people’s hearts, and it’s encouraging and uplifting. Everybody wants something to believe in. You might leave the theater crying but not because you’re sad, because you’re moved.”

And while this Montana and Idaho native is not particularly accustomed to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, he’s still enjoying the ride.

“It’s been a whirlwind, but I’ve felt a kinship with people I didn’t expect, I didn’t think it would ever be this well-received,” Buck added. “I’m talking to the studios now about doing a feature film on my book. In next couple of years I will get that done, but I want to return to my life. I’m happy with my life and what I do. I’m interested in seeing what I can accomplish with the horses, and I want to get better.”