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On an epic 3,000-mile journey through the most pristine backcountry of the American West, four friends rode horseback across an almost contiguous stretch of unspoiled public lands, border to border, from Mexico to Canada. For their trail horses, they adopted wild mustangs from the US Bureau of Land Management that were perfectly adapted to the rocky terrain and harsh conditions of desert and mountain travel. A meticulously planned but sometimes unpredictable route brought them face to face with snowpack, downpours, and wildfire; unrelenting heat, raging rivers, and sheer cliffs; jumping cactus, rattlesnakes, and charging bull moose; sickness, injury, and death. But they also experienced a special camaraderie with each other and with the mustangs. Through it all, they had a constant traveling companion—a cameraman, shooting for the documentary film Unbranded. The trip’s inspiration and architect, Ben Masters, is joined here by the three other riders, Ben Thamer, Thomas Glover, and Jonny Fitzsimons; two memorable teachers and horse trainers; and the film’s producers and intrepid cameramen in the telling of this improbable story of adventure and self-discovery. For information about film showings, please visit http://unbrandedthefilm.com/blogs/news A variety of film and merchandise bundles (including the book) are available here.
Hardcover: 188 pages
Publisher: Texas A&M University Press (January 5, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1623492807
ISBN-13: 978-1623492809
Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 0.9 x 10.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (156 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #213,784 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #70 in Books > Science & Math > Biological Sciences > Animals > Horses #98 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Nature Travel > Ecotourism #103 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography & Video > Nature & Wildlife > Landscapes
A beautiful book filled with wonderful photos of the lands and the creatures of our Western United States. Following the epic adventure of four friends riding previously wild Mustangs from Mexico to Canada puts me into the saddle, into the adventure, into the experience. I'm grateful to my daughter and son-in-law for giving me this gorgeous publication to enjoy for years and years.
Absolutely love this book. Not only do four friends make trip of a lifetime usually reserved for fictionalized depictions in Hollywood movies, but all four of them are Aggies (WHOOP!). It's about time A&M is noticed for more than just its football team. Perspectives about the wild mustangs and land conservation inside the boundaries of American history as interpreted by an educated and active member of America's modern generation is certainly refreshing since we are the ones who are inheriting the management of these issues--and ultimately the spirit of American exploration (both intellectually and physically).
There remains a part in all of us that yearns for the untouched, grandiose and majestic part of nature rarely experienced by todayâs generation. What was it like to travel across this great land on horseback? What challenges did generations past overcome to live and survive in such austere conditions? Ben Masters and his team travel from Mexico to Canada on the icon of American lore; the Mustang. Their journey stirs mind and emotion as they travel through challenging terrain; often testing the mettle of man and beast.With them, we come to appreciate the bond between man and mustang, and how together they navigate perils we can only imagine. Mustangs must tame their instinct to panic and run from things unfamiliar, while the horsemen must learn skills never before needed. Their well-planned quest starts with tepid excitement, but they quickly learn that so large a task succeeds only because of the generosity of others who share a love of the wild places.Unbranded, for a moment, takes us from the daily bustle and gives us a glimpse of the spirit that made America. We share a bond with the wild horses that roam the plains for we are both strong, independent and hearty. Yet, there is a danger we could lose this icon without proper conservation management. Hopefully, this book awakens readers of the need to balance the requirement for resources and preserve the mustang for future generations. Though this was not his purpose at the beginning, Mr. Masters sums up his experience here:"I often wished I lived in the year 1500, when nature dominated the continent. But I don't, and I now feel an obligation to take care of the land that has taken such good care of meâto conserve nature in a manner that accepts the human need for nature's resources. I love the wild places we traveled throughâa genuine love that came from being in those places. It's difficult to love wild places if you don't experience them, and you can't experience them if they don't exist. Using our resources wisely, conserving the integrity of landscapes, and getting outsideâaway from the lights and bustle of citiesâare necessary for the future of wild places. If we lose them, we won't get them back."
This is the most interesting book for the horse lover or outdoorsmen and women. Great coffee table book. This generates a lot of exciting conversations and my family can't wait for the movie. We liked this so well, we've since also bought it for friends. Terrific book with interesting dialogue and breathtaking pictures. Recommend.
This book is beautiful and well illustrated. Makes you want o crawl into one of the pages and ride off into the wilderness. Looking forward to the movie.
Unbranded is an amazing story. I have just started the book and so far it's great. The photography is fantastic. It doesn't hurt that I follow a lot of mustang sights and visit them myself occasionally :) I can't wait for the movie! What an adventure!
I have to give Ben Masters a lot of credit: He writes like a pro. This is one of the very few books I have read that makes me actually feel like I am there. I feel like I am there in person as an observer watching as this exciting adventure unfolds. Explore the trail that these 4 cowboys take with mustangs from the Mexican Border to the Canadian Border. The pictures and words of New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana are fantastic. Their courage and determination will carry these young men to ultimate success over a lifetime. A definite read and, I know, to the great documentary due out this Fall (2015). Enjoy! It is worth the investment and the time - it will leave you wanting more.
loved reading about the adventure of 4 guys and 16 mustangs riding from Mexico to Canada. Interesting and comical stories and the photographs are beautiful. Will read it over and over. May even use pictires in future as reference for watercolor paintings! Can't wait to see the film.
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