He was the inspiration for the tear-jerker novel turned box-office blockbuster The Horse Whisperer, but renowned horse tamer Buck Brannaman continues to conduct horsemanship clinics around the world, even after stunt doubling for Robert Redford in the flick. Brannaman recently demonstrated his horsing around at NBC’s Today Show’s entertainment correspondent Jill Rappaport’s Bridgehampton ranch—giddyup, pardners, a ranch in the Hamptons! The horse tamer’s fascinating demonstration was followed by a Q&A and very private brunch for A—or neigh—listers Billy Joel, Katie Couric, Annette and Matt Lauer (with baby Jack), and Joy Behar. By the way, Brannaman’s horsemanship clinic is no psychiatric ward for wild horses, but a school for humans to learn how to better interact with their animals.

Later on, Buck had all eyes on him at East Hampton’s Ralph Lauren boutique, where he signed copies of his new read The Faraway Horses (to benefit New York Rescue), which recounts his life journey from an abused child to world-renowned “horse whisperer.” The book has been named a “Turning Point” selection by Reader’s Digest, and may inspire a legion of readers to saddle up and ride off into the sunset.