In Memory of Robert Redford

The news of Robert Redford’s death hit like a shot out of the dark. Much like the death of Jimmy Buffet, there had been no talk of Redford’s health, no reason to believe that his time on earth was coming to an end. I was still giddy over seeing his cameo appearance a few months ago in Dark Winds (of which he was Executive Producer.) I had to rewind and watch his scene several times over, gushing to my husband “wait…is that Redford?? Hit rewind, please!” It was his first appearance on the screen in 6 years.

Redford was of course a famous actor, a very handsome actor at that. We all know about his starring roles in iconic movies such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting and The Way We Were. And of course, Out of Africa, and one of my favorites, Sneakers, with an all-star cast that showcased Redford’s boyish charm and humor.

But he was also an accomplished horseman, as well as an environmentalist. When Electric Horseman came out in 1979, I was 16 years old and yes, I took notice, not only of his good looks, but that he could ride! Unlike many western actors, riding was clearly easy for him and he was comfortable, soft and he knew what he was doing. There are few actors who can convey their being one with a horse on the big screen, but he did.

And then came the Horse Whisperer! There is not a horseperson I know who didn’t see the film. Finally, a horse movie done right that left little to pick apart or make fun of (the laying down scene of Pilgrim, was difficult to watch.) It was one thing to watch Redford at ease in the saddle in previous westerns, but he really came across as a Horse Whisperer on the big screen. We knew that what we were seeing wasn’t just scripted. It was authentic. You realized that there was no other actor who could have played this role. He was born to play Tom Booker. It was evident that he really was a horseman who listened to horses, who communicated with them. One who could form a partnership with his horse through trust and respect. His line from the movie, “Truth is, I help horses with people problems” really struck a chord with the horse people in the audience. You knew that the empathy he demonstrated in the movie was real.

He is also quoted as saying “There’s something meditative about communicating with horses, something instinctive where you eventually have to merge into one in order to move forward together.” Isn’t that what we all strive to achieve as horsemen?

Redford was also an advocate for horses and the environment. Alongside former New Mexico governor Bill RIchardson, they formed the Foundation to Protect New Mexico WIldlife, whose first order was to block the proposed slaughterhouses in New Mexico and Iowa. Redford also signed a letter to Congress opposing the plan to allow for the round up and slaughter of tens of thousands of mustangs and burros.

In 2014, Redford joined the board of directors of Return to Freedom, a national nonprofit wild horse and burro advocacy organization.

Redford stated: “The mustang horse is really symbolic of the American West. I just felt that if I could play any kind of a role in protecting these horses so they can be who they needed to be of course I would, and that came with Return to Freedom.”

Additionaly, he wrote in a 2014 op-ed in USA Today “While I carry a strong passion for all horses, my tenacious support for the preservation for wildlife and the American mustangs derives from their symbolic representation of our national heritage and freedom. Any infringement on their legally protected right to live freely is an assault on America’s principles. Now is not the time to repudiate environmental balance,” he concludes, “but rather it is the time for all of us to work together - politician, advocate, rancher, scientist, and citizen. Only by doing this will the United States move forward and be a leader in environmental issues and ensure sustainability to our delicate ecosystem.”

Redford was the executive producer for “The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses”, a documentary that explores the history and the future of mustangs.

Redford not only advocated for the mustangs, but he championed many environmental causes, including serving as a trustee for the Natural Resources Defense Council for 5 decades.

Redford was a role model for any kid who wanted to be a cowboy or cowgirl. He demonstrated what it meant to be one with the horse, to respect the horse and to listen to the horse. But beyond that, he was a man of character and a moral compass, one who cared about the world he lived in and wanted to make it a better place for future generations. We should all try to leave such a legacy!

Be sure to hug your horse!

Lori