Heartland (2007–2021 and ongoing) (review)

Heartland is set in the province of Alberta, and the location—a cattle ranch—looks out at the spectacular, soaring, snow-covered peaks of the Rockies. The ranch owner and patriarchal centerpiece of the fictional drama—based on a twenty-five-volume series written by Lauren Brooke—is Jack Bartlett, a former all-round rodeo champion. His son-in-law, Tim Fleming, is also a one-time star rodeo performer forced into an early retirement as a result of serious injuries incurred in steer wrestling. Tim Fleming finds himself only able to compete if he takes heavy doses of painkillers. His excessive use of these substances results in him becoming an addict and having to undergo years of counseling, self-help, and group therapy. In midlife he finds new meaning as a rodeo coach.

The hero of Heartland is, however, neither Jack Bartlett nor Tim Fleming; the dominating presence is Tim Fleming's daughter, Amy Fleming. She is a superb equestrienne who makes the ranch her home base in the role of "horse whisperer." She finds, at an early age that she has a remarkable gift for understanding horses and carrying out delicate treatments to save traumatized horses. She employs natural horsemanship techniques to connect and communicate with troubled horses. Again and again, working in a small arena, she steers her horses in repeated and controlled circular parameters. Very gradually, the horses settle down. Amy Fleming is like the conductor of a small orchestra who transforms her long riding whip into a gentle baton that allows the horse to enjoy its space and freedom and to eventually bond with her. Two sources are recommended as commentaries on the nature of this whole process. They are The Horse Whisperer written by Nicholas Evans (1994) and a film of the same name directed by Robert Redford in 1998.

What goes on in this singular healing process seems positively magical. A blend of craft, cunning, karma, intuition, and wizardry. Amy Fleming is adept with all manner of sleights of hand. Flower essences are administered as antidotes for anxiety and more traditional treatments such as massage and acupuncture are delivered. The more than 200 episodes of Heartland cover the full spectrum of rodeo from bull riding to steer wrestling, team roping, women's barrel racing, bronco riding, and even chuck wagon racing.

Jack Bartlett hires Caleb Odell as a ranch hand. When not working as a Canadian cowboy, Odell tours the rodeo circuit in Western Canada and Montana. His specialty is bull riding. The technical film crew of Heartland designed a riveting sequence shown over several episodes that depicts Odell getting "hung up" on his bull. Riders wrap their controlling hand around the pommel of the saddle. At the end of completing an eight-second ride—mandatory to score points—they release their grip. To get "hung up" means the rider is unable to obtain that release and is essentially jerked and tossed like a firecracker. This is what happens to Caleb Odell and subsequent episodes highlight his challenges with PTSD. After his slow recovery, he joins up with Tim Fleming as an assistant rodeo coach. Bull riding is the heart and soul of rodeo and is a sport where danger is ever present. Lane Frost, the 1987 PRCA Bull Riding World Champion, took part at the Cheyenne Frontier Rodeo. He successfully dismounted after a championship ride, but the bull caught him in the side, breaking his ribs and severing a main artery. As a result of internal bleeding, Frost died on the arena floor.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association has more than 7,000 cowboys and performers. The rodeos—there are more than 600 held annually with a support/spectator base of as many as 30 million people—have timed events and activities that include calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, horseback riding (saddle and bareback), bull riding (already noted), and barrel racing. There are also events designed especially for college and high school populations. The...