One Hundred Horses By Barney Nelson - Eclectic Conversations

Emily and author Barney Nelson discuss her new book, One Hundred Horses, which is a unique blend of movie scripts and memoir. Barney shares her intention to portray her characters' voices realistically, drawing from her journalism career and life experiences. The book includes four screenplays, one stage drama, and one monologue, all of which Barney considered as a novel due to the progression of the characters. Barney also expresses her dissatisfaction with the common portrayal of the cowboy and horse culture in movies and TV shows and attempts to provide a more authentic representation in this book. Emily praised Barney's skill in introducing the reader to the context of his work, which enhances the reading experience. They also discuss the complexities of representing real issues and people through creative mediums, particularly in regard to cultural sensitivity and authenticity.
Barney speaks at length about the cultural appropriation of horse and cowboy culture, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting other cultures. She shares her experiences with Native American communities and Paraguayan Indians, and her research on Shakespeare's use of horse training in character development. Emily then introduced the theme of the “War on Sugar” and the concept of “stolen valor,” highlighting their relevance to the cowboy culture.
They discuss the complexities of appropriating cultural symbols and professions for personal gain or entertainment. Emily expressed concerns about acknowledging and respecting certain professions, such as cowboys, without crossing the line into exploitative or disingenuous territory. Barney shared her own experiences of “playing a role”and dressing the part of a cowboy, but she expressed disapproval towards those who deceive others about their true identity or skills for personal benefit.
Barney and Emily discussed the themes of love, marriage, and relationships explored in the work. Barney articulates her hope for the book to reach a broad audience, including small-town teachers and young adults, and to be discovered by those in the movie industry. They both emphasized the importance of authenticity in connecting with audiences and the potential of the cowboy and horsemanship world to offer deeper insights. Barney shared her belief in the value of studying and applying principles of horsemanship to improve relationships, drawing from her own experiences as a divorced individual.
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