The Horse Whisperer

In 1976, a native New Yorker made his way to Colorado. He loved horses, and had spent the better part of his young life with the majestic animals. Now, 35 years later, Tony Brunetti is the cowboy he always wanted to be.

The Gang

Tony’s transformation from Brooklyn city boy to Colorado wrangler is perhaps best exemplified by his membership in the Hole In The Wall Gang. This invite-only group of 49 men, which takes its name from Butch Cassidy’s outlaw band, has a tradition deeply rooted in a passion for horses and Western lore. The group ranges from Hollywood actors to ordinary tradesmen, with membership turning on little more than a person’s overall fit in the group. The 34-year-old organization mounts a yearly ride to a secret location to relive a piece of Western history. It’s not exactly the first place you’d expect to find a New York City transplant, but then again, people really are a little like horses. “They’ll always do something to surprise you,” Tony says.