Thomas Bailey Saunders V, or Thomas B, is a fifth generation Texas cattleman and Hollywood animal handler. Thomas, as he is called, is the last in line to carry the Tom B. name. His family have been cattlemen and ranching in Texas for six generations, 160 years. His grandfather, Tom B. III, established the Twin V cattle brand in 1934 when he bought the land from a relative.
Today three generations of Saunders live on the 7,000 acre working ranch, Twin V, near Weatherford, Texas. Thomas loves cowboying. He starts cutting and ranch horse colts for ranchers in the Texas plains.
Around 2000, Thomas began working for Hollywood film directors as an animal handler. On his list of memorable film projects are "Alamo" (the remake), "Secondhand Lions" with Robert Duvall and Michael Caine who he is personal friends with. He trained actor Tommy Lee Jones' polo ponies and it is Thomas' prize bay that Tommy Lee Jones rides on in the film "No Country for Old Men".
My good friend, Chris Quinn, a film director in Ft. Worth, Texas introduced me to Thomas in 2005 at the Ft. Worth Stock Show. Thomas told me of his passion and family history over a few beers.
I expressed to Chris that an opportunity to photograph Thomas in action would make for an interesting photo essay. Chris called at 10 PM, May 28, 2009. "We're shooting some "B" roll footage at the Twin V for my film "The History of the Barnett Shale" Be there at 4:00 AM. These images are my small contribution to the Saunders legacy. Stay in focus, John
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