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It is never too early to start riding. Here is a young rider starting out on Mini Hop, preparing to take her first steps in the saddle. Mini is patient and gentle, the perfect horse to begin a riding career on.

Last week the Sisters from a local retreat on Wethersfield came to meet RJ aka “Hidalgo” perform his many tricks. It was amazing how many of the Sisters have seen the film and were aware of this horse. RJ was a star as usual, being a perfect gentleman for the crowd.

The following article appeared in American Humane: Film and Television Magazine. Rex will be at Windrock Farm working with problem horses in July, if you have a horse you would like to bring, contact cari@cariswanson.com to register.

The Man Behind the Reins of “Hidalgo”

Professional animal trainer Rex Peterson has trained horses for the movies for more than 25 years, creating some of the most exciting and complex horse action sequences ever filmed. His many credits include Black Beauty, The Black Stallion, The Horse Whisperer, The Patriot, Runaway Bride, The Ring, and Hidalgo. As he commented to American Humane while on the set of Hidalgo, “The horses are my kids and I won’t have them mistreated,” he says.

An animal-loving trainer

Peterson knows from experience that the animal/trainer bond is essential because, in filming, the animal has to ignore the camera, lights, actors, smoke, and crew and focus solely on the performance.

In filming Hidalgo, Peterson’s team of experienced trainers worked with each horse to enhance its natural talents and to match each horse with an appropriate rider. Stunts in Hidalgo required plenty of preparation and in some cases up to nine weeks of training. Shooting schedules change often in filmmaking, and the lead time Peterson had expected for one scene in which Hidalgo drags an actor out of the Wild West Show ring was pushed up.

RJ — one of the horses playing Hidalgo — had trained for this stunt, and Peterson called him “smart, powerful, and a quick learner.” Although RJ was an unbroken three-year-old when cast, Peterson recalls knowing within the first five minutes of meeting the horse that RJ was an exceptional creature.

For Hidalgo, Peterson was able to teach the lead actor to lay down a horse safely — a critical skill during filming when the trainer could not remain close to give cues and the action required significant trust between man and horse.

An American Humane kind of trainer

American Humane has found that when filming abroad the standard of animal welfare varies based on cultural beliefs, local animal welfare legislation, economics, and technological availability. During pre-production of Hidalgo in Morocco, Peterson insisted that the production adhere to American Humane’s Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. He also refused to use studs and demanded that all horses be in good physical condition and free of ring bit sores in their mouths.

Both American Humane and Peterson recognized that the local trainers in Morocco needed help adhering to American Humane Guidelines that call for a high standard of care, especially in the use of bits. The local horses wore severe Moroccan ring bits, which go around the horse’s lower jaw and can tear the tongue and corners of the mouth, and in some instances, even break the jaw. Peterson recommended that instead the production supply Spanish bits, which have a short shank, mild low port, and a leverage factor that helps control but is not severe. Production donated the bits to 100 of the local riders in hopes they would extol the welfare benefits of the Spanish bit to other riders.

An award-winning trainer

The American Paint Horse Association presented a special “Legendary Achievement Award” to Peterson, who accepted on behalf of himself, Walt Disney Studios, Hidalgo Director Joe Johnston, Producer Casey Silver, Actor Viggo Mortensen, and “Hidalgo.” These entertainers were credited for their brilliant and outstanding work in showcasing the beauty, talent, and versatility of the American Paint Horse breed in this epic action-adventure film.

“I Try Harder” or “Sam” is a lovely beginner novice event horse who has won many events. He is kind and easy for the timid rider, a fun horse to learn on and compete. He is a beautiful TB bay, 15 hand gelding looking for a new partner. contact cari@cariswanson to schedule an appointment to ride him.

When the rider is holding the inside rein with too much pressure, the horse is unhappy, uncomfortable and will not move with complete freedom in any gait. A simple effective excercise for the rider is to continually release the inside rein by softening the arm muscles and relaxing the shoulders. The result is impressive with a horse in balance. Note the difference the rider makes in these two images. Try focusing on a creating a soft neck in your horse simply by relaxing in the saddle without throwing away the connection.

Dash enjoying a weekend at the Saratoga Racetrack. Here he is waiting for Joa to ride her class so he can return to the stable for a drink of water and some shade.

The all new, great big, Ona Kiser video of RJ the wonder horse. He is such a stud!
You can visit Ona’s videography website here.

Bond enjoying a cool vetrolin bath by Dean at the barn in Saratoga.

Bond is curious as to what is in that wine glass Alex is holding.It was a beautiful weekend at the track. We had a picnic under the shedrow overhang in the afternoon. A quiet day compared to the hustle and bustle of the track in August when the races are in full swing. We will return to bet on our favorite horses later in the summer.

Another beautiful weekend in Saratoga at the racetrack for the annual Dressage at Saratoga organized by ENDYCTA. This is one of the most fun shows on the East coast to attend because of the location at the track and all of the events that coincide with the show. There was the antique car show, petting zoo, many vendors and rides so that the weekend offers something for the entire family. The horses are stabled where all the race horses live for August. This is an easy show no matter what the weather because of the permanant stalls and shedrows with convenient overhangs to protect us from the sun or rain. Riding on the track is so much fun, especially galloping a dressage horse on the back stretch after riding in front of the grandstand.

Congratulations to Joa who won several classes in training level and first level on her partner, Kestrel.