Ask Cari

Rex Peterson showed off RJ Masterbug’s favorite tricks last week.

Thousands of fans still gush over the film Hidalgo. Released over 4 years ago, it is hard to believe that this film has captured the hearts of many horse lovers around the world and is still present in their minds.  Here RJ is being tuned up by his trainer Rex Peterson.

For those of you in the dark, “Hidalgo” featured Viggo Mortensen, who shared screen time with a cast of 5 USA Paint (APHA) Horses, in a turn of the century adventure story, based roughly on the true story of Frank Hopkins.

Dust and tears of the classic epic Westerns like Lonesome Dove combined with the action of Lord of the Rings and the familiar faces of Hollywood stars Viggo and Omar Sharif (Dr. Zhivago). The less known stars are the five four legged horses trained by Rex Peterson who each portray the title named Mustang -Hidalgo. RH Tecondender who went home with Viggo after shooting, RJ Masterbug who left with Rex and is now residing at my farm, Ima Stage Mount Two-Oscar who lives with the Director, Impressivelybetter and Honky Tonkin Tuff.

The story line was artfully crafted by John Fusco, (Young Guns, and Spirit).  The action sequences were filmed in Morocco, California, and Montana tells the story of a Western Horse and rider who are challenged to race the bedouin endurance riders in a traditional race across the desert on their Arabians.  Of course there are many dramatic turns as the underdog Hopkins on his horse Hidalgo race to the finish and win against all odds.

RJ and I travel around the country meeting his fans and hear many stories of how he touched their souls.  The passion and enthusiasm around him allows for the possibility of a sequel.  I know RJ is up for another film.

Photo by Esther-Grace Simson

Last weekend, Rex returned to Windrock Farm to teach a clinic on how to improve the communication with your horse. Rex worked with several young horses to improve the connection and balance, two horses were backed for the first time and two horses with spooking issues. He also tuned up his best stunt horse, RJ May 15-18 for another clinic, contact cari@cariswanson.com for availability.

Cari with Peter Stone from Stone Horses with the likeness of RJ Masterbug. A limited edition of these beautiful models were made and can be purchased from stonehorses.com. RJ was on the friday morning TV program in Columbus, Ohio. He is at the Equine Affaire to meet his fans. Many people have come to visit RJ and his fans are gushing over how beautiful he is. The building is packed with his fans when he comes out to meet and greet the audience. Sign up for the newsletter on the home page of cariswanson.com for updates on where RJ will be over the next few months.

Peter Stone of Stone horses created a limited edition of RJ Masterbug. RJ is right next to the booth where you can buy one of the limited editions of this model. RJ is meeting and greeting his fans at the Ohio Equine Affaire over the weekend. It is amazing how many people are in love with this special horse.

To purchase your very own RJ Masterbug Stone horse, contact www.stonehorses.com

http://www.cafepress.com/rj_hidalgo

Go to Cafepress to purchase RJ t-shirts

RJ Masterbug’s breeding is Versatile… His sire VR MASTER BUG - RESERVE WORLD CHAMPION, Superior Halter Horse, Congress Champion, APHA Champion, World & Reserve World Champion Sire, Honor Roll Halter & Honor Roll Performance Sire.

VR Master Bug has his R.O.M. In Western Pleasure, and also has Reining Points His sire side includes MR ROBIN BOY Superior in Halter, H.U.S, Barrrel Racing, Heading, Healing, Reining, Steer Stopping, Western Pleasure and R.O.M in Calf Roping, PAINTED ROBIN JR, Superior Halter R O M Western Pleasure. Sky Bug Bingo ROM’s in Hunter Under Saddle, Barrel Racing, Cutting, Racing, Reining, Western Pleasure, & Superior in Halter, MR RED BAR R O M ’s in Hunter Under Saddle, Reining, Trail, & Superior’s in Halter, and Western Pleasure.

RJ Masterbug’s Dam Pretty Side Up Has SUPERIOR HALTER WITH 162 Halter points

11 TIMES GRAND CHAMPIOM

13 TIMES RESERVE CHAMPION

TWO TIMES TEXAS STATE CHAMPION HALTER MARE

SHE IS A CONGRESS CHAMPION PRODUCER .

DAMS SIRE Sonny Side Up is a Superior Halter horse with points in HUNTER AND PLEASURE.

contact cari@cariswanson.com for booking information

Rex returns to Windrock Farm in the Spring to teach a clinic on how to control your horse better.    You will also see him work with one of his best trick horses, RJ, the star from the Disney classic film “Hidalgo”.

sign up early for a space in the Clinic, as it always fills up quickly.  $575 for 3 day clinic, 3 hour sessions per day.

Auditors are welcome at $30/half day

Did you know that horses have around 56 vertebrae which form a supporting framework for the neck, back and tail? There are 7 cervical (neck), 18 thoracic (withers and saddle region), 6 lumbar (loin region), 5 sacral (croup region) and about 20 caudal (tail region) vertebrae. The degree of movement varies greatly in different regions.

Consider the degree of range of motion in flexion and extension of the following joints;

90 degrees the atlantaoccipital joint which is between the skull and the first cervical vertebrae

15-35 degrees in the remaining cervical vertabrae

10 degrees in the first interthoracic joint, just in front of the withers

1 degee in joint at withers

3-4 degrees in joints under the saddle

30 degrees of motion in lumbosacral joint, between the last lumbar vertebra and the fused sacral vertebrae

This image demonstrates RJ/Hidalgo rounding his back, activating his abdominal muscles as he extends his back extends. Studies prove that the movements between the vertabrae are created by the forces of locomotion and are controlled by the horse’s back muscles. Thus, the back muscles do not cause the spine to round and hollow, the forces of locomotion do. The back muscles control the amount of rounding and flexing.

These findings are fascinating, allowing us to better understand our horses ability to move while training. You can find more information from Hilary Clayton at her web site www.cvm.msu.edu/dressage

Although RJ is very particular about his footing, he romped around in the snow to show off his favorite trick, standing on his hind legs. He always lights up when a camera is around, always aware of where the camera is located.

RJ playing up for the camera, racing around in the snow showing us all his tricks, this image was captured by Kaitlyn Schultz.

The cold weather does not bother RJ, he loves running around in the fresh snow.

However, these cold temperatures can be hard on horses, so take care to make sure they have plenty of fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration.  Horses tolerate cold better than heat, however be sure they are warm under blankets if their natural coats have not grown in to keep them warm.

This morning we woke up to a winter wonderland, huge snowflakes fell in thick clouds covering everything in a blanket of snow. The horses love playing in the drifts and look beautiful in the white fields.

Kathy Landman photographs RJ on a beautiful warm day in October at Windrock Farm. Kathy is a talented photographer who will capture the essence of you with your favorite dog or horse. Take advantage of this beautiful weather and call to schedule a photo shoot with Kathy, contact the Chisholm Gallery in Pine Plains, New York or visit www.chisholmgallery.com.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS

TETANUS TOXOID When a wound such as a deep puncture is contaminated, toxins from the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani, which thrives in the equine environment, cause lockjaw and general muscle spasms, usually resulting in death. Vaccinate yearly. Give a booster vaccination at the time of penetrating injury or surgery if most recent dose was more than six months earlier. Broodmares should receive a vaccination four to six weeks before foaling.

EE/WEE/VEE Eastern Western Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis, aka Sleeping Sickness, is a vector-borne viral disease causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Vaccinate yearly, in spring (before insect season). Where Encephalomyelitis is common and/or where there are two annual mosquito “blooms,” give a booster EEE/WEE/VEE vaccination every six months about a month before the onset of the mosquito season.

RABIES Invasion of the central nervous system by a virus that is fatal if untreated; it also transmits to other animals–including humans. Recommended yearly, especially in areas where rabid wildlife is reported or areas considered to be endemic.

WEST NILE VIRAL ENCEPHALMYELITIS A mosquito-born encephalitis that can be deadly to horses and has been reported in all but a few states. Vaccination recommended very six months. Two West Nile Virus vaccines are now available; consult your veterinarian about the best choice for your horse. If you’re vaccinating your horse against WNV for the first time, he’ll require a booster after the initial injection.

INFLUENZA Acute, contagious, viral respiratory-tract inflammation; occurs in isolated cases or in epidemics. Your veterinarian can recommend which form of the vaccine is suitable for your horse. Intranasal Vaccine every six months; add booster two to four weeks before anticipated exposure, such as a show or a long haul. Intranasal vaccine gives a good immune response when properly applied but can be tricky to administer. If your horse is fussy about substances sprayed up his nostrils, consider using the injectable form. Injectable Vaccine every six months; add a booster two to four weeks before anticipated exposure.

RHINOPNEUMONITIS Caused by a herpes virus, a contagious infection of the respiratory tract; often induces abortion in pregnant mares. Optional - every six months. Rhinopneumonitis and Influenza vaccines are sometimes administered in a single combined dose. If your mare is bred, consult your veterinarian about a Rhino vaccination schedule to safeguard her pregnancy.

remember: always contact your veterinarian regarding the vaccines appropriate for your horse!

“The glance is natural magic.”

My brother Jim riding RJ while visiting Windrock Farm in his Airstream. What a way to travel, efficient, elegant and easy living. Come back and visit again soon! We miss you!

RJ finds the mares in the arena very exciting, showing his athletic prowess by dancing around on his hind legs.

Rex is working with another person in the clinic teaching how to move the hindquarters around from the fence line after learning to perform this excercise at the mounting block.

RJ learns to remember to listen to the rider. Here Rex is bending his neck which not only forces RJ to focus on his work, but also stetches out all the outside muscles of his body. This is often a good excercise to warm up the horse with on both sides.

Strangely I found myself dressed in costume of General Benedict Arnold wearing a white wig and greatcoat over uncomfortable riding britches and shoes far too big for me. I was requested to gallop RJ away from the camera, looking from side to side for the invisible pursuing enemies as the second unit director filmed Benedict Arnold fleeing from his home in the middle of the night. Many takes were demanded to shoot the horse from several angles so that more drama could be edited into the film.

Initially I was hired as RJ’s trainer to perform one major scene where the General’s horse is shot dead to the ground. In this particular scene Benedict Arnold narrowly escapes a British bayonet pointed at his neck. After RJ is positioned on the ground, the director requests that RJ lift only his head looking back at his rider in agony and fall dead to the ground. True to form, my horse offered numerous options from highly dramatic to calm resignation.

However prior to falling to the ground he had to spar a bit, proffering a brief repertoire of a of tricks for the camera, rearing and dancing on his hind legs with only his saddle and bridle. He was quite intimidating, commanding respect from the cast and crew.

Between takes, the entire cast embraced him, rubbing his neck and asking many questions about his career as Hidalgo in the Disney classic film. He loved all the adoration and attention. He was such an obedient actor for the most part, with a brief moment channeling Marlon Brando, finding it difficult to transform into character. Rj worked a full day shooting over a dozen scenes with both the director and second unit.

This film is being produced for PBS to air next fall. It is titled American General: Benedict Arnold based in part on James Kirby Martin’s revisionist history, “Benedict Arnold, Revolutionary Hero: an American Warrior Reconsidered.

RJ has been busy this summer with photo shoots and performances, generating interest and income for the Horse Rescue, Rehabilitation and Retirement Foundation. He has settled into his new life at Windrock Farm enjoying the large fields of turnout and changing seasons. For information on his availability please contact cari@cariswanson.com or check the web site www.cariswanson.com.