As the highly anticipated Season 4 of “Yellowstone” premieres, fans are eager to return to the dramatic landscapes of Montana and the compelling storylines. Whether drawn by the gripping drama, the stunning scenery, or the impressive American Quarter Horses, the show consistently captivates its audience. This article delves into the fascinating world of the horses and the talented individuals behind their on-screen presence, offering insights for both equestrian enthusiasts and general viewers.
“Yellowstone” is the brainchild of AQHA life member Taylor Sheridan, a renowned writer, director, and producer who is also an accomplished reining and cutting competitor. His deep appreciation for equestrian sports is evident in his work, as he seamlessly integrates these disciplines and their top athletes into the “Yellowstone” narrative. Sheridan’s dedication to the Western lifestyle and the American Quarter Horse has not only earned him accolades like the AQHA Spirit Award but also brought these magnificent animals into the spotlight for millions worldwide. His passion extends to mentoring actors, sending them to “cowboy camp” to hone their riding skills, ensuring an authentic portrayal on screen. This intensive training, coached by experts like Jake Ream, immerses the cast in the practicalities of horsemanship, from daily care to saddle time, enhancing the show’s realism. Jake Ream Cutting Horses is a testament to the specialized training that elevates equestrian performances in media.
Featured Equine Stars and Their Connections
The show has showcased a remarkable roster of American Quarter Horses, many with impressive pedigrees and competitive histories. Among them is Lil Joe Cash, a 2008 sorrel stallion and AQHA reining world champion, who graced the screen in Season 1. He appeared alongside NRHA $5 million rider Andrea Fappani, further cementing the show’s commitment to featuring top-tier talent. Another notable equine is Metallic Cat, a celebrated NCHA Futurity champion and sire, whose casting rights were acquired for a significant sum, benefiting the NCHA Charities Foundation. His presence highlights the breeding and performance excellence within the cutting and reined cow horse disciplines.
Further adding to the equine star power is Custom Made Gun, a World Equestrian Games medalist and The Run for a Million co-champion. This 2011 palomino stallion, by the famed “Gunner,” has been showcased with both NRHA $3 million rider Tim McQuay and his grandson, NRHA’s youngest $1 million rider and trainer, Cade McCutcheon. McCutcheon’s family, including his parents NRHA $1 million rider Tom McCutcheon and NRHA $2 million non-pro rider Mandy McCutcheon, have also appeared in the series, underscoring a deep-rooted connection to the reining community. The involvement of NRHA professionals like Matt Mills in competitive scenes adds another layer of authenticity to the equestrian aspects of “Yellowstone.” Mills, who also featured in “The Last Cowboy,” shared valuable reining tips in an article, further connecting his expertise to the show’s portrayal of the sport.
Other significant horses include Walla Walla Starbuck, a 2012 red dun stallion with substantial NRHA earnings, ridden by reining trainer Tom Foran. Spookernickerin, an NRHA money-earning sorrel gelding, and Dun It Chexinic, a 2007 bay gelding with extensive reining winnings, also make appearances, with the latter being owned and shown by Taylor Sheridan himself.
Behind the Scenes: Training and Authenticity
Taylor Sheridan’s commitment to authenticity extends to the actors’ experiences. The renowned “cowboy camp” provided a rigorous four-day immersion into the life of a cowboy, pushing the actors to develop genuine equestrian skills. This experience was crucial for actors like Jefferson White, who plays Jimmy Hurdstrom, a character who, like the actor himself, begins as a novice in the horse world. Through the series and the demanding training, both Jimmy and White learn to ride and connect with horses. Even actress Kelly Reilly, who plays Beth Dutton, a character with a purported aversion to horses, is a lifelong equestrian. Her real-life passion for riding, primarily in the English style, was refined for her Western riding scenes with the help of reining trainer Tom Foran and animal wrangling experts from Gentle Jungle.
The legendary Four Sixes Ranch, an AQHA Best Remuda Award winner, has also become integrated into the “Yellowstone” universe. Scenes filmed at this historic Texas ranch are set to feature in upcoming seasons, and a spinoff series, aptly titled “6666,” will be filmed there, exploring the ranch’s rich history and its mission to breed exceptional horses and livestock. The recent acquisition of the Four Sixes Ranch by the Yellowstone Creators Group further deepens this connection, promising more authentic Western narratives.
As Season 4 of “Yellowstone” unfolds, audiences can anticipate more captivating storylines and, undoubtedly, more extraordinary performances from the American Quarter Horses and the skilled trainers who bring them to life on screen. The show continues to serve as a powerful platform, celebrating the heritage and enduring appeal of these magnificent animals and the Western way of life.
