For 25 years, my life was dedicated to acting. Yet, the most profound moment on set wasn’t under the spotlight, but beside a horse for the first time. This transformative experience ignited a passion for rescuing these magnificent creatures, leading me to adopt my first horse, Mumbo. The desire to spend more time with my growing rescue herd – now numbering four – led me to establish “Four Legs on Set,” a horse training company for Hollywood productions, just three years ago. What began as a way to fulfill childhood dreams at birthday parties has blossomed into a thriving business, placing my horses in the heart of Hollywood’s biggest productions.
My company provides both “glamor horses,” celebrated for their beauty, and “trick horses,” trained to perform specific actions on cue. The fees for our services are dynamic, influenced by factors such as the number of wranglers required, travel expenses, and the overall duration of the shoot. While many of our engagements involve photo shoots, lasting one to two hours and typically ranging from $500 to $1,000 per hour, we also undertake projects that span several days, with total costs potentially reaching $25,000.
Working with the Stars and Their Fears
One of the most captivating aspects of my work involves the initial few minutes upon arriving on set. This is when I quickly assess the psychology of the client I’ll be collaborating with. My immediate goal is to foster a sense of comfort and equip them with the necessary knowledge to interact effectively and safely with the horse. I often reassure performers, explaining that despite their imposing size, horses are fundamentally like large, gentle puppies.
Navigating the fears of those who are initially apprehensive around horses presents a unique and rewarding challenge. My approach focuses on building trust, which then becomes the foundation for establishing a bond between the performer and my horse. I recall an instance working on a TV show with a prominent celebrity known for their fear of horses, stemming from a past traumatic fall. For this particular project, she was required to pose alongside my Friesian stallion, a striking horse with a luxurious mane. I remained by her side, offering a reassuring presence and guiding her through the process. I explained the horse’s movements, attributing them to his significant body weight. When she expressed a desire to embrace the horse’s face for a shot, I carefully guided her hands to a position where the horse felt most comfortable, allowing both to relax and connect. By the end of the session, her initial intimidation had transformed into a desire to cuddle with him, resulting in a remarkably natural and visually appealing on-camera dynamic.
Equine Actors: Scripted Performances and On-Set Adaptations
Once my horses are engaged for a project, I receive the script to prepare them accordingly. This ensures they understand their roles and what is expected of them, whether they are performing actions on or beside the talent. For instance, in a music video, a singer might perform while mounted on a horse, potentially adorned in an elaborate dress or a distinctive wig.
While some horses, due to their extensive experience, require minimal adaptation, others may need prior exposure to specific elements. If a horse is expected to perform a rear on cue, and has not encountered such a request before, I will introduce and practice this maneuver in the days leading up to the shoot. However, the dynamic nature of film sets means that directors may introduce last-minute changes, such as requesting a rear when it was not initially planned. In these situations, I rely on my established relationship with the horse and my ability to adapt.
The most complex aspect of handling horses for productions is training them to perform on cue within an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by lighting, cameras, and a multitude of people. If a horse is trained to rear, I will typically request a few minutes alone on set to communicate and rehearse the action gently with the horse. This process leverages the strong bond we share, ensuring the horse feels comfortable and secure in my presence. Consequently, I make it a point to be present on every set with my horses, even though I have a dedicated team. The pressure on set can be immense, with high expectations for both me and the horse. Despite this, I steadfastly adhere to my principle of gentle interaction.
While I always strive to achieve the director’s vision, there are certain scenarios my company avoids. We do not participate in Westerns where horses are subjected to simulated falls or injuries. Similarly, we limit our involvement in projects with extended, months-long commitments, such as the series “Yellowstone”. My preference is to have my horses return home each evening after a day’s work.
The Unseen Challenges: When the Industry Forgets Horses Are Living Beings
Anxiety can affect any horse, but it is particularly prevalent in stallions due to their heightened sensitivity. Adjusting to new or unfamiliar surroundings can be challenging for them. While some horses find comfort in movement, others respond well to treats or affectionate petting. My approach is to discern each horse’s individual needs and help them relax until they are ready to perform.
Contrary to what one might expect, the most significant challenge on set is not necessarily an actor’s fear of horses, but rather the patience of the production team. Reassuring talent that a horse is capable and will safely support them is straightforward. The true difficulty arises when there is a lack of understanding from the production regarding the horse’s specific needs.
On rare occasions, usually with the director rather than the artist, there can be a disconnect in recognizing that a horse is not an inanimate object and requires flexibility in scheduling. During photo shoots, for example, productions must acknowledge that horses need to shift their weight, walk, and move naturally. These adjustments are an inevitable part of working with a living creature and may extend the timeline.
Passion Over Profit: The Reality of Hollywood Horse Wrangling
Owning horses for production is a significant commitment. However, aspiring wranglers need not own their own horses; learning from established companies is a viable path. To break into this field, identifying and emulating the work of respected professionals is crucial. Working alongside experienced trainers and immersing oneself in the business, all driven by a genuine love for horses, is the recommended approach. Without this passion and patience, interest will inevitably wane. Building trust with horses and fostering relationships within the industry takes time. This career path is not a shortcut to wealth; it demands a deep-seated passion and dedication, as financial rewards alone are insufficient to sustain the effort. Like many in creative fields, a Hollywood horse wrangler can indeed be a “starving artist.”
