As the highly anticipated Season 4 of “Yellowstone” prepares to premiere, fans are eager to delve back into the dramatic landscapes of Montana, the compelling character arcs, and, for horse enthusiasts, the spectacular American Quarter Horses that grace the screen. The show, written, directed, and produced by AQHA life member Taylor Sheridan, seamlessly integrates the world of reining and cutting competitions, showcasing the athleticism and beauty of these magnificent animals. For those who appreciate the intricate details of Western riding and the breed’s heritage, “Yellowstone” offers a captivating glimpse into the American Quarter Horse’s significant presence in Western storytelling. This exploration delves into some fascinating facts about the show and the prominent Quarter Horses featured, offering insights for both avid fans and equine aficionados.
The Vision Behind the Equine Stars
Taylor Sheridan’s deep connection to the Western lifestyle and his personal experience in reining and cutting competitions are pivotal to the authentic portrayal of horses in “Yellowstone.” His commitment to the sport and the American Quarter Horse earned him the prestigious AQHA Spirit Award in 2019 and induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Sheridan’s passion not only influences the narrative but also places American Quarter Horses in front of millions of viewers worldwide, elevating the breed’s profile. The show often features talented equine athletes, highlighting their training and performance capabilities.
Fact 1: Taylor Sheridan’s Equine Dedication
Taylor Sheridan, the creative force behind “Yellowstone,” is not just a filmmaker but also a dedicated AQHA life member and a competitor in reining and cutting. This firsthand experience translates into the authentic depiction of these equestrian sports within the series. His significant contributions to promoting the Western lifestyle and the American Quarter Horse were recognized with the AQHA Spirit Award and an induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Sheridan’s vision ensures that the horses are not mere props but integral characters, reflecting his profound respect for their athleticism and the culture surrounding them.
Fact 2: Lil Joe Cash’s Reining Debut
The first season of “Yellowstone” introduced viewers to the renowned reining stallion Lil Joe Cash, ridden by NRHA $5 million rider and trainer Andrea Fappani. This sorrel stallion, a winner of the AQHA junior reining world championship and the National Reining Horse Association Futurity, is a testament to the breed’s prowess in reining disciplines. Owned by Lil Joe Cash Inc., his lineage traces back to the esteemed Nu Chex To Cash and AQHA Superhorse RS Lilly Starlight, further underscoring his exceptional breeding and performance capabilities.
Fact 3: Metallic Cat’s Anticipated Role
The anticipation surrounding the renowned cutting sire Metallic Cat’s involvement in “Yellowstone” highlights the show’s commitment to featuring top-tier equine talent. Bobby Patton, the owner of Metallic Cat, secured the rights for the stallion to be written into the show’s script, with the $165,000 bid benefiting the NCHA Charities Foundation. Metallic Cat’s impressive resume as an NCHA Futurity champion and Horse of the Year, coupled with his standing as a leading sire, makes his on-screen presence a significant event for the cutting and reined cow horse communities.
Fact 4: Custom Made Gun’s Star Power
Custom Made Gun, a horse with an impressive record including co-champion of The Run for a Million and a World Equestrian Games medalist, also made a notable appearance in “Yellowstone.” This 2011 palomino stallion, by the famed “Gunner” (Colonels Smoking Gun) and out of Custom Made Dunit, is owned by Maria Cecilia Fiorucci. His performance at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, where he helped lead Team USA to a gold medal in reining under rider Cade McCutcheon, showcases his exceptional talent and athletic capabilities.
Fact 5: The McCutcheon Family’s Involvement
The McCutcheon family, a prominent name in the reining world, has a significant presence in “Yellowstone.” While NRHA professional rider Cade McCutcheon rode Custom Made Gun in Season 1, it was his grandfather, NRHA $3 million rider and trainer Tim McQuay, who was in the saddle for the horse’s on-screen appearances. Furthermore, Cade, along with his parents, NRHA $1 million rider Tom McCutcheon and NRHA $2 million non-pro rider Mandy McCutcheon, were featured in Season 2, Episode 5, further solidifying the family’s connection to the show.
Fact 6: Matt Mills’ Reining Expertise
NRHA professional trainer Matt Mills also graced the screen in Season 2, Episode 5 of “Yellowstone,” participating in a reining competition. His appearance alongside the McCutcheons, Travis Wheatley (portrayed by Taylor Sheridan), and Jimmy Hurdstrom added another layer of authentic reining action to the series. Mills, who also appeared on the Paramount Network show “The Last Cowboy,” has shared valuable tips for improving reining circle scores, further demonstrating his expertise in the discipline.
Fact 7: Walla Walla Starbuck’s Presence
The reining trainer Tom Foran rode Walla Walla Starbuck in Season 1, Episode 5 of “Yellowstone.” Owned by Taylor Sheridan, this 2012 red dun stallion boasts over $50,000 in NRHA earnings, showcasing his success in competitive reining. His participation in the show further emphasizes Sheridan’s commitment to featuring accomplished American Quarter Horses.
Fact 8: Other Notable Equine Appearances
Beyond the headline stallions, “Yellowstone” also features other accomplished horses such as Spookernickerin, an NRHA money-earning sorrel gelding owned by Jules Stewart, and Dun It Chexinic. The latter, a 2007 bay gelding with over $32,000 in reining earnings, is notably owned and shown by Taylor Sheridan himself, underscoring his personal investment in the equestrian aspect of the series.
Fact 9: “Cowboy Camp” for Authenticity
To ensure the actors’ on-screen portrayal of horsemen was authentic, Taylor Sheridan mandated attendance at “cowboy camp.” Coached by cutting horse trainer Jake Ream, this intensive four-day experience in the Utah mountains involved camping, herding sheep, and extensive saddle time. This rigorous training allowed actors like Jefferson White, who plays Jimmy Hurdstrom, to develop genuine riding skills, enhancing the realism of their performances and their characters’ evolving relationships with horses. Many actors found this experience particularly transformative, especially those new to the equestrian world.
Fact 10: Kelly Reilly’s Passion for Horses
Despite her character Beth Dutton’s on-screen animosity towards horses, actress Kelly Reilly is a seasoned equestrian with a lifelong passion for riding. Having grown up primarily riding English, Reilly worked closely with reining trainer Tom Foran and the animal wrangling experts at Gentle Jungle to perfect her western riding skills for the series. Her lifelong dream of being in a Western, coupled with her innate talent, shines through in her performances, particularly as her character becomes more involved with the ranch’s equine operations.
Fact 11: The Iconic Four Sixes Ranch
The legendary Four Sixes Ranch, a recipient of the AQHA Best Remuda Award, is set to become a significant part of the “Yellowstone” storyline, with scenes filmed at their Guthrie, Texas, location. Furthermore, a “Yellowstone” spinoff, aptly titled “6666,” will be filmed at this historic ranch, delving into its deep-rooted legacy of raising exceptional horses and livestock. The ranch is renowned as a place where true cowboys are both born and made. Recent reports indicate that the Four Sixes Ranch has been purchased by the Yellowstone Creators Group, suggesting an even deeper integration into the show’s universe.
Season 4 Premiere and Equine Anticipation
With the premiere of “Yellowstone” Season 4 on Sunday, November 7, viewers eagerly await the unfolding destinies of the Dutton family and, of course, the continued prominent role of the American Quarter Horses. Taylor Sheridan’s dedication to showcasing these magnificent animals promises another season filled with breathtaking equestrian moments, further cementing the American Quarter Horse’s legacy in popular culture and the Western genre. The synergy between the show’s dramatic narrative and the genuine skill of its equine stars continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
