We worked on the set of Arthur for several days for a horse sequence involving the main actors, Jennifer Garner and Russell Brand riding double on Mr. T also known as Harbor Mist. Mr. T is famous for being the main horse in Dreamer, and he played Temple Grandin’s favorite horse, Chestnut in the HBO film Temple Grandin. Mr. T also played one of the Secretariat’s in the new Disney film, Secretariat co-starring Diane Lane and John Malkovich.

Actors can be excellent students since they are used to taking direction and listening to what is required to get the shot. Jenn is a natural and Russell is natually terrified of horses. Both worked through each scene with grace and ease.

I taught two sessions of students last week who learned what flexion exercises do for their horse in warm up. Each rider improved dramatically after working through a series of patterns to supple and balance the horse.

Some of the common mistakes people make is not enough contact, or too much contact. It takes hours of practice to develop an elastic feel to the bridle.

In 1985, Disney produced a film called Sylvester about a grey horse who becomes an eventing super horse ridden by a young girl portrayed by Melissa Gilbert. Several horses were used to play Sylvester. Supertramp was cast because of his tremendous scope and ability. He is seen here jumping this enormous red pick up for a scene in the movie. If you have not had the chance to view this film, go out and find it to inspire you for the upcoming eventing season.

check out the new dressage tests online and prepare to ride the best scores of your life. Practice makes perfect, so get out there and learn the tests by riding them, one section at a time. It is very helpful to ride several horses in the pattern to commit it to your memory. This is crucial so that on the day of competition you automatically ride the pattern in spite of all of the potential distractions around you. I have seen it all, loose horses, unruly horses, broken equipment, wind gusts blowing items around the arena, children howling just outside the arena….anything can happen and something will happen. So be prepared!!

Watch Rex work RJ and Harbor Mist at Liberty

photos by Mary Bridgman

Many breeds compete successfully at eventing such as the Andalusian stallion, Duende xxxiii
Bella, the Dutch warmblood, Bond, the Danish Warmblood and Fella an American Quarter Horse. All are athletes which excel in all three disciplines. When looking for your next event prospect consider their mind and athletic ability together. I always take a confident obedient horse over one with only athletic ability and no work ethic. Eventing requires the ultimate partnership in trust and confidence, so set yourself up for success.

Victory on the day of competition is hard to come by without hours of preparation and training. Practice makes perfect…so work on the basics every day. Avoid pitfalls the day of competition by making your daily work build on the basics necessary to succeed. Ride every jump to the center so that if become automatic. Control your rhythm and speed, learning to adjust before the turn to your jump. Always start your course with an opening circle that sets your pace and reminds your horse to move off your leg when asked. Practice your flatwork between jumps riding balanced bending lines with rhythm and impulsion. Most important, smile and relax-if you have done your homework and are prepared, you have a great chance of success.