Hollywood is often a destination for people who want to be actors, directors, producers and screenwriters, but what about horse lovers? There are numerous job possibilities for equestrian professionals who are not necessarily interested in maximum screen time, but love the movie industry as much as they love their four-legged friends.
Stunt Riders
When a rider falls of a horse in the movies or gallops across a field hanging from the side of the saddle, it's a safe bet that the actor or actress portrayed is not actually involved in the scene. Stunt riders take the place of actors and actresses by replacing them in dangerous scenes involving horses, thereby limiting the liability of the production company.
A stunt rider must love working with horses in film and must already possess expert-level riding skills (or be willing to develop them). These equestrian professionals might also have worked in the movie industry in the past as stunt doubles in other scenes, and must be extremely athletic and agile.
Horse Trainers
Just like human actors and actresses, horses in the movie industry must stand, walk, trot, gallop and move where the director needs them. Horse trainers are required to work with horses in film, ensuring the horses know their cues and helping stunt riders and actors to communicate more effectively with their mounts.
Horse trainers who want to work in the movie industry must be skilled trainers with significant experience. It helps to have a background in trick riding and trick training, as these skills will be particularly beneficial while working with horses in film.
Safety Experts
Equine safety is a serious issue in the movie industry when horses are on set, particularly if the scenes require dangerous shots at high speed. A safety expert is charged with the task of making sure all horses, stunt riders, directors, actors and other personnel do not find themselves in harm's way.
Additionally, these equestrian professionals must be familiar with the movie industry, from camera angles to scene cues. This will help them work more efficiently with other professionals on the scene to design sets and create shots that are realistic but not dangerous.
Grooms
Someone has to keep horses looking their best in film, so grooms are an integral part of the process. While on set, grooms make sure all the horses' needs are met, from feeding and watering to cleaning stalls, to bathing and brushing. They might also be required to escort horses from one location to another as needed for scenes.
This is a fairly entry-level job, though it helps to have connections in the horse industry. Those who live in Southern California or other areas where movies are frequently shot might have greater opportunities to snag a job.
Working with Horses in Film
Anyone who wants to get involved with horses in the movie industry needs to understand that this is an entirely different ball game. It requires dealing with people who are unfamiliar with the animals and their needs, and may involve a rigid schedule with significant time commitment.
Equestrian professionals who want to work with horses in film should:
- Prepare a resume with all equine- or film-related experience
- Become a member of the Screen Actors Guild
- Develop required skills and attributes (strength, flexibility, technique)
- Intern with someone who has experience in the movie industry
All of these activities will increase an equestrian professional's chances of making it in the film industry with horses.
It might also be necessary to obtain representation with a talent agent who can make connections with industry professionals who are looking for workers. This might mean preparing head shots and screen shots (for stunt riders), as well as a comp card (composite card) that will serve as the rider's or trainer's portfolio.
Working with horses in film is a dream come true for many riders, and it is possible to find work if one is sufficiently persistent.
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