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We’re back at Windrock Farm after five days in Masschusetts. Today I got a late start. My final mount of the day was Spanish-native Duende, an Andalusian stallion. Duende is a gray in the horse world, but to most people he is what they would simply call a white stallion.
As the two of us left the property today’s magic began. We rode out for about an hour with the November darkness quickly descending. I am easily taken over by delusions of grandeur, yet what could be grander than riding a horse who could have literally jumped out of the pages of a book of fairy tales?
The pockets of fall color that clung to the trees when I arrived two weeks ago are long gone. Today felt like winter. It was in the thirties and flurries of snow sprinkled down all day. Duende and I walked, trotted, cantered and galloped through the Dutchess County countryside. I relished every moment, knowing that my respite here is just about over. In the woods, a carpet of rapidly decaying leaves was underfoot. In the fields, summer grasses were long drooping as their winter hibernation began.
White tailed deer fluttered by frequently, on the run from fall hunters, and the man on the big white horse. The deer didn’t faze Duende–not much did. He’s a big sweet horse with a generous heart.
The sounds of the ride were memorable too. Flocks of geese squawking, and the hooves of Duende clip clapping on the country lanes. The rhythm of Duende beneath me made me wish he and I could go off forever—to a mystical land.
As we were walking down the lane into the farm it was dark. A hunter straggled across our field toward his Dodge truck. A car pulled in behind us. The two headlights cast two giant shadows, side by side, of Duende and I dead ahead across an expanse of lawn. They were comically large shadows and the perfect visual for ending the perfect ride.
I removed the tack, sprayed down the big white stallion’s legs, brushed him, and put his rug on for the cold November night. When I left him he was in his stall, munching hay.
Thanks Duende.
Jim Breitinger is Cari’s brother. Today is his last full day in New York before heading home to Arizona. Duende, a native of Spain, is a special horse seeking a special home.
Rex and RJ just finished their final demonstration to a pleased crowd. We have three hours remaining at this year’s Equine Affaire–an event that shouldn’t be missed for horse lovers.
The thing that stands out the most from our time here is the number of devoted fans of RJ because of the film “Hidalgo.” This stallion is truly a star. Men and women alike see him and melt. Stories abound of how people have seen the movie over and over and over. The fans know that more than one horse played Hidalgo and they know which horse Viggo Mortensen (the human star of the movie) bought. Rex spoke about why he kept RJ and how Cari pried RJ away from him, at least partly. It’s RJ’s larger than life personality that won Rex’s and Cari’s hearts as well the hearts of millions of devoted fans.
When Cari met Rex Peterson in 2005 she had no idea what she was in for. Last night at the Equine Affaire in West Springfield, Massachusetts, an artistic version of their relationship played out. Two riders captivated the crowd at the Eastern States Expo Coliseum with a performance titled “East meets West.”
A top dressage rider (representing Cari) took to the arena with the theme from “Chariots of Fire” playing. A Grand Prix dressage performance began . . . then the spotlight switched to rider number two. A cowboy galloped in to the song “Dueling Banjos.” The contrast between the controlled, refined, blue-blooded dressage performance, and the raucous high energy cowboy on his Quarter Horse couldn’t have been greater. Imagine Rex Peterson.
Back and forth it went, world class dressage with the grandiose, inspiring, and rareified music, and then world class Western riding to the down and dirty music from “Deliverance.” It was a duel of cultures, worlds apart, yet so very complimentary.
Last night’s act just might inspire Cari and Rex to do one of their own riding RJ and Bond. The performers last night were great, but our favorite resident of Dutchess County and the legendary horseman from southern California could do even better.
We’re enjoying our time at the Equine Affaire. We hope to see you but if you can’t make it, keep checking here for updates. Buy the first three in the Rex Peterson training video series today by clicking here.
Cari’s brother Jim Breitinger is an Arizona-based writer.
EQUINE FILM STAR, HIGHTOWER, IS DEAD AT 26
Hightower (1982-2008) the favorite and beloved trick horse owned and trained by Rex Peterson, died peacefully at the age of 26 on October 30, 2008 at Rex Peterson’s ranch in Tehachapi, California.
Hightower starred in dozens of films over his career, most notably as “Pilgrim” in Robert Redford’s THE HORSE WHISPERER, and he was famously FedExed to the East Coast to shoot a scene with Julia Roberts in RUNAWAY BRIDE. Other film credits include WINTER PEOPLE, JILL IRELAND STORY, KILRONE, SIMPATICO, ELIZABETH TAYLOR STORY, BLUE DOG, BLACK STALLION ADVENTURE, BLACK BEAUTY, PRINCESS DIARIES II, AMANDA, LAST BEST PLACE, and BUDDY.
Hightower had a heart as big as the great outdoors and will be remembered as one of the most intelligent and noble equine actors of our day. He will be universally mourned by all who had the honor to work with him.
Rex Peterson has 35 years of experience working with a wide variety of horses, riders, and riding styles in both the movie industry and the private sector. He is the owner of Rex Peterson Horse Training in Tehachapi, California, where he developed his world-renowned horse training clinic. Peterson’s many film credits include All The Pretty Horses, Appaloosa, Back To The Future III, Batman Returns, Black Beauty, City Slickers, Electric Horseman, Far And Away, Geronimo: An American Legend, Hot Shots, Hidalgo, Flicka, Runaway Bride, The Patriot, The Doors, The Horse Whisperer, Three Amigos, The Black Stallion, Wild Bill, and 1941.
Anyone who wishes to share their memories and photographs of Hightower should send them to Rex Peterson (rexpetersonhorsetraining@yahoo.com) to be included in a book, “Hightower, One in a Million.”
Hightower on the set of “The Horse Whisperer” (1998)
Photo courtesy of Ken Regan/Camera Five
CONTACT: Cari Swanson
914.456.3155
cari@cariswanson.com
Outstanding yearling filly available for sale by RJ Masterbug, super temperament combined with her fathers athletic ability make this a terrific prospect for any discipline. Contact cari@cariswanson if you are interested in owning this lovely filly.
Posted November 2nd, 2008 — Filed under
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Hidalgo,
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I have been taking dressage lessons with Cari on and off over several years. Although I ride on my own and with trainers in other disciplines, I love to come back to Cari on a regular basis to take advantage of her keen eye, insightful critique, creative exercises, and diverse group of well-trained horses.
Cari always quickly finds the minor (and sometimes major!) irregularities in my body and posture that I was forgetting. She is very clear in pointing out how those problems are affecting the movement of the horse. She is rigorous and demanding, but maintains a sense of humor, making lessons invigorating and fun.
Cari has an amazingly broad repertoire of exercises and metaphors to draw upon, and I find she can always find a fresh way to explain what I am doing right and wrong. Sometimes it is that fresh explanation that makes all the difference in learning! Because of her own experience under a variety of instructors and in several disciplines, Cari has many different methods of teaching to draw upon. Lessons are never repetitive and dull. I can count on Cari to pull out a new and interesting challenge just when I need it!
The diversity of horses available for lessons is also helpful to me. Riding a horse with different movement and different “buttons” from my own horse is guaranteed to help me be more balanced, precise and deliberate as a rider. I value being able to learn from her schoolmasters, who are, after all, great teachers themselves.
-Ona Kiser
Sharon, CT
You must always be patient when training your horse. There will be moments when you must resort to punishment if there is obstinate resistance, however, when it is necessary, the rider must remain calm and firm. D’Endrody reminds us to smile or whistle prior to taking any disciplinary action to ensure that there is no anger in his mood. By simple means, he can very successfully control and check himself, and thus endow his measures with real educational value, which after all , it is the purpose of the punishment. You will then be justly rewarded with a happy horse who understands what you are asking him to do.
9 year old imported Hannovarian gelding, 17 hands, a stunning horse, beautiful mover,easy to ride, a kind and generous personality, jumps around a hunter course in style, first level dressage, he loves to hack cross country, this horse has the potential to do more in every discipline, come try him and see for yourself what a lovely horse this is. Contact cari@cariswanson.com
Ang Lee discussing the scene with RJ in his new movie “Taking Woodstock”. The film is being shot on location in New York at several different farms around Albany. RJ is in the final scene of the film after the concert is over. The organizer Michael Lang, portrayed by Jonathan Groff, gallops off after surveying the damage to Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel New York.
RJ was a pro, hitting his mark for every take. He had incredible patience with everyone on set, clowning around in between shots. The character of Elliot is played by Demitri Martin, a natural comedian who played very well against RJ. A very long day, but in the end a successful day on set.
