DIED: Hightower,26. One of the most famous and talented trick horses ever to grace the silver screen, Hightower appeared in dozens of films during his long career, most notably as Pilgrim in Robert Redford’s The Horse Whisperer (1998). He was the steed of choice for actress Julia Roberts, who bonded with him during the filming of The Runaway Bride (1999) and famously insisted that the charismatic quarter horse be shipped back from his California corral to an East Coast location for post-production re-shoots. Owned and trained by Hollywood Horse Trainer, Rex Peterson, Hightower also appeared in Winter People (1989) opposite Kurt Russell and Kelly McGillis, in Simpatico (1999) with Jeff Bridges and Nick Nolte, and in writer-director Caroline Thompson’s 1994 adaptation of Black Beauty. “Hightower had a heart as big as the great outdoors”, said veteran trainer and USDF Silver Medalist Cari Swanson, “and he will be remembered as one of the most intelligent and noble equine actors of our day.” In Tehachapi, California, October 30.
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
