Hidalgo is a 2004 American adventure film directed by Joe Johnston, based on the legend of the American distance rider Frank T. Hopkins and his mustang, Hidalgo. The film stars Viggo Mortensen, Zuleikha Robinson, Louise Lombard, Omar Sharif, Adam Alexi-Malle, and J.K. Simmons. The film was released in the United States on February 6, 2004.
Horses in Hidalgo
Horses featured in the movie Hidalgo include the mustang horse, Hidalgo, and several other horses used to portray the various breeds and colors of the horses ridden by the competitors in the 3,000-mile long endurance race. The movie also featured a variety of breeds, colors, and sizes of horses often seen in movies, including Arabians, Quarter Horses, Paints, Thoroughbreds, and Appaloosas.
Main Horses in the Movie
The main horse in the movie, Hidalgo, was a mustang horse played by three different horses. The primary horse used in the filming was a chestnut-colored stallion named T.J., and the two other horses were a dun stallion named Spirit and a white mare named Grubby. T.J. was the primary horse used in all the close-up shots, while Spirit and Grubby were used for the long shots and scenes of the horses running at full speed.
Other Horses Used in the Movie
In addition to the three main horses, there were several other horses used in the movie Hidalgo. These included the following:
- A black Quarter Horse named Midnight who was used in a few scenes, including the opening scene of the movie where Frank T. Hopkins is riding him on the range.
- A gray Appaloosa mare named Ginger who was used in the scenes set in Arabia.
- A bay Arabian stallion named Zorro who was used for some of the racing scenes.
- A chestnut Thoroughbred mare named Lady who was used in some of the racing scenes.
- A white Paint Horse mare named Lady who was used in the scenes set in Arabia.
Riding Horses in the Movie
The horses ridden in the movie were mainly used for the action scenes, such as the racing scenes and the scenes of Frank T. Hopkins and his horse Hidalgo running across the desert. The horses used for these scenes were mainly Arabians and Quarter Horses, as these breeds are known for their speed and are well-suited for long-distance endurance races.
The horses used for the racing scenes were mainly Arabians and Quarter Horses, as these breeds are known for their speed and endurance. The horses used for the longer rides, such as the scene where Frank T. Hopkins and his horse Hidalgo ride across the desert, were mainly Arabians and Appaloosas, as these breeds have the stamina to go long distances.
Costumes for the Horses
The horses in the movie Hidalgo were dressed to look like the horses of the Bedouin, who were the original owners of the horses in the movie. The costumes included traditional Arab tack, such as saddles, bridles, and colorful blankets. Many of the costumes were made of leather, and some of them were made to look like traditional Arab clothing.
Animal Safety on Set
The movie Hidalgo had a strict policy on animal safety. The production team had a full-time animal wrangler and veterinarian on set at all times, and all of the horses used in the movie were carefully monitored during the filming. The production team also used special equipment and techniques to ensure the safety of the animals, such as using a mechanical horse for stunts and using special cameras to capture the action without putting the horses in danger.
Animal Trainers for the Horses
The production team for the movie Hidalgo had a team of experienced animal trainers who worked with the horses on set. These trainers worked with the horses to ensure that they could perform the stunts and other action required in the movie. They also worked with the horses to ensure that they were comfortable with the equipment and the surroundings.
How Many Horses Did They Use in the Movie Hidalgo?
In total, the production team used seven horses in the movie Hidalgo. The three main horses used were T.J., Spirit, and Grubby, while the other four horses used were Midnight, Ginger, Zorro, and Lady. The production team also used several other horses for the background shots and crowd scenes.
Conclusion
The movie Hidalgo featured several horses in its cast, from the main horse, Hidalgo, to the other horses used in the racing and riding scenes. The production team also used several other horses to create the background scenes. In total, the production team used seven horses in the movie Hidalgo.