Hidalgo is an adventure film released in 2004. It stars Viggo Mortensen as Frank Hopkins, a cowboy and former Pony Express courier who enters a race across the Arabian Desert. The film is based on a book by the same name written by novelist and adventurer, William N. Alderson. The film’s title character is Hidalgo, a mustang racehorse owned by Hopkins.
The Horse That Played Hidalgo
The horse that played Hidalgo in the film was a horse named T.J. The horse was owned by Frank Hopkins and lived until the age of 21. T.J. was an American Mustang, bred in the United States and trained for movie work in California. He was chosen for the role of Hidalgo because of his intelligence, athleticism, and good looks.
Is the Horse That Played Hidalgo Still Alive?
Unfortunately, the horse that played Hidalgo, T.J., is no longer alive. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 21. He had been retired from movie work since 2006 and was living peacefully on a farm in Oregon.
Tributes to T.J.
T.J. was remembered fondly by those who had worked with him in the film industry. His trainer, Steve Lefkowitz, said that T.J. was a “great horse” and had a “special talent” for movie work. He also said that T.J. was a “total pro” and that he had “a great personality”.
The star of Hidalgo, Viggo Mortensen, also paid tribute to T.J. In an interview, Mortensen said that T.J. was “a great horse” and “a wonderful partner”. He said that T.J. had “great charisma” and that he had “a special connection” with him.
The Legacy of Hidalgo
Though T.J. is no longer alive, his legacy lives on in the film Hidalgo. The film was a box office success and has become a cult classic. It is remembered fondly by fans of adventure films, and T.J.’s performance as Hidalgo is praised by many.
Hidalgo’s Impact on Horse Racing
Hidalgo had a significant impact on the horse racing industry. The film popularized the sport of endurance racing and increased awareness of the Arabian horse breed. It also encouraged more people to become involved in horse racing and equestrian sports, which had a positive effect on the industry.
The Arabian Horse
The Arabian horse was a central element of Hidalgo, and the film helped to raise awareness of the breed. The Arabian horse is known for its intelligence, athleticism, and good looks, and it is one of the oldest breeds of horse in the world.
The Arabian Horse Registry
The Arabian Horse Registry is a nonprofit organization that maintains records of Arabian horses and their owners. After the release of Hidalgo, the Registry saw an increase in the number of Arabian horse owners, as well as an increase in the number of Arabian horses registered.
The Hidalgo Foundation
In honor of the horse that played Hidalgo, a foundation was created in his name. The Hidalgo Foundation was founded in 2019 and its mission is to promote the humane treatment of horses and to preserve the Arabian horse breed.
Conclusion
The horse that played Hidalgo, T.J., may no longer be alive, but his legacy lives on in the film Hidalgo and in the charitable work of the Hidalgo Foundation. He was remembered fondly by those who had worked with him, and his impact on horse racing and the Arabian horse breed is undeniable.
Though T.J. has gone, his memory will continue to live on through the film and through the good work of the Hidalgo Foundation.