Title: Hollywood Horse Stories

Author: Stephen Schochet

Article:
A recent Hollywood rumor was that Tobey Maguire injured his back
during the making of Sea Biscuit doing horseback riding scenes,
making him unable to star in the sequel to Spider-Man. Although
it turned out to be false, he rode a mechanical horse in the
film, many actors have had close calls working with horses.

One example was Michael Caine, whose first movie Zulu (1964)
required him to ride a horse after a hunting expedition, which
after several embarrassing takes almost bought his career to a
premature end. "I thought you said you had riding lessons!" said
the angry director. "I did!" said the beleaguered star. "And the
first thing I learned was I never wanted to ride one of these
bloody things again!"

He wasn't the only one. Jack Nicholson took a hard fall in The
Missouri Breaks (1976) which he shrugged off saying,"It would
have hurt if I was a real person instead of a movie star."

Some performers get along famously with their horses, the
relationship can go on for years. Gene Autry had Champion
trained to jump through a ring of fire at rodeos, the stunt
always worked perfectly until Champion aged and Gene had to
replace him. Gene exhibited no concern when he was advised by
trainers that the new Champion was not ready for prime time his
first night on the job. "It'll be all right boys!" reassured the
cowboy through swigs of tequila. The big moment came, the new
horse rode out with Gene toward the burning ring and came to a
dead stop, sending the famous cowboy star flying to complete the
stunt on his own. The crowd gasped but luckily Gene was more
drunk than hurt, he simply got up and took a bow like it was all
planned.

Most stars won't take chances. David Niven bribed a trainer
fifty dollars so he would get to ride a gentle nag while filming
The Prisoner Of Zenda (1937). He brought his animal next to
Raymond Massey's stallion, and both reluctant riders prepared
for the director to call action. Suddenly Niven noticed a shadow
above him, Massey's horse had risen on it's hind legs. Niven
realized his nag was in heat and dived out the way as Massey's
stallion came down on Niven's mare. He watched stunned as the
helpless Massey bounced on top of what now looked like a giant
rocking horse!



About the author:
Stephen Schochet is the author and narrator of the audiobooks
"Fascinating Walt Disney" and "Tales Of Hollywood". The Saint
Louis Post Dispatch says," these two elaborate productions are
exceptionally entertaining." Hear realaudio samples of these
great, unique gifts at www.hollywoodstories.com.

Disclaimer
Opinions expressed in articles on this website are those of the author(s) of each story or article and not necessarily those of  Shadow Ridge.  Shadow Ridge does not necessarily agree with, support, or endorse any definitions, treatments, opinions or statistics stated by these authors. They are entirely responsible for the content of their respective story(s) or article(s).

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