Testimonials
I have had the privilege of learning about horses and riding from Rex Peterson, and the good fortune to watch up-close the remarkable results he achieves with even the most challenging of horses and riders. He has guided me through the movies “Hidalgo” and “Appaloosa”, and I have been lucky to become his friend and ride many miles in all sorts of conditions with him. He makes his job as horse-master look effortless, but those who have trained under him over the years know it most assuredly is not. He does appear to have a gift for “reading” people and horses, always finding the most suitable teaching approach in each situation, but he works extremely hard every single day, often for many hours at a time. He has an iron will, and won’t quit on any horse or rider, but is remarkably patient and leads with a steady and kind hand. One of the most helpful bits of advice he passed on to me – which can be applied to working with horses and to life in general – is “go slow to go fast”. He would never, unlike others not as gifted or patient in his line of work, rush things unnecessarily or ever ask anyone to do something he was unwilling to first try himself. He invariably has the safety and well-being of his horses as his topmost priority. He speaks highly of his own legendary teacher, Glenn Randall, Sr., often saying that he will never know as much as his mentor did. Although I never met Mr. Randall, I cannot imagine anyone asking more of themselves or getting more out of horses and riders than Rex Peterson does. I look forward to working with him again soon.
–Viggo Mortensen
Viggo on TJ and Rex on RJ on the set of “Hidalgo”
Caroline riding Justin on the set of “Black Beauty”.
Rex Peterson can do magic with horses. I’ve witnessed it, up close. He can think like a horse in order to get through to a horse. He gains a horse’s respect immediately. He never abuses that respect, but uses it in the horse’s favor. He asks for the seeming impossible and I’ve yet to see him fail to get it. Did you ever see the horses dancing in BLACK BEAUTY? Or Merrilegs opening the stalls? Or Ginger being mean? Or Beauty trying to get Joe’s attention? Each move, each look, each gesture came through Rex. In another of my movies, BUDDY, a chimpanzee rides bareback and bridleless on Rex’s great horse, Hightower, and neither of them minds it. By the way, if I have a problem with one of my own horses, he’s the first person I call. Hooray for Rex!
– Caroline Thompson, screenwriter/director, California
Ed Harris on the set of “Appaloosa”
I had the pleasure of making Rex Peterson’s acquaintance when I asked him if he would be the Head Wrangler for Appaloosa, a film I was getting ready to direct and act in with Viggo Mortensen. Viggo had recommended Rex highly and I soon found out why. His knowledge , respect, and love for horses was more than evident the first time we saddled up and headed off for a ride. The horses we ended up using as the ‘hero’ horses for the film were incredible animals, beautifully trained by Rex. They were big and strong and asked to perform on some very tricky difficult terrain. They handled every situation, every task Viggo and I asked of them with attention, athleticism and obedience. The DVD’s that Rex has put together display some of the highly effective training methods he has developed over the years….techniques that are vital and useful for any horse being trained for any purpose and for any level of riding. Rex has done every horse lover a favor with this dvd series!
Ed Harris Director, Actor, Producer
Rex Peterson & Cari Swanson are the best team when it comes to clinics, training, starting young horses and “fixing” problem horses. Some may recognize Rex Peterson as the Hollywood Horse Trainer, having trained numerous stunt/movie horses for well known movies including: Black Beauty, The Horse Whisperer, Hidalgo, Flicka, Dreamer, Appaloosa, All the Pretty Horses, The Ring, The Patriot, Buddy, Crazy Horse, Far and Away, Sylvester, Three Amigos, Runaway Bride and The Black Stallion. He has been interviewed in numerous magazines and film. What most people don’t know is that this exceptional trainer team, previously only available in Dutchess County, NY, is now available for clinics and actually travels throughout the US – helping “regular” people with their horses.
Diana Murphy
Rex Peterson is one of the most committed and talented trainers I’ve ever met. His abilities allow him to achieve outstanding results especially with “Problem” horses.
From dressage to reiners to trail riders his training techniques speak for themselves. It’s truly a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with such a passionate horseman that passes on his knowledge.
JC Horseshoe Ranch,Tarpley, Texas
I was thoroughly glad to read the recent article in the July 2008 issue of Western Horseman on your talents with horse training. It’s nice to see that anything is possible with horses and I was so impressed with your work and success. I have had horses for 10 years.. I am 48 years old. I live in New Mexico in a small big town called Los Alamos. I have been doing nothing but trying to learn everything about horses and reading everything I can but I still cant seem to get the right instruction. I encourage you to help other horsemen and women and let this wonderful sport expand and prosper for the good of the animals.. Thanks for your help… Thanks again, sir…
Sincerely yours,
Alicia Blumenthal, New Mexico
Thank you! I loved everything about the clinic! Rex is so knowledgeable and everyone was very friendly. It more than fulfilled my expectations. I didn’t expect to get on Dolly at the end of the 3 days, but it actually happened. I am very grateful Rex took me to the round-pen on Saturday to boost my confidence and prove to me that I could do it! Without that, I might have been too nervous to attempt to get on her once we got her home. And that would have been a shame!
I would absolutely recommend the clinic and I would absolutely come back for more! One of the best parts of it was that he was teaching both the horse and the rider. It wasn’t like sending your horse to be trained, it was sending both of us to learn so we can do it right going forward. Who can’t use that type of training up on a regular basis?!! We have a long way to go, but we are at least under saddle now (in a round pen and at a walk). I’ve done it alone and she still stands beautifully for me (we haven’t worked on a mounting block yet and I can hear Rex scolding me over it, but she stands perfectly still while I get on from the ground and waits patiently til I tell her to move on, so I can’t complain about that). I am looking forward to the next clinic.
Diana Hershchuk, New York
I just wanted to let you know that after the clinic with Rex, I went home, read my notes over and practiced what I learned. I did alot of the “head down” cues with my problem horse and I’ve noticed a change already. She’s awfully smart and it only took her one day to learn the cue. I also practiced bending her the side with the reins and listening for the bit to click in her mouth. I rubbed her all over with a plastic garbage bag, polo wraps, and a saddle pad. Its really interesting to watch the horse process the new activities you perform with her. At first she was nervous, jumped out of the way, reared and snorted. Eventually (after time, patience, and practice), she was not bothered by a plastic bag by her chest. I also practiced standing for mounting next to a fence and mounting block. Today I rode her off of the longe line which was an accomplishment in itself. So, it was a great clinic and I certainly learned alot! Anyway, thanks again and stay well!
Chante, New Jersey
That’s no clinic, Cari, that’s Cowboy Boot Camp!!! I’ve never been so sore and tired in my life. I’ve never ridden a horse for more than a 45 minute lesson or hour hack. We’ve never ridden in a ring with six other horses all doing different things. Dang. What a blast, and a huge confidence builder. I didn’t know I could push myself or my horse that hard and have it be productive. Had a two hour nap already, and I’m working on some beer and advil now while catching up on video work.
Thank you for a great clinic!
-Ona, New York
Rex Peterson is the most amazing trainer that I hae ever had here at Winterwood Farm. His quiet patient understanding of the horse is a book waiting to be written! Everyone wants him back. He had something to offer every single horse and rider whether they evented, rode dressage or pleasure. His ability to evaluate each partnership and give simple advise was masterful. Thank you Rex for such a great clinic.
Barb Sanford, Winterwood Farm, NY
All I can say is Thank you so much Rex and Cari for your wonderful job and safety you gave Tye. He was terrified of the monster horse trailer that bites, but you guys showed Tye the way to over come his fear of the trailer by being gentle and patience and so understanding about his fear. Tye had a bad experience in the trailer and he never forgot it.
I tried for years to help him over come his fear but to no avail I couldn’t do it. People told me to get rid of him he’s never going to trailer, he’s a waste of time,i was just about to give up till Rex and Cari took Tye into there hands and worked with him and with there knowledge and huge hearts they showed Tye the way and NOT to be afraid, it is a good thing to be inside the trailer. The horse sence they have is a unbeleiveable site to watch. I am know bringing Tye all over with out any problems at all! Thanks to Rex and Cari at Windrock Farms I have a new horse thats in the same body. I thought this would NEVER happen in my wildest dreams and I am know laughing at all the people who told me to get rid of him. I want to say from the bottom of my heart Thank you so much for helping tye find his way through his fears. You guys are remarkable, awesome horse trainers/people and words will never express my feelings towards you and your training. I will recommend Rex and Cari for any kind of problems you might be haveing. They have the blood of a horse and the will of the horseman and a 1 in a million master horse trainer Thank you for putting faith and heart back into Tye and me and with your help and kindness tye is know a horse that can do it and trust me to do it. I will never have enough words to say how much we look up to you wonderful people.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
Tye and Heather Poughquag, NY
I have been riding and owning horses for over 36 years, and have attended many clinics/lessons over this time period. Nothing prepared me for how much fun a clinic with Rex Peterson would be. He re-introduced me to some basic training ideas that I had forgotten. Basically, I should expect my horse to do whatever I asked of him, not make excuses for his breed (TB) or his sometimes frisky nature. It got me thinking again of all the fun things my horse can and should do, like when I was a kid and expected my horse to be able to do anything, including bow! It gave me a much-needed confidence boost and made me focus on other things besides “dressage in the ring.” Thanks to Rex for giving me back the fun and confidence I had as a kid- I can’t wait for his next clinic in Ballston Spa, New York!
Barb Martenis, New York
I have to say that the clinic was not only great a fun thing to do, but probably one of the most memorable moments of my life. I really appreciate how much you taught us, how great you worked with us and how much progress Frankie has shown. We are working better as a team as well. His ground manners are amazing, he puts his head down, stops and backs when asked, is much better with his bridle. He is also standing for the mounting block. I think the best thing about the clinic was that now I have the tools to handle any situation, even if things go badly I can handle them. I heard you say you might be back for another clinic, if that is true I will be at every one of them. Thank you!
Danielle and Frankie
Just want to say thanks to Rex for helping me start my young Stallion Rooster under saddle last month. Rex is truly a unique horseman. He teaches as well as he rides. His years of experience show in his ability solve problems quickly. Rex’s timing was perfect when correcting Rooster, making it easy for Rooster to understand what was expected of him. In 4 days Rex had Rooster Walk, Trot, Canter and also taught him to bow. Rex was also happy to answer all my questions, something I have found lacking in other clinics I have attended in the past. During my 4 days at the farm I saw Rex ride several different horses, he is a beautiful talented rider. He seemed just as comfortable in a western saddle as a dressage saddle. I was amazed as I watched him get tempi changes from one horse and also help another horse and rider with piaffe and passage work. He is truly a well round trainer.
Sincerely,
Brooke Brown
www.friesiansofcolor.com
To date I have attended 2 clinics hosted by Rex Peterson. First one last year, last words out of my mouth to my trainer, “ Don’t worry I will not be mounting my horse, no way in heck, being off the property and with a trainer I do not know, that would take an act of God.” WELL, guess who mounted their horse last year and worked him, you got it me.
Now, 10 months later I had a second chance to attend one of Rex’s clinic, might ad I also signed up for both days this time & I was counting down the days to seeing him again. Once again I was not disappointed, I have to say besides all his knowledge, his ease to talk to, calming effect on equines and humans plus his ability to communicate information back to you, as if all that was not enough, it more than impressed me that he remember me & my horse from our last clinic and the fact that I was not so willing to mount my ride, and told me how proud and happy he was for me that I did that last year. He was then also able to compare how far Buddy had come in 10 months because he remembered him from last time. I was just really impressed by that, he told me 10 months ago not to give up on Buddy and he was so right and I got the chance to come back and show him how right he was. I plan on showing him how right he was every time he comes to my area, by improving my riding and Buddy’s training more and more as we build our bond.
We both thank you so much for what you have done for our relationship,
Tracy & Buddy from New York
Film & TV Unit
Profiles
Rex Peterson
The Man Behind the Reins of Hidalgo
Professional animal trainer Rex Peterson has trained horses for the movies for more than 25 years, creating some of the most exciting and complex horse action sequences ever filmed. His many credits include Black Beauty, The Black Stallion, The Horse Whisperer, The Patriot, Runaway Bride, The Ring, and Hidalgo. As he commented to American Humane while on the set of Hidalgo, “The horses are my kids and I won’t have them mistreated,” he says.
An animal-loving trainer
Peterson knows from experience that the animal/trainer bond is essential because, in filming, the animal has to ignore the camera, lights, actors, smoke, and crew and focus solely on the performance.
In filming Hidalgo, Peterson’s team of experienced trainers worked with each horse to enhance its natural talents and to match each horse with an appropriate rider. Stunts in Hidalgo required plenty of preparation and in some cases up to nine weeks of training. Shooting schedules change often in filmmaking, and the lead time Peterson had expected for one scene in which Hidalgo drags an actor out of the Wild West Show ring was pushed up.
RJ — one of the horses playing Hidalgo — had trained for this stunt, and Peterson called him “smart, powerful, and a quick learner.” Although RJ was an unbroken three-year-old when cast, Peterson recalls knowing within the first five minutes of meeting the horse that RJ was an exceptional creature.
For Hidalgo, Peterson was able to teach the lead actor to lay down a horse safely — a critical skill during filming when the trainer could not remain close to give cues and the action required significant trust between man and horse.
An American Humane kind of trainer
American Humane has found that when filming abroad the standard of animal welfare varies based on cultural beliefs, local animal welfare legislation, economics, and technological availability. During pre-production of Hidalgo in Morocco, Peterson insisted that the production adhere to American Humane’s Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. He also refused to use studs and demanded that all horses be in good physical condition and free of ring bit sores in their mouths.
Both American Humane and Peterson recognized that the local trainers in Morocco needed help adhering to American Humane Guidelines that call for a high standard of care, especially in the use of bits. The local horses wore severe Moroccan ring bits, which go around the horse’s lower jaw and can tear the tongue and corners of the mouth, and in some instances, even break the jaw. Peterson recommended that instead the production supply Spanish bits, which have a short shank, mild low port, and a leverage factor that helps control but is not severe. Production donated the bits to 100 of the local riders in hopes they would extol the welfare benefits of the Spanish bit to other riders.
An award-winning trainer
The American Paint Horse Association presented a special “Legendary Achievement Award” to Peterson, who accepted on behalf of himself, Walt Disney Studios, Hidalgo Director Joe Johnston, Producer Casey Silver, Actor Viggo Mortensen, and “Hidalgo.” These entertainers were credited for their brilliant and outstanding work in showcasing the beauty, talent, and versatility of the American Paint Horse breed in this epic action-adventure film.
 |
| Mortensen (left) went through extensive riding lessons with trainer Rex Peterson (right). Touchstone Pictures’ “Hidalgo,” directed by Joe Johnston from a screenplay written by John Fusco, is produced by Casey Silver. Don Zepfel is executive producer. Buena Vista Pictures distributes. Photo Credit: Richard Cartwright. Permission is hereby granted to newspapers and magazines to reproduce this picture on the condition it is used in connection with direct publicity for the movie in which it appears and that it is accompanied by “© 2004 Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. All rights reserved.” All other uses require prior written consent of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution |
Whenever I have a question about any horses I am working with, I always ask Rex. He has helped me with numerous things. Not only has he taught me tricks to teach my horse, but he has also helped me a lot with my dressage and jumping. He has taught me a lot of different things that other trainers thought I was “too young” to learn, like breaking a horse from the ground up, or trusting me with problem horses. He is always patient and understanding when some of my past trainers would “blow up” and start yelling at me for not doing something correctly, but Rex has never raised his voice once. Instead he explains what I need to do or he shows me until I get it right. When I first met Rex I thought he was just a plain old cowboy who only did western. Boy! Was I proven wrong! Rex could not only do western, but also dressage, jumping, and driving! (Plus trick training). I have seen him teach an Andulaison Stallion the Spanish walk, and jump a couple horses, plus ride a FEI Dressage horse beautifully. He has helped me incredibly with my own horse in the area of Dressage and Jumping plus helping me teach my horse many tricks. Rex has also taught me a lot of ground work, like head down and the mounting block. My horse would never stand for me at the mounting block. Rex taught me how to fix these problems with ease. Simple exercises with simple tools like the war bridle helped me fix my horses problems. I never would have been able to do that with out his help. I have taken all the knowledge about ground work that he has taught me, and used it to help me with other horses I am working with. Out of all my trainers, Cari and Rex have to be the best I have worked with. I learned more things from them in the past 3 years, than the 10 years I have been riding.
Joa Sigsbee
