Harriet (2019)

All horseback riders were stunt riders or experienced actors who were skilled at riding, mounting and dismounting. All running/galloping scenes were well choreographed, and actors used caution while on and near animals. The horse(s) rearing was a trained behavior. The horses were specially trained “falling horses” and “lay down horses” that fell on cue onto a soft landing area. When teams of horses pulled wagons or carriages, the drivers were experienced and teams of horses were familiar with each other and accustomed to the pulling action. Whenever horses were seen tied to posts/fences, they were attached to lead ropes tied to posts.

When we see quick shots of a horse escaping from its carriage and running through a field, the horse was led to the set with halter and acclimated to the route which started with the horse standing in front of a barn, then continuing down a small decline and onto a field that had been groomed. When ready to film, wranglers fitted the horse with a collar harness. When ready, wrangler unclipped the lead rope and moved off camera. Then another wrangler yelled “Ya” and hit the bed of the wagon which cued the horse to take off.

In the scene where the actress is asleep in the forest and a bunch of men on horseback and with a team of dogs search for her, production filmed this action in numerous setups. Wranglers doubled for the actors. Dogs and horses prepped together prior to filming and were comfortable working together. On action, the riders and dog handlers walked across the field.