Mohammad Ali once said to his daughter when she was growing up that the best, most beautiful things in the world are hidden. Precious pearls are encased in shells at the bottom of the sea, diamonds are found deep in rocks hidden beneath the rivers of the world. In the heart of Snowdon lies an encased pearl. Two generations of horse masters continue to practice the arts of the old world. We revisit a time that has been forgotten by most, where knights fought on their horses and travellers wandered the weary paths with their faithful friends….with the horse of course.

Dylan Jones along with his partner Rhian now run the Dolbadarn film horses in Llanberis. Following the film success of his father Aneuryn in the 70’s and 80’s Dylan since 1997 has the main hand in working and training the horses to be ready for film and television scenarios. One of the rare places where time can be turned back and history can come alive on the horse. Their performances and credits range from riotous Romans to 18th century country manor lords and ladies, and even the dark ages of Merlin, Dylan has coordinated and ridden with some of the best riders in Europe. Most of their work to date has been with the Welsh film and television companies, and they also did a production with the BBC last year. Dylan learnt to trick ride, and has subsequently taught his partner Rhian to as well, a handy skill to have where films are concerned. The art of Russian Cossack riding is an old one which was used in war. Its main purpose is served nowadays in exciting live horse stunt shows or appears in some forms as daring stunts in films.

All of the Dolbadarn horses undergo a series of training phases. The initial phase is to get the right horse of course. Here we mean a clever horse that has the stunning looks and unmistakable temperament for the job. The next stage is to train the horse to be ridden comfortably so they feel completely at ease with a rider on its back, and has complete trust in the person that is riding. Most of this is done in the majestic mountain ranges of Snowdon. Their location is perfect. Hill work is extremely beneficial for the horses muscle development which makes advanced riding moves easier for them in the long run. It beats being in an office any day!! When you are riding a horse the bond you create with each other is very important and when it is experienced it is unmistakably magic. You have to respect the horse so much at all times because you are perched on half a tonne of muscle and flesh. The horse quite uniquely is choosing to stick with you, and is listening to what you are asking of them (… well, most of the time!!).

Much of what is taught is derived from very old styles of riding. With these film horses, classical riding philosophies are followed from years ago when horse training was considered a noble art. They use weight to turn a horse instead of tugging at its mouth, and can to go from standstill to canter in one easy movement without any need of brash commands. Due to the history of this country and its monarchs, the classical style of riding has been phased out, and is only now seen done to the old masters expertise in Portugal and Spain. After this horses are put through a series of “Strange” encounters. By this we mean situations that would arise in films. The horses have to be used to cameras and microphones, as well as different costumes and props and still continue sensibly with their work. The length of the training depends on the temperament of the horse and it can take anything from a few months to over a year. After this, the schooling and training continues and gets harder, and usually a horse will specialise in one particular skill. Rearing, or lying down for example. If they have an excellent temperament they can be specialists in more than one thing. One of the stallions Diablo for example can do classical medieval work, trick riding, and he also drives (amongst other things) – a perfect film horse most would agree.

History has much to offer the old riders of this land. Whether its Glyndwr’s exploits you thinking of, or warriors fighting for a true cause, it has been inspiration to generations of horse masters. I suppose you feel like you have lived before, and have a deep connection and understanding with the horse, only a few will experience such a thing, and this is why they dedicate their lives to their horses. That connection is something that can’t be explained fully in words, you don’t exactly know where it comes from and is impossible to experience anywhere else.

Whatever your needs for a production, these horses and trainers are here to do the job. They have been praised in the past for their professional qualities and more importantly the safety of their horses on set. So if you need them visit the website or give them a call.

Website: www.filmhorses.co.uk

Page updated on 21 March 2008

Authors' views are not necessarily those of The Institute of Amateur Cinematographers

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