Mike Clinton
Introduction: The Tale of Hightower
The character of Hightower in The Horse Whisperer has captured the hearts of many moviegoers and book lovers. This gentle giant of a horse has become an icon in the equine world, not just for his role in the film and book, but also for the impact he has had on the industry as a whole. Hightower’s story is a tale of mystery, magic, and enduring influence that continues to captivate audiences today.
The Horse Whisperer: A Synopsis
The Horse Whisperer, written by Nicholas Evans, is a novel that tells the story of Annie Graves and her daughter Grace, who are involved in a tragic horseback riding accident. Annie hires Tom Booker, a "horse whisperer" who has a special gift for communicating with horses, to help her daughter and her horse Pilgrim recover from their injuries. Hightower is introduced as a horse at Tom’s ranch, who plays a key role in helping Pilgrim heal and find his way back to a normal life. The novel was later adapted into a film directed by and starring Robert Redford, with Hightower playing a prominent role.
Hightower’s Character: Gentle Giant
Hightower is described as a massive Clydesdale-cross gelding with a gentle disposition. He is known for his calm and patient demeanor, making him a favorite among the other horses and the humans who work with him. Hightower’s size and strength make him an imposing figure, but his kind spirit and willingness to work make him a valuable asset to Tom’s ranch.
Hightower’s Owner: A Mystery Unveiled
The identity of Hightower’s owner is never revealed in either the book or the film. It is assumed that he belongs to Tom Booker, the horse whisperer, but this is never explicitly stated. The mystery surrounding Hightower’s ownership has sparked much speculation among fans of the book and film, with some even suggesting that he may have been a wild horse that Tom tamed.
The Film vs. The Book: Ownership Discrepancy
In the film adaptation of The Horse Whisperer, Hightower is introduced as the horse of the character Grace. This is a departure from the book, where Hightower is simply a horse at Tom’s ranch. The change in ownership has caused some confusion among fans of the book and film, with some wondering why the filmmakers made this change.
Real Life Inspiration: Who Owned the Real Hightower?
The real horse that inspired the character of Hightower was a Clydesdale-cross named Duke, who belonged to a friend of author Nicholas Evans. Duke was known for his gentle nature and his ability to work with children, which inspired Evans to create the character of Hightower in his novel.
Hightower’s Training: The Horse Whisperer’s Magic
Hightower’s training was a key part of the Horse Whisperer’s magic. Tom Booker uses his gift for communicating with horses to help Hightower and the other horses on his ranch overcome their fears and become more trusting of humans. This type of training, known as natural horsemanship, has become increasingly popular in the equine industry, with many trainers using it to build stronger bonds with their horses.
Hightower’s Legacy: The Impact on the Equine Industry
Hightower’s character has had a lasting impact on the equine industry, inspiring many people to become more interested in horses and horsemanship. The book and film have helped to raise awareness of natural horsemanship and the importance of building strong relationships with horses through trust and communication.
Hightower’s Fate: Life After The Horse Whisperer
Hightower’s fate after the events of The Horse Whisperer is never revealed. It is assumed that he continued to live at Tom Booker’s ranch, where he continued to help other horses and humans learn the lessons of natural horsemanship.
Conclusion: Hightower’s Enduring Influence
The character of Hightower, both in the book and film, has become an enduring icon in the equine world. His gentle nature and willingness to work with humans have inspired many people to become more interested in horses and horsemanship. Hightower’s legacy lives on through the continued popularity of The Horse Whisperer and the impact it has had on the equine industry.