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Who rode the horses in National Velvet?

Introduction: Who Rode the Horses in National Velvet?

National Velvet is a classic film that captured the hearts of audiences around the world. This coming-of-age story follows the journey of a young girl named Velvet Brown and her determination to train and race her beloved horse, The Pie, in the Grand National steeplechase. However, behind the magic of this film lies a talented cast and crew who brought the story to life, including the skilled horse riders who played a pivotal role in creating the iconic horse racing scenes.

Elizabeth Taylor: The Leading Lady

Elizabeth Taylor was just twelve years old when she starred as Velvet Brown in National Velvet. Despite her young age, Taylor demonstrated remarkable talent as a rider and was able to perform many of her own stunts on horseback. However, Taylor was not the only one who rode the horses in the film, and her co-stars played a crucial role in bringing the story to life.

The Role of Mi Taylor: A Critical Character

Mi Taylor, played by Mickey Rooney, was a critical character in National Velvet. As Velvet’s mentor and friend, Mi played an essential role in training The Pie and preparing him for the Grand National. While Rooney was not a professional horseman, he was able to ride competently and convincingly portray the character of Mi, who was an experienced horseman.

The Trained Horses: King Charles and The Pie

Two horses were trained to play the role of The Pie in National Velvet. The primary horse used for the close-up shots was a horse named King Charles, who had already won the Grand National in real life. The horse used for the long shots and racing scenes was a horse named The Pie, who was trained specifically for the role. Both horses demonstrated incredible skill and were able to perform the challenging stunts required for the film.

Leslie Brooks: The Stunt Double for Elizabeth

While Elizabeth Taylor was able to perform many of her own stunts, there were some scenes that required a stunt double. Leslie Brooks was brought in to perform the more challenging horse riding scenes, such as jumping over fences and racing. As a professional stunt rider, Brooks was able to execute these scenes safely and convincingly.

The Importance of the Jockey: Eddie Arcaro

Eddie Arcaro, a famous jockey, played himself in National Velvet. As a five-time winner of the Kentucky Derby, Arcaro brought a level of authenticity to the film that would have been difficult to achieve with an actor. Arcaro played a critical role in the racing scenes and was able to guide the horses safely through the challenging steeplechase course.

The Challenges of Filming the Horse Racing Scenes

Filming the horse racing scenes in National Velvet presented several challenges. Not only was it difficult to coordinate the movements of the horses and riders, but the filmmakers also had to ensure the safety of the horses and the riders involved. Additionally, the film was shot on location in England, which presented logistical challenges for the crew.

The Legacy of National Velvet and its Cast

National Velvet has had a lasting impact on audiences around the world. The film has become a beloved classic and has inspired generations of young horse enthusiasts. Elizabeth Taylor’s performance in the film launched her career, and Mickey Rooney’s portrayal of Mi Taylor has become an iconic character in film history.

The Horses After the Film: Retirement and Beyond

Following the completion of filming, the horses used in National Velvet were retired from acting and returned to their respective owners. King Charles, the horse used for the close-up shots, passed away a few years later, while The Pie lived to be twenty-five years old.

Conclusion: National Velvet’s Lasting Impact

National Velvet remains a beloved classic that has stood the test of time. The film’s talented cast and crew, including the skilled horse riders who brought the story to life, played a critical role in creating a timeless masterpiece. The legacy of National Velvet continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

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