Mary Allen
Introduction: The Story of Hightower the Horse
Hightower the horse is a beloved character from the novel and film “The Horse Whisperer” by Nicholas Evans. The story follows the journey of Grace MacLean, a young girl who is traumatized after a riding accident that leaves her and her horse, Pilgrim, severely injured. Grace’s mother, Annie, seeks the help of Tom Booker, a horse trainer who has a unique ability to communicate with horses. Hightower, Tom’s own horse, plays a significant role in the story as a symbol of trust, healing, and redemption.
The Horse Whisperer: A Tale of Love and Redemption
“The Horse Whisperer” is a heart-wrenching story that explores the deep bond between humans and horses. The novel and film are known for their powerful imagery, emotional storytelling, and realistic portrayal of horse training techniques. The central theme of the story is the healing power of love and the importance of trust in human-animal relationships. Hightower, as a character, embodies these themes and serves as a source of inspiration for equestrians and film lovers alike.
Who was Hightower and What Made Him Special?
Hightower was a fictional horse created by Nicholas Evans for his novel “The Horse Whisperer.” He was described as a large, black gelding with a calm and gentle demeanor. Hightower was Tom Booker’s main horse and a symbol of his ability to connect with horses on a deep level. He was also a representation of the trust and understanding that can develop between humans and animals. Hightower’s presence in the story helped to convey the importance of patience, kindness, and empathy in horse training.
The Real-Life Inspiration for Hightower
Nicholas Evans has stated that Hightower was inspired by a horse named Gypsy, who belonged to a friend of his. Gypsy was a black Percheron-Thoroughbred cross, and she had a similar gentle and calm temperament to Hightower. Evans was fascinated by Gypsy’s ability to connect with humans and her natural talent for horseback riding. He used these qualities to create the character of Hightower in his novel.
Hollywood’s Interpretation of Hightower
In the film adaptation of “The Horse Whisperer,” Hightower was played by two different horses: a black Percheron named Johnny and a Friesian named Willem. The filmmakers chose these breeds because they resembled the fictional Hightower and had the necessary temperament and training to perform the required stunts. The horses were trained by animal wrangler Rex Peterson, who worked closely with Robert Redford, the director and star of the film, to ensure that the horse scenes were as realistic and humane as possible.
Who Trained Hightower for the Film?
As mentioned earlier, Hightower was played by two different horses in the film. Both Johnny and Willem were trained by Rex Peterson, who used positive reinforcement methods to teach them the required behaviors. Peterson’s training philosophy emphasizes the importance of building trust and respect between humans and animals, and his techniques are widely respected in the animal training community.
The Actors Who Worked with Hightower
Robert Redford, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Scarlett Johansson were the main actors who worked with Hightower in the film. All three actors had to undergo horseback riding lessons and training to prepare for their roles. Redford, in particular, developed a deep connection with the horses on set and was known for his gentle and patient approach to working with them.
Hightower’s Impact on Horse Training Techniques
“The Horse Whisperer” and the character of Hightower have had a significant impact on the world of horse training. The novel and film helped to popularize the idea of using positive reinforcement and natural horsemanship techniques to train horses. These methods emphasize the importance of building trust, communication, and mutual respect between humans and animals. Many equestrians have credited “The Horse Whisperer” with inspiring them to pursue horse training and to develop a deeper understanding of horse behavior.
Where is Hightower Now?
As a fictional character, Hightower does not exist outside of the world of “The Horse Whisperer.” However, his legacy lives on through the impact that he has had on equestrians and film lovers. “The Horse Whisperer” remains a beloved story that continues to inspire people around the world.
Hightower’s Legacy: Inspiration for Equestrians and Film Lovers
Hightower’s legacy is one of love, trust, and healing. His character represents the deep bond that can exist between humans and animals and the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. Hightower has inspired countless equestrians and film lovers to pursue their passions and to believe in the power of love and redemption.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Hightower the Horse
Hightower is a beloved character from “The Horse Whisperer” who has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world. His gentle and calm demeanor, his ability to connect with humans and animals, and his symbolization of trust and healing have made him an enduring icon of horse training and storytelling. Hightower’s legacy will continue to inspire and uplift people for generations to come.
Further Reading: Resources on Hightower, Horse Training, and More
- “The Horse Whisperer” by Nicholas Evans
- “Natural Horsemanship” by Pat Parelli
- “Positive Reinforcement Training for Horses” by Shawna Karrasch
- “Training Horses with Positive Reinforcement” by Alexandra Kurland
- “The Man Who Listens to Horses” by Monty Roberts