Could the Stars of 1960s Cowboy TV and Movies Really Ride Like Professionals?

The 1960s have a rich legacy of cowboy movies and TV series featuring actors who not only starred in these productions but often played the roles of respected cattle ranchers and rugged cowboys. Names like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Roy Rogers come to mind, and many fans wonder whether these stars truly possessed the horseback riding skills portrayed on screen.

John Wayne: A Lifelong Enthusiast

John Wayne, one of the biggest stars of the 1960s, had a deep and genuine love for horses. His passion for equines began in childhood, and he remained a horseman for life. Wayne’s extensive experience with horses translated into authentic and credible portrayals of cowboys in movies and TV shows like The Searchers and True Grit.

Clint Eastwood's Solid Background in Horseback Riding

Clint Eastwood, another prominent figure from the era, was no stranger to horseback riding. Like Wayne, he had a solid background in the art, which helped him deliver convincing performances in Western films and TV shows such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Eastwood's experience was instrumental in enhancing his on-screen presence and ensuring that his characters were believable.

Roy Rogers: The King of Westerns

When it comes to iconic figures, Roy Rogers stands out as the quintessential Western hero. Often called the "King of the Cowboys," Rogers starred in numerous TV series and movies throughout the 1960s and beyond. His background not only included a significant amount of training but also extensive experience in rodeos, making his performances in both film and TV even more impressive. Rogers was known for his lifelong presence at major events such as the Old West Melody Ranch and his long-running syndicated TV series.

Horseback Riding Training for Actors

While many of these stars did have a natural affinity for horses, others had to undergo rigorous training to get into character. In many cases, studios would hire trained stunt doubles for particularly dangerous or complex riding scenes. However, the main stars usually had enough skill to ride confidently and convincingly on screen. Horseback riding was an essential part of these roles, and the main actors took their riding skills seriously to ensure their performances were credible. For example, even if stunt doubles were used, the main stars would often oversee and demonstrate the necessary skills to maintain the authenticity of the scenes.

Common Riding Mistakes in Western Movies

Despite the dedication of many actors and the efforts of skilled stunt doubles, there were occasional lapses in the accuracy of horsemanship in Western movies. One of the most noticeable mistakes is the jerking and pulling on the reins while galloping, which many riders do to simulate speed and energy. However, this behavior is not true or natural riding. Similarly, many riders sit stiffly and make jerking movements with the reins or spurring the horse without control, which does not reflect the graceful and skilled riding that would be expected of a professional.

Tom Mix and Yakima Canutt: Real Pros

While much of the horse riding in Western movies and TV shows might not always be spot-on, there were some real professionals involved. For instance, Tom Mix, often referred to as the 'first cowboy movie star,' was a genuine rodeo star and a renowned performer. Yakima Canutt, a skilled stuntman, was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame for his contributions to the Western genre. His talent and experience ensured that the actions in many Western scenes were not only more realistic but also safer for the actors.

Conclusion

Overall, while many of the biggest stars of the 1960s cowboy TV and movie productions were indeed skilled horse riders, not all of their performances were as authentic as they appeared. Genuine horsemanship was often the result of a combination of talent, training, and perhaps some assistance from skilled stunt doubles. The dedication and passion displayed by these actors and professionals made the performances more believable and enjoyable for audiences across generations.