Horses have long played a leading role in films, from the likes of Seabiscuit to The Black Stallion, The Legend of Zorro and the upcoming Disney film, The Lone Ranger. To promote the new movie, which debuts July 3 and is based on the classic TV series, the Lone Ranger's trusty steed, Silver, paid a visit to Houston Wednesday.
As officers with the Houston Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit looked on while wearing Lone Ranger masks, the 11-year-old quarter horse, one of four used in the movie, was made an honorary member of the unit during a ceremony at Discovery Green. Capt. L.J. Satterwhite read a proclamation from Mayor Annise Parker declaring it "The Lone Ranger's Silver Day."
During the ceremony, Silver appeared quite modest, if not terribly interested in being the center of attention.
Veteran horse trainer Bobby Lovgren told CultureMap that the all-white horse trained for three months of pre-production before the film was shot. The horse was in 60 percent of the film, appearing with Armie Hammer as the title character, who actually says the immortal words, "Hi-Ho Silver! Away!," as they rode away, and Johnny Depp as Tonto.
"The biggest thing with training (horses) is repetition, repetition. They are creatures of habit. If they are comfortable with it, then they are going to do it well," said Lovgren, who has worked as a horse trainer for such movies as War Horse and Cowboys & Aliens.
During the ceremony, Silver appeared quite modest, if not terribly interested in being the center of attention. But like a true star he remained patience and tolerated the Houston heat without complaining.
The Lone Ranger's faithful partner, SIlver.
