HOLLYWOOD HORSEMAN

In the glittering world of Hollywood, where human actors usually get the spotlight, there are other unsung stars: the horses and the people who train them to perform. Hollywood Horseman takes viewers behind the scenes of the thrilling yet demanding world of horse training in the film industry. Focusing on the life and career of Rex Peterson, a legendary horse trainer who has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood on some of the most iconic horse films, the documentary offers a rare, intimate look at the artistry, passion, and rigorous safety standards that have made him one of the most sought-after trainers in the business.

With over 50 years of experience and more than 100 films and TV shows to his name, Rex Peterson’s unique combination of rugged cowboy sensibilities and unparalleled understanding of horses has shaped countless unforgettable equine performances. The film delves into his deep connection with these animals, and the innovative techniques he has developed to train them for some of Hollywood’s most beloved productions, including The Horse Whisperer, Black Beauty, Far & Away, Hidalgo, 1883, The Mustang, Appaloosa, Runaway Bride, and The Dead Don't Hurt, to name a few. 

Through candid interviews with Rex and acclaimed filmmakers—including Robert Duvall, Caroline Thompson, Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Kate Bosworth, Sam Elliott, Ron Howard, and others - the documentary paints a vivid portrait of the often-overlooked role horses play in cinematic storytelling. Additionally, the film features interviews with producers, writers, 1st assistant directors, animal wranglers, trainers, stunt professionals, historians, horse neurologists, and animal safety experts, offering a look at the challenges for Rex and the crew working with these large, sensitive, and sometimes aloof creatures to help them perform on cue – all while staying on time and budget. 

As the documentary reveals, the life of a Hollywood horse trainer is far from glamorous. It involves long hours of patient work, building trust and fostering a profound emotional bond between horse and trainer, mastering complex choreography, and ensuring the safety of both animals and actors in high-pressure environments. Rex's deep respect for these animals is a cornerstone of his work and legacy. His much-admired skill in safely training actors who are often unfamiliar with horses to look the part of accomplished riders is also revealed in entertaining, anecdotal stories.

Hollywood Horseman offers breathtaking cinematography, rare archival footage, and engaging first-hand stories of the horses that have starred in movies he has worked on. For film lovers and animal enthusiasts alike, this documentary offers a whirlwind ride through a world where horses are not only co-stars, but are the true heart of the magic on screen.

ပ   MEET THE TEAM   ပ

Paul Brozen (Director / Producer) Paul first started shooting movies as a teenager with the family wind-up Kodak 8mm camera. His younger brother David was often the unwilling star of his 3 minute features. With the introduction of consumer video equipment in the early 80s, Paul was able to record the life stories of his grandparents to share with future generations. Paul and Rex met eight years ago on the set of The Knick, an HBO episodic set in the turn of the century. Rex provided the horses and wagons, while Paul provided period correct vehicles. Paul often joked that he and Rex both work with horsepower; Rex’s limit is up to 8 hp driving a stagecoach, while Paul deals with 350 hp under the hood of a car. Rex and Paul started talking a few years ago about making a documentary about Rex’s life story. Rex finally agreed to the idea as he was thinking about retiring. Rex felt that his mentor, Glenn Randall Sr. had an enormous amount to share about horse training, but sadly took all his tales to the grave.

Viggo Mortensen (Producer) - Viggo Mortensen is a Danish-American actor, producer, and director. Some of the movies he has participated in include Green Book, Captain Fantastic,  Far From Men, Jauja,  The Two Faces of January, A Dangerous Method, The Road, Appaloosa, Eastern Promises, A History of Violence, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He has directed two movies, Falling and The Dead Don’t Hurt. Mortensen is also a poet, photographer, and painter. He founded and is the editor of Perceval Press, an independent publishing house specializing in poetry, photography, painting, and critical writing, as well as the movie production company Perceval Pictures.

Andrew Saxe (Producer) is an accomplished film and TV producer with a noteworthy body of work in a career spanning 30+ years. Andrew has had the privilege of working with some of the most respected and awarded directors, actors, and production teams in the business, as well as broadcast, cable and streamers that include ABC, NBC, CBS, USA, FX, HBO, Universal, Columbia Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers, Apple TV+, Amazon, and Netflix. Andrew's passion, creative sensibilities, and commitment to excellence have resulted in critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects, while his diverse production expertise continues to shape the landscape of filmed entertainment. Andrew is thrilled to be part of this extraordinary story, one that celebrates a complex individual and his remarkable career.

Bonnie Hlinomaz (Producer) is an Emmy® winning producer for her CNN released documentary, The Hunt for Planet B. Her latest film, Deep Sky, narrated by Michelle Williams, was released internationally in IMAX. She also produced Picasso & Braque go to the Movies, narrated by Martin Scorsese and White Gold, which was distributed in the U.S. and in China, narrated in Mandarin by Jackie Chan. Documentaries that she produced have premiered at TIFF, SXSW, DOC NYC, MoMA, and screened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kennedy Space Center, Smithsonian Air and Space, United Nations, U.S. Department of State and embassies worldwide. 

Peder Pedersen (Editor) is an accomplished film editor and director with a diverse and extensive body of work on documentaries and scripted feature films for theatrical, television, and streaming releases. He has collaborated creatively with Viggo Mortensen on several projects, serving as editor, including the critically acclaimed revisionist Western drama The Dead Don’t Hurt. In addition to his feature films and documentaries, Peder has worked on hundreds of commercials for clients such as LEGO and music videos for artists like AQUA and The Raveonettes. His work also spans live-action and animated television shows, demonstrating his versatility across mediums.  Peder’s work reflects a strong focus on storytelling and a commitment to delivering engaging visual narratives.

ပ   SUPPORT OUR JOURNEY   ပ

Your financial contribution is essential to finishing this documentary, and your generosity will be deeply appreciated. All donations are tax-deductible.

For major contributions or if you’re interested in helping with other aspects of the film’s production, please contact our producer, Andrew Saxe, at 917-656-1917 or [email protected].

We’re excited to have you join us on this incredible journey. Your support is invaluable, and we can’t wait to share the magic of Hollywood Horseman with you.