Harry Styles takes to horseback in his new music video

 Find out all about equine video star, Teake, and what it takes to become a stunt horse

Top singer, Harry Styles, recently made his debut as a stunt rider when filming the video for his latest song, Daylight, which features on his new album, Harry’s House. The video makers decided to use horses from the Stampede Stunt Company, which teaches actors how to ride on film sets and fall safely, as well as training and providing horses for use in films, and Harry paid them a visit.

For the video, Harry chose to ride Teake, a 16-year-old Friesian who’s described as “super-calm” and “a lovely boy”. The centre bought Teake from Holland as an unbroken five-year-old and, over the years, he gradually learnt his job, eventually featuring in campaigns and adverts for some big brands, such as Dior, Gucci, Nike and Ralph Lauren. So, who knows, you might have already seen him!

We asked the centre what it was like filming with Harry Styles and here’s what they had to say:

How did Harry Styles come to use your horses in his videos?

“The production company contacted us, as we provide trained, happy horses for film, TV, fashion shoots and music videos, and have done so for many years.  Our horses are our family, so we spend a lot of time with each one.”

Was Harry already a rider before shooting the video?

“Well, we had thought he was an experienced rider, but we then discovered that, although he had been on a horse before, he wasn’t a rider. He was very honest about it and was happy to learn whatever was required to get the shots. He was so lovely on the day and really listened to us. He was great with Teake, too, and wasn’t at all nervous. He did a great job.”

Why did you pick Teake for Harry to ride?

“The music video producers originally asked for a grey horse with a white saddle and bridle, so we took Carnaval, who’s a light grey Andalusian gelding. We always take a companion horse as well, and so we took Teake because we knew they’d love him. Of course, as soon as we unloaded him, the producers fell in love with him because he’s so noble and has such presence. They immediately changed their minds and decided to use Teake instead of Caranaval.

“We knew Teake would be perfect for Harry, too, because he’s a great horse on set and as happy in central London as he is in a field in Kent, which was where the shoot took place.

How long did it take to shoot the video? 

“It took one very long day, and as we were the last part to be filmed, we were waiting around for ages. But it meant we had plenty of time to settle the horses and get them used to the busy film set – and this one was especially busy, as it was based on a circus, so as well as performers dancing, there was knife throwing, tightrope walking, juggling and so on. It was a lot for the horses to take in.”

How do you prepare the horses for a video shoot?

“The horses are already trained to do all kinds of things, as some jobs are booked at very short notice and you couldn’t train a horse in just a few days. Of course, we also choose the right horse for the job. Sometimes producers are looking for a certain colour, type or look but we then have to steer them towards a particular horse due to its temperament – this is really important. We have incredibly well-trained horses at the centre and they’re trained daily to be happy and comfortable in all kinds of situations and environments.”

If you’re interested in stunt riding, visit www.horsebackcombat.co.uk