Viggo Mortensen’s dedication to his role as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings went far beyond acting. His deep connection with the horses on set became one of the most heartwarming stories from the production. During filming, Mortensen bonded so closely with the horse he rode, a chestnut stallion named Uraeus, that after the movies wrapped, he purchased him. But that wasn’t the only horse he took home. He also bought another horse named Kenny, as well as Florian, the grey Andalusian that played Arwen’s horse, Asfaloth. Mortensen gifted Florian to Liv Tyler’s stunt double, Jane Abbott, after she expressed that she had bonded with the horse but couldn’t afford to buy him herself. His gesture solidified his reputation not just as a talented actor but as someone who truly respects and cares for his animal co-stars.
The love for horses extended beyond Mortensen. When the filmmakers needed skilled riders to portray the Riders of Rohan, they put out a call for local horse owners who could ride well. Many of the best riders who showed up were women, and instead of turning them away, the costume team simply applied fake beards to disguise them. This decision meant that a significant number of the Rohirrim in the films were actually women riding their own horses. One woman, determined to be part of the film, went as far as roping and taming a wild horse, training it for a few days, and then riding to the set to earn her spot among the Riders of Rohan. The commitment of these riders brought authenticity to the battle scenes, making the sequences more powerful and real.
Mortensen’s love for horses wasn’t limited to The Lord of the Rings. After starring in Hidalgo, a film about a long-distance endurance race, he bonded with his equine co-star, a paint horse named TJ. Just as he did before, he purchased TJ after filming ended, ensuring that their bond wasn’t left behind on set. In an incredible moment, Mortensen even brought TJ to the red carpet premiere of Hidalgo, treating the horse like a true Hollywood star. His actions showcased the rare and genuine respect he had for his animal co-stars, valuing them as much as the human actors he worked with.
Years later, Mortensen shared that two of the three horses he purchased from The Lord of the Rings had passed away due to old age, but Florian, the one he bought for Jane Abbott, was still alive. His decision to take in these horses wasn’t for publicity or personal gain—it was simply because he had built a strong connection with them during the long months of filming. His bond with Uraeus, Kenny, and Florian reflected his deep appreciation for the animals that carried him through one of the most iconic roles of his career.
The Riders of Rohan’s authenticity continues to impress fans, as many are unaware that so many of them were actually women. Their dedication, along with Mortensen’s kindness toward his horses, added layers of realism to the films that are rarely seen in Hollywood productions. From the wild horse tamed by a determined rider to the bearded female equestrians galloping into battle, The Lord of the Rings managed to capture the true spirit of adventure. Mortensen’s involvement in these behind-the-scenes moments made him more than just Aragorn—he became a real-life legend among the cast and crew.
The stories of Mortensen and the Riders of Rohan are a testament to the passion and authenticity that went into making The Lord of the Rings. His commitment to the horses he rode, his generosity toward Jane Abbott, and the remarkable dedication of the local riders who helped bring Rohan to life continue to inspire fans of the films. These details, though not always widely known, add even more depth to an already legendary trilogy, making the magic of Middle-earth feel all the more real.