OUR CREW
Equine Films has the breadth of crew to meet all of the offset and onset horse department needs of a large production.
Our credited Horse Masters Wayne McCormack, Adrian Stent , Amelia Cook and Lukas Tomsik bring over 60 years of combined experience to the industry. They have led equine coordination on major productions, including The Power of the Dog, Mulan, The Rings of Power, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Lord of the Rings, to name just a few.
Our experienced and professional team also includes Horse Trainers, Coordinators, Stunt Riders, Riding Doubles and Wranglers.
Together, our team has a huge amount of collective experience in all aspects required of a horse department. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Training horses to perform required actions including at liberty;
- Training local and international actors;
- Large battle scenes;
-Driving horses in carriage;
- Specialised horse makeup (to achieve particular looks or to match double horses)
We have many connections to some of the top stunt riders in the world, giving us the ability to make any of Production’s wishes a reality.
MEET OUR HORSE MASTERS
WAYNE MCCORMACK
Wayne is the founding Director of Equine Films. He is a professional horseman who is specialised in training horses for the film industry. He can train liberty, trick, stunt and harness horses.
Wayne has had 25 years experience working on set. He brings an unbeatable combination of skill and talent bringing an exciting dimension to the film industry.
Wayne can appreciate productions time and prioritises the safety of actors, crew and equipment. Wayne's skills are world class.
+64 27 568 9857
ADRIAN STENT
Adrian has worked for the last 12 years in the film industry. Adrian has headed some of the biggest jobs as Horse Master along with coordinating jobs, running set, teaching actors to ride, wrangling and riding horses in costume. Alongside this he has worked training horses in both New Zealand and Canada.
Adrian is an honest hard-working individual who takes pride in his ability to organise a team efficiently and communicate well with everyone.
+64 27 414 7007
AMELIA COOK
Amelia is a passionate horsewoman who has bred, ridden, trained and competed horses all her life. She has worked with the most respected directors and producers, including internationally.
Amelia has a wealth of experiance working alongside associated departments such as stunts, art, costume and production to help bring the directors vison to the camera. The safety of the equine team and crew are her highest priority.
+64 21 133 5504
LUKAS TOMSIK
Lukas is a highly experienced Horse Master and accomplished stuntman, with a long list of international credits to his name.
A true horseman through and through, he’s worked on some of the world’s biggest productions, bringing professionalism, precision, and horsemanship to every set.
Based in Europe, Lukas is available for global projects.
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"Teamwork makes the Dream Work"
We believe that behind every great Horse Master is a great team. That's why we take pride in having the best team in New Zealand. With our connections all over the country, we can meet the demands of any filming location. Our team includes experts in stunt riding, carriage driving, and even horse makeup. Trust us to provide you with the best people for the job.
Meet just some of our Equine team:
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CLAIRE WHITAKER
Claire is a highly experienced and versatile member of the horse department with over a decade of experience in the film industry. Her passion for horses and background in multiple riding disciplines have allowed her to take on various roles, from wrangler to horse master.
Claire's expertise in risk assessment, team management, and safety, combined with her strong teamwork skills, make her a valuable asset to any project. She is known for her professionalism and enthusiasm, and her ability to collaborate with different departments ensures smooth operation on set.
MERVYN CHURCH
Introducing Merv, a highly skilled horseman and one of our key trainers, stuntmen, and assistant horse masters. With his exceptional talent in horse riding, Merv has earned a reputation as a true professional in the field. His expertise extends beyond training and performing stunts—he also competes in bull riding at rodeos, showcasing his versatility and fearless approach to the sport. Whether working with horses or taking on the thrill of the rodeo, Merv’s passion and skill make him an invaluable asset to our team.
JOHNSON DAVIS
Johnson is truly a treasure to our team. As a highly competent horse trainer, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every task. With a deep understanding of horses and their needs, Johnson has a remarkable ability to connect with and train horses, helping them reach their full potential. His dedication and skill make him an invaluable asset to the team, ensuring that every horse under his care is trained with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail.
ALIX CAMPBELL
Alix is an experienced horse wrangler who has been an integral part of our team for many years. She now specializes in horse makeup, ensuring that every horse looks picture-perfect and ready for any role, whether on camera or at a competition. Her keen eye for detail and passion for horses make her a true expert in this unique area of work.
Outside of her role with us, Alix is dedicated to giving back to the equestrian community by offering lessons to aspiring riders, sharing her extensive knowledge and experience. She is also a competitive rider, competing at a high level in Dressage, where her precision and skill shine. Alix's dedication to both her craft and the broader equestrian world makes her a valued and multifaceted member of the team.
MARY KIRKPATRICK
Mary is a skilled wrangler with extensive experience. Her ability to handle multiple tasks with ease makes her an invaluable asset to the team. When she's not working, Mary enjoys the thrill of barrel racing, where her passion for speed and precision truly comes to life. The adrenaline of the sport fuels her drive, and her competitive spirit shines through. Mary’s expertise and love for horses make her a standout member of the team.
JEREMY CROFT
Jeremy is a valuable member of our team, renowned for his exceptional wrangling skills and his ability to safely drive our big rigs to set. His versatility and reliability make him an indispensable part of our operations. Outside of his work with us, Jeremy is a talented reining competitor, with a collection of well-deserved medals to his name. His dedication to both his craft and his sport is evident in everything he does. Whether on the road, on set, or in the arena, Jeremy's expertise and competitive spirit make him a true asset to the team.
CHELSEA MCCORMACK
Chelsea is an experienced wrangler and coordinator, with a true passion for horses that shines through in everything she does. She loves taking her trusty steeds on adventures, whether it's exploring the beach or trekking through the forest, always ensuring her horses are well-cared for and ready for any challenge. Her knowledge of horses, combined with her organizational skills, makes Chelsea an invaluable member of our team. Whether managing logistics or enjoying outdoor adventures, her expertise and dedication to the job are unmatched.
HAIDEE SOARES
Haidee is a highly skilled wrangler with over 25 years of experience in the equine industry. She has been an integral part of Equine Films for the past 8 years, contributing her expertise to a variety of TV shows, adverts, and even the iconic Disney film Mulan.
In addition to her work in the film industry, Haidee has an extensive background in breeding and training young horses, providing her services to clients and professionals throughout the Canterbury and Marlborough Regions. Her deep passion for horses and her ability to work with both horses and people make her an invaluable asset to any equine-related project. Haidee’s experience and dedication ensure that every project she’s involved in is met with the highest level of professionalism and care.
ANGELA CROFT
Angela is the go-to person for any job that needs to be done. Her exceptional attention to detail and strong work ethic make her an invaluable asset to any team, always ensuring that tasks are completed to the highest standard. Whether it's organizing, coordinating, or hands-on work, Angela can be relied upon to get the job done efficiently and effectively.
Beyond her professional achievements, Angela is also an accomplished Western Pleasure competitor, with numerous awards and accolades to her name. Her dedication to the sport and her expertise in horsemanship further highlight her commitment to excellence in all that she does.