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THE TEAM
Jane Abbott
Jane has 26 years of experience in horsemanship, and has learned and perfected a wide range
of skills. Jane was one of the ten riders selected from around the country to become a core
group of company riders for the Lord of the Rings movie. Her skill was quickly
recognised and lead to her being selected as Liv Tylers stunt riding double. Liv played
the Elfen Princess Arwen. Jane’s talent also saw her cast as a Black Rider,
Rohan Soldier and Ranger - suitably disguised in armour and beard!
During the years of filming Jane formed a special bond with her primary mount Asfaloth,
Arwen’s silver stallion. She was thrilled to end up owning the stallion once filming
finished and their special bond shines through in the displays they now perform together.
Along with founding and directing Movie Horses New Zealand Jane trains horses for film work
and live performances as well as breaking in, schooling and competing.
Karen Mason
A dedicated rider since an early age, Karen specialises in the Dressage discipline. She
has worked for top New Zealand trainers to gain her experience and expertise. After
completing a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Genetics and working in scientific research,
Karen has followed her passion for Horses and made them her career. When not involved with
company performances, Karen enjoys training and competing her own horses, as well as giving
private riding lessons.
Known for her patience and tenacity, she was a driving force in helping Jane to get Movie
Horses NZ off the drawing board and into action. Karen is joint Director and continues to
take an active part in the running and management of the business.
Ray Lenaghan
Ray hails from Ireland where he qualified as a veterinary surgeon seven years ago.
Two years later he came to New Zealand, where he fell firmly on his feet as the Veterinary
Surgeon for the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. As well as having the amazing experience
of working on the biggest movie ever made to date, he met his partner, Jane Abbott, on set.
Just like Jane, Ray is an equine fanatic. He now works as one of the Equine Veterinarians
for Otaki Vet Centre. Away from work he competes to national level in Eventing.
His number one horse is one of the original Black Rider horse called D’Nazeer whom he
purchased on completion of filming.
Apart from veterinary duties on set, Ray also got the chance to ride in some of
the scenes from the Return of the King, an experience he cherishes. He
continues to be involved in the horse performances with Movie Horses NZ, and
has now added sword fighting to his repertoire!
Lee Somervell
Lee has had a lifetime experience with horses. He was a professional race-horse trainer
for eighteen years in New Zealand, and also worked in several different countries as a
Thoroughbred stud manager, and horse educator. Lee was employed for nearly two years as
Stable Foreman for Lord of the Rings. As well as being Gandalf’s cart driving double,
he acted as a ‘gentleman from Bree’ in the Rivendell scene, and a wagon driver
outside ‘The Prancing Pony’. Lee is a central part of the Movie Horses NZ team.
His engaging character makes him the perfect compeer for the large scale shows, and his
entertaining stories about life on set never fail to entertain! When not involved with
Movie Horses NZ, Lee runs his own business as a horse educator and trainer.
John Osborne
John is the fight scene choreographer and sword work coach for the Movie Horses NZ show.
He has trained with well known stunt co-ordinator Sam Williams and is an expert martial
artist. He cast on The Lord of the Rings movie as a Rohan rider and Royal guard. He also
fought at the forefront of the battle scenes. At the completion of filming John purchased
some of the stunt horses that were taught to rear and fall. He plans to cast these highly
trained animals in more films in the future!
Tim Mansell
Tim performs as a Black Rider and sword fighter in our show. Tim rode in The Lord of the Rings
as a Rohan rider and Royal Guard. He managed to split his time between filming and
farming on the foothills of the Tararua ranges. Tim has been riding all his life and is
at home in the saddle. For filming he happily swapped his stock whip for a sword or hatchet to
head into battle!
Marcus James
Marcus also performs as a Black Rider and sword fighter in our show. He is a natural rider who
began his time in the saddle when working on a large sheep station in the North Island. Marcus
worked as a rider on the Lord of the Rings for nearly two years. As well as riding in many
battle scenes as a Royal Guard and a rider of Rohan, Marcus was the riding double for Gamling,
and also doubled in one scene for Eomer when he throws a spear at a Mamokill in Return of the
King.
Damon Wyman
Damon's relaxed 'ride anything' style makes him an ideal film horse rider. Fearless and
unflappable, Damon is game to gallop, fight and even fall, if that is what is required!
Damon rode as a Black Rider, Rohan Soldier and Royal Guard in the lord of the Rings Trilogy.
When not riding, Damon is a builder and property developer, living in the foothills of Otaki
with his wife Jo and four young children.
To view recent testimonials click here.