Hollywood horses give exhibition in Aiken

A movie depicting the story of the 1973 Triple Crown champion Secretariat so captured the imagination of Mia Caiafa that she convinced her mother to take her to see the film five times. When the opportunity to see in person Mr. T, one of the horses who portrayed Secretariat on the silver screen, it was a chance she could hardly pass up.

Mr. T and RJ, who was featured in the film "Hidalgo," were part of the Swanson Peterson Productions demonstration Wednesday afternoon at Buckleigh Farms. Horse trainers Rex Peterson and Cari Swanson worked their magic with the horses before a receptive audience that included horsemen and equine enthusiasts.

"She absolutely loves the horses," said Rebecca Caiafa, Mia's mother. "They are beautiful. It's incredible to come out and see one of the horses that played Secretariat."

Kelly Boni brought her three children Sullivan, Bella and Abby Lawson to view the demonstration. The Bonis haven't seen any of the movies featuring the horses but thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition.

"We don't ride; I just thought it would be something fun for them to come and see," said Kelly Boni. "They love animals. We were looking for fun, outside activities. It's free and local, and this is the first time we've ever been out to Buckleigh Farms."

Peterson and Swanson place an emphasis on patience and time when training their horses. Peterson does a lot of foundation work with the horses, enabling him to improve communication, solve behavioral problems and teach them tricks. He treats the horses whether they are two or 20 as they've never been touched. He believes the more you do with a horse the better they become.

"The horseman has to have control and respect of the horse, and you have to do it with the lightest possible aids," said Swanson.

Rick Caary, a resident of Aiken, watched Peterson and his training methodologies with great interest as he found the demonstration to be educational and informative.

"I thought I would learn something," said Caary. "I used to have horses when I was younger."