Article Tag: riding

An expansion of the print version in Sandpoint Magazine's 2005 Winter Edition, this story includes talk of Viggo's connections with North Idaho, Lord of the Rings, Hidalgo, his love for horses (and especially TJ), and future plans.

The king is fidgety. In an elegant, dimly lit ballroom in Dallas’ Adolphus Hotel, the light from a single heavily draped window illuminates Viggo Mortensen, star of multi-Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and the newly released Hidalgo. But he seems more interested in chatting about his book of photographs, […]

In his broken-in gray warm-up jacket, green flannel shirt and bare feet, he looks laid-back and easy-going. He sips a thick blend of green tea from a small, egg-shaped wooden cup through a silver straw. He speaks surprisingly softly and smiles easily and frequently. But then you remember that this is the same actor who […]

An article about Hidalgo from the perspective of the American cowboy heritage and horsemanship finds that the film's message is "cowboys are good guys, and what they represent can be found worldwide in men who love horses." Interviews with director Joe Fusco and horse trainer Rex Peterson describe Viggo's commitment to horsemanship.

Article and interview. After the release of Hidalgo, Viggo returned to South Dakota to participate in a trail ride and speak with Native Voice about the film, Miyelo, Native American culture, and the challenges facing people today. He also talks about the cost of stardom and his commitment to his fans: "You know, for me to look each person in the eye and listen to their question and answer them, and get their name right and be respectful—that takes a certain amount of energy for complete concentration.... At the end of the day you don’t have anything left, sometimes, for yourself. You have to find ways to hide out, that's all."