Behind-the-Scenes with Cari Swanson and Listo

At first glance, Cari Swanson has had a successful equestrian career that looks like many in the sport horse industry: She achieved her USDF Silver Medal, competed at FEI level dressage and eventing through Preliminary, and graduated the USDF “L” Education Program for Judge Training. She trains, breeds and sells horses for dressage, show jumping, and eventing, and teaches students of all levels. Swanson even runs Red Horse Rescue at her farm in Amenia, NY.

But, as if that’s not enough, there’s more. Unlike others, Swanson is also trainer to the

stars—both human and horse. Beyond riding and training, she always had an interest in film and theatre and was in amateur theatre herself. Her philosophy of training horses and students with kindness and intuition led industry connections to recommend Swanson to directors and producers working on the East Coast. Then, between word-of-mouth and relationship building she built her career, working in the industry across the country.

Most recently, Swanson worked on the HBO miniseries released earlier this year, The Plot

Against America, with Phoenix, a draft cross paint who is a subject of a young artist in the first episode, Blaze, a beautiful bay gelding, and Bond, her FEI dressage horse ridden by John Turturo.

Perhaps the most well-known of Swanson’s horses, however, is Listo, an Andalusian stallion that she bought for the movie Winter’s Tale, which was released in 2012. When she knew she would be casting for “Athansor,” she began looking for horses that matched the part, including a stand in, stunt double, and back up for the stunt double.

Swanson traveled to Oregon to meet Listo, who immediately impressed her. “I had three other horses already and I knew I hadn’t found my “hero horse” yet. When I saw him in person, I had a gut feeling he was going to be that horse,” says Swanson. “He just was phenomenal.”

Following, get to know Listo as told by Cari Swanson:

Who is Listo’s human Hollywood equivalent?

His character is like Cary Grant, stealing every scene he is in. Like Grant, Listo has a debonair demeanor, light-hearted approach to acting, and sense of comic timing. Listo knows where the camera is at all times and will perform flawlessly when the cameraman starts rolling.

And, he loves meet and greets – he’s very aware if there’s a camera around, even if it’s a phone. He poses and everything.

What are some of the most interesting stunts and scenes Listo has performed in?

He galloped in Brooklyn on Prospect Park West, and also trotted down Atlantic Avenue at 3:00 a.m., darting in and out of stunt cars.

Also, after we wrapped Winter’s Tale, the producers contacted me for three final scenes

necessary to complete the film. We filmed on Stage 16 at the Warner Brothers lot in Burbank, CA—one of the tallest stages in the world. It was raised foot by foot in 1935 to its current height of 98 feet for the Marion Davies and Clark Gable film Cain and Mabel.

You never know when you put them in situations, just like with people, if they’ll rise to the

occasion, and he always has.

Which actors and actresses has he worked with?

Listo has worked with many A-List actors such as Colin Farrell, Salma Hayek, Tiffany Haddish. He and Colin really connected.

What other projects has Listo worked on?

Along with Winter’s Tale, Listo has appeared in numerous advertisements including Ralph

Lauren, Etro, Aerin Lauder, and He has appeared in commercials for NY Lotto, Bank of

America among others. He will continue to work in film, TV and print production.

Does he have any other special talents?

Listo is easy and comfortable to ride or drive and he is trained at liberty, which has come in

useful for many scenes. And, he knows probably 30 word-commands. He’s also wonderful on the trails—I’ve even hunter paced him.

Who does Listo hang out with when he’s not working?

He’s turned out during the day with his stunt double, Merlin. He’s very social, so he’s turned out with a gelding. I don’t believe in isolating stallions.

What are his favorite snacks?

He loves carrots and apples. And, he’s very vocal at dinner time!

What’s Listo like when he’s not on set?

Listo is very confident and a pure gentleman. He loves children and he’s very in tune to people. You would never know he’s a stallion. He’s just an incredibly aware and intelligent horse.

What is Listo up to now?

Listo was purchased by Ashley Waller, who is located in Texas, but remains in New York with

Swanson to continue his career in film and TV.

This article was originally published in Northeast Equestrian Life