American Paint Horses earn starring roles in Walt Disney Pictures' "Hidalgo"

Directed by Joe Johnston and produced by Casey Silver, the film stars Viggo Mortensen, Zuleikha Robinson, and Omar Sharif. John Fusco, whose screenwriting credits include "Thunderheart," "Young Guns," and the animated feature, "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron," wrote the original screenplay. Don Zepfel is the film's executive producer. The film will be distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution and will be released Oct. 3, 2003.

In 1890, a wealthy sheik invited an American and his horse to enter the race for the first time. Frank T. Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) was a cowboy and dispatch rider for the U.S. Cavalry who had once been billed as the greatest endurance rider the West had ever known. The Sheikh (Omar Sharif) would put this claim to the test, pitting the American cowboy and his mustang, Hidalgo, against the world's greatest Arabian horses and Bedouin riders - some of whom were determined to prevent the foreigner from finishing the race. For Frank, the Ocean of Fire becomes not only a matter of pride and honor, but also a race for his very survival as he and his horse, Hidalgo, attempt the impossible.

Locations for the motion picture include California, Montana, South Dakota, Texas and extended shooting in Morocco.

The American Paint Horse stars of the show

The American Paint Horse stars include the following APHA registered horses: Ima Stage Mount Two, Honky Tonkin Tuff, Impressivelybetter, RH Tecontender and RJ Masterbug. According to Walt Disney officials, the horses were selected based on the similar coat patterns they share with the true-life horse, Hidalgo, as well as their athletic abilities and trainability. World-renowned horse trainer Rex Peterson was instrumental in selecting the horses. Peterson, who serves as horse trainer in the film, has many Hollywood movies to his credit, including "Black Beauty" and "The Horse Whisperer."