For years, Faith Hill had a passionate relationship with horseback riding, but after a terrifying incident, she stepped away from the saddle for over two decades. This decision was not made lightly, and as she explained in a recent interview, it came after a scary experience with her horse, Bandit. Reflecting on the incident, Faith shared, “After our third child, we had horses, and I had a horse named Bandit. I had a really, really scary experience with him.” She explained that she had let Bandit run full speed towards the barn, a mistake she didn’t realize was dangerous. “I just let my horse run for almost half a mile… it was terrifying,” she recalled. The fear from that experience led Faith to stay away from horses for a long time.
However, her return to horseback riding came through her role as Margaret Dutton in the Yellowstone prequel, 1883, where she had to undergo cowboy camp—a training process for actors to learn how to look comfortable and natural on horseback. Faith Hill admitted that before the camp, she realized she had been riding incorrectly her entire life. “Once upon a time, I was an enthusiastic cowgirl, but I had been riding wrong,” she said with a laugh, showcasing her newfound confidence. Through cowboy camp, Faith not only became a more confident rider but also a strong wagon driver, an aspect of the show that she found both challenging and rewarding.
In an amusing moment, Faith Hill revealed how much she’s grown in her confidence with the reins. “Now, it’s like the most comfortable I can casually do it with a cup of coffee in my hand,” she joked, reflecting on her journey from a fearful rider to someone who can now handle the horses with ease.
Alongside her on-screen daughter, Isabel May, who plays Elsa Dutton, Faith shared her fun moments in cowboy camp. Isabelle admitted that she had never ridden before joining the series, learning everything at cowboy camp and through hands-on experience with wranglers. Their camaraderie and the bond they share in their on-screen roles were evident during their media session, showcasing their close working relationship.
As Faith Hill continues her journey in 1883, she brings a raw authenticity to her character, Margaret Dutton, and the role of horseback riding has been a significant part of that transformation. Faith’s willingness to face her fears and master a skill that once terrified her shows the depth of her dedication to her craft and her commitment to delivering an authentic performance.
