We usually don’t pay attention to the custom design in movies, but it makes a big difference. It might be unnoticeable and a minor detail, but it is what creates the perfect scene for every shot. That’s why costume design is one of the most time-consuming processes when shooting a movie. This is also much more difficult if we are talking about an ancient set, or equine movie that dates back hundreds of years. Everything must be picture-perfect in order to bring the characters to life. Since costume design is so important, we decided to take a much deeper look at equine costume designs and find out how difficult is to achieve the perfect set, which materials are commonly used, and how they are bringing characters to life.
Why is Costume Design Important for Equine Characters?
When you think of horse characters, you may be thinking of a horse galloping along, with no special attire. But you are wrong. First of all, horses are usually not alone and they are accompanied by a human which means that there are multiple costume designs. Secondly, design for horses (or equine-based creatures), is much more difficult to achieve than it seems.
Horses are large animals, which means it requires a lot more work to create a garment compared to humans. On top of that, horses don’t stay still when designers take their measurements, and the process is much more difficult.
They have to create anything from leather saddles, to armor-like gear, which is most responsible for bringing the characters to life. It also adds a touch of personality, and although all of these things are unnoticeable (you don’t watch a movie and say “Oh look how good is the garment on the horse”), I bet you will notice the difference if things are out of place.
Just imagine a horse in a medieval film, and a horse in a sci-fi fantasy. It is a totally different story! This means that designers need to blend historical accuracy, cover particular functionality, and worry about the character’s backstory. It’s a LOT!
For example, if a horse racing movie is made around a particular race like the Breeders’ Cup, I bet that designers need to look at all the previous Breeders’ Cup winners by TwinSpires.com just to get an idea of the perfect outfit. Let’s look at “War Horse” a film that came out in 2011. The horse’s costume might look like a simple saddle, but it is much more than that. It is a worn-out bridle that points at hardship, and a mud-splattered look that tells us it’s been through battles. Every detail in costumes is a narrative clue.
The Role of Materials and Colors
Costume design is about telling stories, and horses are no exception. Designers select specific materials, colors, and textures to help a character stand out. According to industry experts, using bold colors can help differentiate characters in crowded battle scenes or intricate fantasy worlds. But here is the kicker—horses aren’t people (well, duh), so the materials have to fit their movement, size, and even the climate on set. For example, in films like The Lord of the Rings the horses are adorned with materials that reflect the region they represent. Rohan horses wear leather saddles with golden trims, while Gondor’s horses are decked out in sleek silver. These subtle choices tell you about the kingdom they belong to without a single word of dialogue.
How Designers Use Technology to Bring Mythical Creatures to Life
Costume design for horse-like creatures, especially in fantasy films, can get really wild. Think of characters like the centaurs from Harry Potter. Their costumes aren’t just designed with fabric but are often integrated with CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery). This mix allows for realistic movements that look seamless on screen. For instance, in the film Percy Jackson The Olympians, centaur characters had a unique challenge. The actors had to wear half-suits that later merged with CGI-created horse bodies. Costume designers had to make sure the visible human parts fit with the CGI horse aesthetics without breaking the realism.
Who’s Behind These Designs?
Ever wonder who these creative geniuses are? Famous costume designers like Colleen Atwood and Milena Canonero, known for their attention to detail, often take the lead in big productions. Atwood, in particular, has designed costumes for iconic films like Alice in Wonderland and Fantastic Beasts, blending whimsy with practicality. But here’s the deal: Not every production can afford an Atwood. While the top 10% of costume designers can earn upwards of $112,000 per year, many are making around $64,000, which isn’t bad but certainly reflects the hierarchy in Hollywood. These professionals have to work across genres, balancing historical accuracy, fantasy, and, often, horses.
Practicality vs. Artistry
Costume designers walk a fine line between style and practicality. Horses are not the easiest to costume. You can’t just throw a costume on them and hope for the best. It needs to allow the horse to move comfortably and safely. This is where the designer’s skill really shines. In historical films like Gladiator (2000), the horses wore armor that looked heavy, but it was designed to be lightweight. The material had to balance looking historically accurate while ensuring the horse could perform without issues. Otherwise, you'd have a very frustrated animal on set—definitely not the vibe you want when filming epic battle scenes!