Business Showcase brought to you by Screen NZ International l 23 June 2026
Equine Films:
The Art of Horses on Screen
When audiences see horses on screen, few realise the level of planning, training and expertise required behind the scenes. From epic battle sequences to character-driven scenes, every performance relies on highly trained horses and experienced professionals working together to deliver safe, authentic results.
For more than 25 years, Equine Films has been helping productions achieve exactly that.
Equine Films traces its roots back to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, where founder Wayne McCormack worked as a wrangler. The experience provided insight into the unique challenges of working with horses on film sets and highlighted the need for horses trained specifically for the demands of film and television. Recognising an opportunity, he established Equine Films, which has since grown into a trusted provider of equine services to New Zealand’s screen industry.
“After the production had spent two hours trying to capture a difficult horse sequence, Director Geoff Murphy walked over, trench coat flowing and cigarette in mouth, and said, ‘Hey cowboy, what would you do differently?’ I asked for 15 minutes, made a few adjustments and we got the shot first take. That moment was a turning point for me.”
WAYNE MCCORMACK, Owner & Founder, Equine Films
Disney’s Mulan remains one of the most ambitious horse productions the team has worked on. Featuring complex action sequences involving horses, vehicles and drones, the production brought together almost 70 riders from Mongolia and Kazakhstan, as well as horse professionals from around the world. The scale of the project demanded exceptional planning, coordination and horsemanship, and the opportunity to work alongside Second Unit Director John Mahaffie remains one of Wayne’s career highlights.
Today, the company operates with a core team of experienced horse professionals, supported by a wider network of trainers, riders and wranglers across New Zealand. This allows Equine Films to scale its services while maintaining high standards of safety and professionalism.
Over the years, Equine Films has contributed to a wide range of productions, from large-scale international features to television dramas and commercials. One recent project involved helping bring Epona, the iconic horse from The Legend of Zelda, to life on screen. While the team already had horses with the right temperament and training, recreating Epona’s distinctive appearance required careful preparation and ongoing maintenance throughout filming.
The production also relied heavily on cast members performing their own riding, placing additional importance on selecting horses with exceptional reliability and experience. Behind every production is a carefully developed team of horses trained specifically for screen work, accustomed to working around cameras, drones, special effects and the unique demands of a busy film set.
At its heart, the business remains a family operation. Wayne’s wife Chelsea and their three sons all ride, and many of the horses have been part of the family for years. Those relationships contribute to the trust, temperament and reliability that productions depend on. When not working, the horses live in large paddocks where they can simply be horses. This commitment to animal welfare is reflected in every aspect of the business and underpins the quality of their on-screen performances.
More than 25 years on, Equine Films continues to help filmmakers bring their stories to life through skilled horsemanship, trusted expertise and a team of exceptional horses.
For more information visit www.equinefilms.nz
All imaged are owned by and used with permission of Equine Films
CONTACT EQUINE FILMS
19 Goudie Road, Helensville, Auckland
Wayne McCormack - Founder & Operator
+64 27 568 9857