FOCUS - OCTOBER 2017 3 When Leahann Willes was a 10- year-old “horse crazy kid,” she began her career in the equine world by helping to operate Purcell’s pony rides at fairs. For the past four years, she has worked as a horse wrangler on the set of the hit television drama Murdoch Mysteries. “It’s great,” Leahann commented. “I get to watch all the filming.” The next time you see a horse and carriage in the show, remember that Leahann is right by the horse’s side, just out of the camera shot. The 11th season premiere episode of Murdoch Mysteries airs on October 11, 2017 and Leahann can’t give us any hints about the story lines for the popular lead char- acters: Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy) and Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris.) Leahann signed a confidentiality agreement, no hints and is not allowed to post anything about the show on social media. The plots are well protected. Leahann recalls that the production company shot three endings to the episode where William proposed to Julia. In one, she said yes. In another, she said no. In the third scenario, Julia did not answer. “Even the crew didn’t know which ending would be used.” Secrecy is important, since many scenes are shot in public places. The main sets,suchasthemainstreet, the interior of the police station and the morgue, are all located inside a build- ing in Scarborough. Leahann is at liberty to tell horse tales, however. And donkey tales! Leahann as you would see her today if you bumped in to her and in costume on set. Blair Purcell, head wrangler, shown on the set! ......... Please turn to page 4 From pony rides to horse wrangling for TV’s Murdoch Mysteries