4 FOCUS - OCTOBER 2017 As a horse wrangler working with the Purcell family of Stouffville, it’s Leahann’s job to make sure that the horses are fed, watered, groomed and comfortable. The cast and crew are fond of the horses and spoil them with treats like carrots and apples from craft services. There are always a few wranglers on set, looking after TV animals, including chickens, pigs, sheep, donkeys and mules. A few horses are regularly used, and a favourite is Marty. “An older horse, he’s a real character, and everyone on set knows him and loves him,” Leahann commented. A black Morgan Arab cross, Marty is trained to do tricks, such as rearing up when pulling a cart. “All of the actors have had to learn to ride, but if a scene calls for serious or really fast riding, a stunt rider is used.” An example is when Dr. Ogden, wearing a wedding dress, had to hop on a horse and quickly gallop away. Remember the episode set in a mining town, where two police constables had to ride donkeys? “One of the actors was terrified,” Leahann said. But the donkey wasn’t very tall and the actor had long legs, so she suggested that if he felt like he was going to fall off, all he had to do was put his feet down! “It’s fear of the unknown,” Leahann noted. She reas- sured the actor that his donkey would just follow his buddy, the other donkey, slowly down the hill – not take off and fly down. She provides coaching for the riders: Just a gentle pull back will slow their mounts down, or encourage them to turn. Marty got the nickname Farty Marty from Helene (Dr. Julia Ogden) because twice in a row, he sauntered past the camera, farting all the way. “We all busted a gut laughing,” she recalls. On the third take, he was out of gas and the scene was successfully captured on film. Sometimes a horse and carriage is simply used as a prop to block out something undesirable, such as a mod- ern street sign. You know how dogs get excited when you get out their leashes, because they know that they get to go for a walk? That’s how Purcell’s horses feel when they see Far left is Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris) with Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) and Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy) during a scene with police constables. On the set at a private estate in Cambridge, Ontario. Blair Purcell, Brian Roworth (middle) and Scott MacGregor, at the studio in Toronto. Top-hatted Toby during a scene at the studio. Leahann Willes (continued from page 3) ...................... Please turn to page 6 Paula R. McMurtry BARRISTER & SOLICITOR Practising in Durham Region Since 2002 250 Shanly Street, Port Perry 905-982-2650 • www.mcmurtrylaw.ca • Family Law • General Civil Litigation Practising in Durham Region Practising in Durham Region Since 2002 250 Shanly Street, Port Perry 250 Shanly Street, Port Perry 905-982-2650 • www.mcmurtrylaw.ca 250 Shanly Street, Port Perry 905-982-2650 • www.mcmurtrylaw.ca