Every horse is a story waiting to be told, and Cari Swanson knows how to help each one narrate its tale. Horses, with their grace and enigmatic intuition, challenge and teach even the most seasoned riders, and Swanson thrives in the heart of that dynamic. A USDF Silver Medalist and accomplished FEI competitor, she brings a multifaceted mastery to the equestrian world. Her expertise spans from breeding and training horses for dressage, eventing, and jumping, to crafting seamless partnerships between riders and horses, whether on the trail, in competition, or under the demanding lens of Hollywood’s cameras.

Swanson is a trainer and storyteller who shapes moments of sublime connection between horse and human. Swanson’s clientele is a testament to her reputation — names like Beyoncé, Colin Farrell, Ethan Hawke, Jonathan Groff, and Russell Crowe have trusted her to prepare them for saddle-ready moments on screen. Beyond the ring and film set, she’s a member of the Screen Actors Guild and a contributor to Animal Stars, an exploration of the vital, behind-the-scenes artistry of trainers like herself. Her book, Whoa Means Whoa, underscores her philosophy of trust and respect between human and horse.

Swanson’s ability to choreograph flawless equestrian performances on set speaks to her unparalleled skill — a fusion of technical precision, artistic vision, and an unshakable connection to her equine partners. On a recent FLAUNT photoshoot with cover star Sam Heughan, her expertise elevated the interplay between horse and model into something ethereal. We caught up with her to unravel how each horse, with its unique personality and untamed spirit, becomes a muse under Swanson’s guidance.

What originally inspired you to work with horses so intimately?  

Horses are in my blood. I grew up with horses and have always been drawn to them.  My deep connection with horses and my work in the entertainment industry comes from a place of genuine passion and respect. I have cultivated a skill set, blending horsemanship with performance artistry in a way that's rare and valuable in Hollywood. It is important to prioritize the safety, trust, and individuality of the horses, while also making sure actors are comfortable and confident. I have cultivated a thoughtful and holistic approach to both training and film work. It is important to me to showcase the beauty and elegance of horses which connects deeply to the human spirit.

You've written a book titled, Whoa Means Who. What inspired you to take on that project?

The book is an important resource for all actors preparing to become an expert horseman. I wrote the book for Jonathan Groff, an actor who had to become an expert rider for his role in Taking Woodstock. We only had a few weeks to prepare. He rides his horse in several pivotal scenes, culminating in the final scene where he gallops up a hill into a magnificent sunset. It is a rewarding experience to see an actor transform into someone who could bond with their horse quickly for their role. The skill of building deep trust in such a short time is impressive and unusual in the world of movie production.

You have a really unique role in Hollywood and are a proud member of SAG. Why is it important to you to be a part of this guild? 

I am grateful to collaborate with so many gifted professionals who come together telling stories through film. I often am the stunt double or actor in scenes where the character works intimately with the horse and must convey an honest and true connection. 

What lessons do you think humans can learn from horses about vitality, connection, and nature?  

Horses teach humans patience, honesty, trust, and how to live in the moment. And humans seek connection and learn how to find balance and rhythm in life through horses.

In what ways would you like your work and the philosophies you employ to impact the larger equestrian community?  

I teach people how to listen to their horse, which often reveals how they communicate in life. I enjoy helping people discover how to be a more effective leader and communicate with clarity. I remind them that nothing is impossible. I often train horses to do unusual things, such as how to ride in a freight elevator, work on a stage built 10 feet above the ground, gallop several feet from an ultimate arm camera car, trot down Atlantic Avenue at 3 a.m. with stunt cars swerving around the horse, or perform on set in Central Park with a flock of paparazzi vying for attention. My horses are happy to work in any environment because they look to me as the leader of the herd and trust that I will not put them in harm's way.

What about your approach to training animal actors differs from others in your field?  

I train with kindness and intuition. My horses trust me in every situation, and I always consider their safety above anything. I communicate honestly with producers, directors, and actors about how to obtain the shot they envision and always offer solutions to create magic. My horses are prepared to perform and never hold up the cameras.

How do you think the future of entertainment can be shaped differently to include an understanding and appreciation for animal actors? 

I am always working to shift how animals, particularly horses, are credited and recognized in the industry. Horses have such an integral role in so many films, and yet they rarely receive the recognition they deserve. By advocating for that acknowledgment, I would like to change the narrative about animal actors and their contributions. It is important to see horses receive credit for their work, and on rare occasions, I successfully fight for credit for my equine actors. For example, Listo, the white Andalusian Stallion in Winter's Tale, received credit.

You interact with a wide range of riders, from beginners to Olympians. What can both of these groups teach you about the equestrian world?  

Training horses is like music. While there are only seven notes in the basic scale, the possibilities for creating songs are virtually limitless. This is because music isn't just about the individual notes but how they're organized, combined, and expressed. The rhythm, melody, harmony, dynamics, and timing all play a huge role in shaping a song's unique sound and emotion. The same is true with training horses. There are basic principles of pressure, release, rhythm, and balance when working with them and yet every trainer has a unique approach that will teach you something new. You must always be flexible and open to learning when training horses because these same principles can be applied to your life.

In my experience I have discovered that the more accomplished riders always ask about the temperament, character, and training of the horse they are working with. The novice often claims to know how to ride, but is exposed immediately by the horse who reveals the real truth. My job is to create the illusion that the actor is an expert rider, confident and relaxed. I am successful because I provide well trained horses that I cue and guide from my body language behind camera so that the actor can simply follow the motion of the horse while acting and delivering the lines.