Four-legged Seamus reins over ‘Poldark’ horse whisperer Aiden Turner
Seamus — the dark brown horse who plays Captain Ross Poldark’s trusty steed Darkie — is rapidly gaining a fan-base.
The 14-year-old has spent half his life in training at top UK stunt-riding stables, Atkinson Action Horses, where he has become a firm favourite among clients, particularly the creators of historical drama.
Photo: @PoldarkTV #AidanTurner #Poldark riding #Seamus @TheActionHorses #Cornwall @BBCOne pic.twitter.com/gELlIvtgr3
— PowerofPoldark FanAc (@PowerofPoldark) March 19, 2015
His owner Mark Atkinson says the horse’s Irish roots clearly shone through when he was paired with Dubliner Turner for the 18th century drama set in Cornwall.
“We noticed that Seamus would prick up his ears and twitch them backwards and forwards whenever he heard Aidan talking,” said Mr Atkinson. “He seemed to love his Irish accent. We used to tease Aidan about that, saying that they both speak the same language.”
Love this of #AidanTurner as #Poldark on his horse, sounds like he loved the horse, Seamus. from @Cornwall_Today pic.twitter.com/h7PZaV4fzc
— Poldark Fandom (@Poldarkfandom) February 19, 2015
Mr Atkinson, a dairy farmer-turned horse trainer, bought Seamus as an eight-year-old from a friend who had purchased him from an English dealer.
“I do know that he originally came over from Ireland, although which part, I don’t know. He already had the name Seamus when I got him,” added Mr Atkinson.
New pic of #AidanTurner and Seamus thanks to @BBCOne #Poldark
— Poldarked Fansite (@Poldarked) February 20, 2015
Enjoy the weekend all! pic.twitter.com/qNMeeRGlK8
“He’s an old-fashioned Irish draught horse. He is about 16-hands-high and is really strong and well put together. He’s a real hardy, roughty, toughty, sort of a horse.
“We chose him for Ross Poldark because the art department wanted a horse that was true to type that could cope well with the moors.”
@TheActionHorses how wonderful! #Poldark #Cornwall #WinstonGraham #arikishirleytumblr pic.twitter.com/Z97LHuXI2m
— PowerofPoldark FanAc (@PowerofPoldark) June 2, 2014
Mr Atkinson says there has been huge interest in Seamus since the new drama began airing on Sunday nights.
While Seamus previously worked on Jamaica Inn, a TV version of Wuthering Heights and several war adaptations, Poldark has been his first starring role.
