America’s Horse, April 16, 2009 – It’s the best of both worlds! AQHA’s QuarterFest offers lots of horsey fun and learning opportunities, as well as a chance to rub elbows with celebrities. The latest movie star to sign on is American Quarter Horse Blue Steel Man, who is Miley Cyrus’ horse in “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” now in theaters.
In the movie – as well as in the popular TV series – Miley Stewart (played by Miley Cyrus) has a double life as a normal teen by day, teen pop star Hannah Montana by night. But when she lets Hannah’s soaring popularity start taking over her life, her father, Robby Ray (played by real-life dad Billy Ray Cyrus), steps in to deliver a dose of reality. He takes Miley back to Crowley Corners, Tennessee, where she discovers a more grounded existence – and where she meets Blue Steel Man, known as “Blue Jeans” in the movie.
The movie was filmed mostly in and around Nashville, just about 20 miles from where Blue Steel Man lives with his owner Bobby Brooks of Franklin, Tennessee. Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where QuarterFest will be held May 1-3, is just 30 miles fromNashville.
Brooks’ horse got his chance at fame when he encountered some movie scouts at a United States Team Roping Championship event in Franklin. Blue Steel Man competes in both heading and heeling.
“My horse was just what they were looking for,” said Brooks, who raised and trained the 11-year-old gelding himself and was pleased when movie wranglers complimented the horse’s training and level-headedness. “I’m very proud of him.”
Meeting this American Quarter Horse wasn’t exactly a new experience for Miley. Horses have helped keep the Cyrus family grounded for a long time. When Billy Ray was at the height of his fame – and when Miley was just a toddler – his father took the two of them horseback riding through the hills of Kentucky. Billy Ray told the Los Angeles Times that Miley reminds him of what her grandfather said that day: “Pappy said, always be aware of where you’re at, always know where you’re going, but most importantly never forget where you come from.”
If you’re a horse owner, you know well how horses can keep us grounded. And you also know they offer a never-ending opportunity for learning and growth. There is always more to learn and new ideas to explore. And that’s how QuarterFest ties in perfectly. AQHA’s first-ever equine expo is a festival of learning, with clinics on a variety of topics – everything from ranch roping to camping with your horse – as well as entertainment and shopping. Another celebrity appearance will be made by Keepin Charge, an American Quarter Horse who starred in “Appaloosa.” Keepin Charge is the son of Docs Keepin Time, who was featured in the movie “Black Beauty.”
Visit www.aqha.com/quarterfest to learn more about our inaugural expo. Visitdisney.go.com/disneypictures/hannahmontanamovie/ to see more photos of Miley with Blue Steel Man.
QuarterFest is a three-day, education-packed celebration of the American Quarter Horse Association’s 68th anniversary where AQHA members and horse enthusiasts from around the world will gather in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, May 1-3 for fun, entertainment and festivities to honor the world’s most versatile horse – the American Quarter Horse. Our sponsors – Tractor Supply, B&W Trailer Hitches, John Deere, Justin Boots, Merial, Nutrena, Professional’s Choice, Bank of America, Montana Silversmiths, Farnam, Breyer and Wrangler – share our passion for horses and are an integral part of QuarterFest.
AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.
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