Emilia Clarke, best known for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has wowed audiences with her powerful and iconic performances. One of the most memorable aspects of her role is her command over horses and dragons alike. While we know dragons are the work of CGI, many fans have wondered whether Clarke actually rode horses on set or if that too was movie magic. In this article, we’ll explore Clarke’s relationship with horses, her training, and whether or not she really rode them during her time as the Mother of Dragons.
Emilia Clarke’s Iconic Role as Daenerys Targaryen
When Game of Thrones premiered in 2011, Emilia Clarke became an instant fan favorite for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen. The young actress was cast as the exiled princess who would become the “Mother of Dragons” and lead armies across the Seven Kingdoms. As Daenerys, Clarke often appeared on horseback, especially in the early seasons where her character traveled with the Dothraki, a nomadic tribe known for their equestrian culture.
These scenes raised an important question: did Clarke learn to ride horses for the role, or were stunt doubles brought in to make her look like an expert equestrian?
Did Emilia Clarke Have Horse-Riding Experience?
Before being cast in Game of Thrones, Clarke had little to no experience with horses. Like many actors who take on physically demanding roles, she had to undergo extensive training to meet the needs of her character. Clarke revealed in interviews that she underwent horse-riding lessons to prepare for the part of Daenerys. Learning to ride was an essential part of embodying her character, especially considering the Dothraki’s culture, which places great importance on horses.
During her training, Clarke worked closely with professional trainers to learn the basics of horse riding. She needed to become comfortable in the saddle and adept at handling horses in a variety of settings, including rugged outdoor locations. This training was crucial, as many of Daenerys’ pivotal moments take place on horseback, and the scenes often involved action-packed sequences.
Did Emilia Clarke Ride Horses in Game of Thrones?
Yes, Emilia Clarke did ride horses in Game of Thrones, though not in every scene that required her character to be on horseback. As is common in big productions, the more dangerous or physically demanding stunts were performed by professional stunt doubles. This was not just for safety reasons but also to ensure that complicated scenes were executed with precision and control.
However, when it came to scenes that required close-up shots of Daenerys riding or more straightforward riding sequences, Clarke herself was often in the saddle. Her horseback training enabled her to perform these scenes confidently, giving her character a natural rapport with the horses, which was essential to portraying the role of the Khaleesi, a leader with an indomitable spirit.
Emilia Clarke’s Perspective on Horse Riding
Clarke has spoken candidly about her experiences riding horses on set. In several interviews, she admitted that horse riding was not always easy or comfortable for her. While she may have looked poised and powerful on screen, the reality behind the scenes was often more challenging. She has humorously recounted stories about the difficulties of wearing elaborate costumes while trying to ride a horse, especially during scenes set in the intense climates of Northern Ireland, Spain, or Croatia.
One famous anecdote involved Clarke recalling the sheer terror of filming a galloping scene while riding a horse. Despite her training, some of the more intense sequences required her to ride at high speeds, which she found nerve-wracking. Nonetheless, Clarke’s dedication to the role saw her push through these challenges and deliver an authentic portrayal of Daenerys’ horseback adventures.
Horse Riding Beyond Game of Thrones
After the conclusion of Game of Thrones, Clarke’s relationship with horses didn’t end. She has spoken in interviews about developing a newfound appreciation for these majestic animals. The experience of learning to ride and spending time with horses on set had a lasting impact on her. Clarke has described horses as “incredible creatures” and admitted that, despite the challenges, she came to enjoy the time spent in the saddle.
This appreciation for horses isn’t uncommon for actors who train intensively for roles that involve working with animals. The bond formed between actor and horse during filming often leaves a lasting impression, and Clarke’s journey was no exception.
Conclusion
So, did Emilia Clarke really ride horses for Game of Thrones? The answer is a resounding yes, though with some help from professional stunt riders for the more dangerous sequences. Clarke’s commitment to the role and her determination to master horseback riding is a testament to her dedication as an actress. While she may have started as a novice rider, by the end of her journey as Daenerys Targaryen, she had become skilled enough to perform many of her own riding scenes.
Emilia Clarke’s experience with horses serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on actors in large-scale productions, especially in fantasy epics like Game of Thrones. It also highlights her impressive transformation from a beginner to a confident rider, helping to bring Daenerys Targaryen to life in a way that captivated audiences worldwide.
