The Peaky Blinders is a British period crime drama television series created by Steven Knight. It’s set in Birmingham, England, during the aftermath of World War I. The series follows the exploits of the Shelby crime family, led by the fearsome Tommy Shelby. The series has gained a huge following since its debut in 2013, with many of its characters becoming iconic.
The Use of Horses in Peaky Blinders
Horses have been part of the Peaky Blinders since the first season. They are used by the Shelby family for a variety of tasks, from transportation to intimidating their enemies. The horses have become an integral part of the series’ aesthetic, with their black and white colour scheme adding to the show’s brooding atmosphere.
Did They Shoot a Real Horse in Peaky Blinders?
This is a question that has been asked many times by fans of the show. The answer is both yes and no. While some scenes in the show feature real horses, others are actually computer-generated images (CGI).
Real Horses in Peaky Blinders
The real horses used in the show are mainly seen in outdoor scenes, such as when the gang are riding through the streets of Birmingham. These horses are real animals, and they are handled by professional horse wranglers to ensure the safety of both the horses and the actors.
CGI Horses in Peaky Blinders
The CGI horses are used in scenes where the horses are required to do more complex movements and stunts. These scenes are usually filmed in a studio, and the horses are actually computer-generated images. This allows the crew to create more elaborate and dangerous stunts without having to put real horses at risk.
Animal Welfare on the Set of Peaky Blinders
The safety and welfare of all animals used in the show is taken very seriously. All horses are monitored for any signs of stress or discomfort, and are given regular breaks and allowed to rest in between takes. The horses are also given a variety of treats, such as apples and carrots, to ensure they remain calm and content.
The Use of Stunts with Horses
The show’s stunt crew has come up with some incredibly daring stunts involving horses. These include stunts such as a horse being ridden down a staircase, and a horse being ridden through a burning building. While these stunts are incredibly dangerous, the safety of the horses is always taken into consideration.
The Horse Death Scene
One of the most talked-about scenes in the show is the death of a horse in season 2. This scene was highly controversial, as some animal rights activists argued that it was too graphic and disturbing. However, the scene was actually filmed using a CGI horse, meaning no real animals were harmed in the filming of this scene.
Conclusion
The use of horses in Peaky Blinders is an integral part of the show’s aesthetic, and has become iconic among fans of the show. While some scenes feature real horses, others are computer-generated images. Animal welfare is always taken into consideration on the set, and no real animals are harmed in the filming of the show. The death of the horse in season 2 was controversial, but it was actually a CGI horse that was used in the scene.
FAQs
- Did they shoot a real horse in Peaky Blinders? – No, the death of the horse in season 2 was actually a CGI horse. No real animals were harmed in the filming of this scene.
- Are real horses used in the show? – Yes, real horses are used in outdoor scenes and are monitored for any signs of stress or discomfort.
- Are stunts performed with real horses? – Yes, some stunts are performed with real horses, but the safety of the animals is always taken into consideration.