matt dillon's horse breed matt dillon's horse breed

Gunsmoke. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Michael Nolan on May 02, 2013: Just a bit more on Buck Jones's horse, Silver. How many different horses did Matt Dillon ride in Gunsmoke? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Not only that, but Arness seemed to think Old Buck wasnt really all that. Size: 16 to 18 hands and over 2,000 pounds Belgian Draft Breed Origins: The Brabant region of modern Belgium. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This is a question that has been debated for years among fans of the show Bonanza. The double dilution will also result in a light coat color on the foal. It is possible that the producers of the show wanted to use a horse that was already familiar to viewers, so they chose Buck. Two are pictured on Gunsmoke trading cards. A replica of the Hollywood set was created just three miles outside of Kanab. On the television show "Gunsmoke," the name of Marshall Matt Dillon's horse was Faithful Old Buck, according to an interview with actor James Arness. For more information about the name of Matt Dillons horse, click on the picture. Buckskins and duns can look very similar. Harbut greeted each and every fortunate visitor . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Bonanza set was the scene of an attack on horses that Cartwright characters were riding. What do I do with green tomatoes at the end of the season? It is widely reported that Buck was a gentle and friendly person who was loved by all who worked with him. This is an appropriate name for the horse, as it was a loyal and reliable companion to Matt Dillon throughout the show. Dun vs. Buckskin Horses, Whats the Difference? Finally, Buck's size also makes him a bit of a target for the other horses. Gary Cooper. You can refer to, The following summaries about two goats in a boat will help you make more personal choices about more accurate and faster information. Buck was a large horse, but there were other horses in the film that were larger. 5 What kind of horse was the golden buckskin? And Buck wasnt the only horse Ben rode on the show; occasionally, he rode a buckskin named Dunny.. Mr. Arness, a 6-foot-7 giant whose stoic personality was remarkably like his character's, was ideal for the part. In the movie The Man From Snowy River, there is a famous scene of Jim Craig riding his buckskin horse Denny down a steep slope. His rider built that ranch with his own two hands! There were champion horses along the way named Hy Dale, Nuggett Hug, Wingo Boy, Three Tiers, Rebel Cause, Doll Up and many others. Kiger mustangs are a breed of wild horses located in southern Oregon. Draft horses are bred to be much larger and stronger than other horses, making them ideal for pulling heavy loads. Kevin Costner rode a buckskin named Ciscoin the movie Dances with Wolves. The only Gunsmoke introduction not showing Dillon in a showdown shows him . The front and back of the Gunsmoke trading card shown here identify Dillon's horse as Marshal. Appaloosas. What horse did James Arness ride in Gunsmoke? Two are pictured on Gunsmoke trading cards. You can refer to the answers. In addition to the coloring, a genuine buckskin is also a hardy horse. Buck taught mentally and physically challenged children to ride until his passing in 1992 at the age of 45, an unusually long life for a horse. 12 True Grit (1969) 7.4 James Arness rode the same Buckskin horse (Buck) in this movie as he rode in many episodes of Gunsmoke (1955). On the television show Gunsmoke, the name of Marshall Matt Dillons horse was Faithful Old Buck, according to an interview with actor James Arness. This nudged the writers to put an end to the iconic show with season 14 being its last. (Click HERE to In this case, however, James Arness had to stick to the same horse due to his height and overall size. James Arness, who burnished the legend of Americas epic West as Marshal Matt Dillon, the laconic peacemaker of Dodge City on Gunsmoke, one of the longest-running dramatic series in television history, died on Friday at his home in Los Angeles. Buck was a large horse, standing at over 16 hands high and weighing in at over 1,000 pounds. Their beauty, athleticism, and reliability make them a favorite among horse lovers worldwide. 5 What happened to James Arness after Gunsmoke? This was the idea of John Meston, who wrote 378 radio and television Did the Bonanza cast ride their own horses? Dale owned a horse named Jubilee who was living proof that a racehorse can perform more than one job. A: Yes, I did most of my own stunts and fight scenes unless it was really dangerous then I had great stunt men who would stand in for me. He had been reared in a family of Norwegian descent in Minnesota and became an . Buckskin horses have become increasingly popular in many equestrian disciplines, including western pleasure, trail riding, and rodeo events. For example, breeding a palomino and buckskin can produce a double-diluted foal with blue eyes. The front and back of the Gunsmoke trading card shown here identify Clint Eastwood He served in the United States Army during World War II, before resuming his acting career in 1946. How old was Matt Dillons horse buck when he died? Roy Rogers and his renowned palomino were the raves in the early days of television. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. W. Aphc 681456. He was specially chosen by his rider because of how . LIVE. 1.What breed of horse did Matt Dillon ride in the western Gunsmoke? Required fields are marked *. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Unlike other actors, when Audie was required to ride, he insisted on riding his own horse while doing his own stunts in as many scenes as the director and studio would allow. Buckskin is a dilution gene that affects horses with a bay base coat color. Their site provides links to local charter groups and information about coloring requirements for eligibility. \r\rWhat a lot of people in Kentucky and Southern Indiana may not realize is that there is a Kentuckiana connection to the show. Matt Dillon had a horse called Buck. On the television show Gunsmoke, the name of Marshall Matt Dillons horse was Faithful Old Buck, according to an interview with actor James Arness. Paint horses usually are muscular animals that are heavy but not too tall. While Landon did not ride horses, he took care of the horses that he had to work with. 3 What horse did John Wayne ride in El Dorado? Based on his size and strength, it is clear that he was a very heavy horse. As the imposing powerhouse Hoss Cartwright, actor Dan Blocker was matched with a 15.3 hand Quarter Horse / Thoroughbred-cross gelding, named Chub, who weighed a sturdy 1.250 pounds. The horse Buck rode in the series is an American Quarter Horse or a mixed breed that is mostly Quarter Horse. Your. The horse was said to 45 years old, subtract that from 1992, you're at. There are many theories about whether or not Matt Dillon and Ben Cartwright rode the same horse, but we may never know for sure. Throughout his career, Arness worked with many different horses and became known for his skills as a rider. Over its 14-year run, many horses (and actors) came and went, but Chub remained with the series from start to finish. Primitive markings are a dorsal stripe and can include striping across the shoulders or striping on the back of the horses front legs. Trending Can I Park A Camper In My Driveway? Today. Michael Landon rode the flashy paint, Cochise for the first six years of the series, along with other paints that served as stunt doubles. Did Ben Cartwright and Matt Dillon ride the same horse? They may have the same coat color, but a dun has a dorsal stripe. What happened to Matt Dillon's horse buck? The International Buckskin Horse Association lists acceptable colors for the registration of horses. He was a truly unique animal, and his impact on the film is still felt today. Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene) rode a buckskin horse named Buck for Bonanzas fourteen seasons. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The other horses in the film seem to be affected by Buck's size in a few different ways. two old goats arthritis formula reviews . But the actor also faced one unique issue when it came to filming with horses. All their names were Buck, which is a question many fans have asked. We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. Matt Dillon rode a number of horses during the twenty years of Gunsmoke. It does not store any personal data. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Zip Cochise Buck taught mentally and physically challenged children to ride until his passing in 1992 at the age of 45, an unusually long life for a horse. James Arness Marshal Dillon Horse: Buck (same horse as Lorne Greene). Another horse, pictured below, is named Marshal. Question by author xaosdog. 62 What horse was ridden by Marshall Matt Dillon? He is Dollor, John Wayne`s 17-year-old movie horse, which is semi-retired and living on a 7-acre ranch in Midlothian-south of Dallas-with Howard and Debra Keffeler, their 11-year-old son, David, and nine other horses, four dogs, three cats and several chickens. While not the biggest horse in the world, Buck's large size was certainly impressive and added to the film's realism. This made him well-suited for carrying Dillon's character across the vast plains. Buttermilk was ridden by Evans in the 1950s television series The Roy Rogers Show with her husband Roy Rogers who rode his palomino, Trigger. Often a horse that bucks is simply trying to defend itself from other horses or humans who are trying to get too close. He retired from acting in 1997. Born in Montana, Cooper became an authentic star in the first major sound western, The Virginian (1929), heir apparent to the great silent cowboy William S Hart. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Roughly 40% of bucking horses are brought into the event because they have a natural inclination to buck. With the above information sharing about what kind of horse did matt dillon ride on official and highly reliable information sites will help you get more information. 6 How old was Buck from horses of Hollywood when he died? William Henry Harrison. What kind of horse did Matt Dillon ride in the office? The other horses are left in the dust as Buck gallops ahead. It is likely that he was one of the heaviest horses in the film, if not the heaviest. What breed of horses were used in Western movies? The horse below is standard colored and on the lighter side of the spectrum. Peter Graves was an American actor. The horse is named after the famous Indian Cochise. Matt Dillon was a hero, constantly righting wrongs and doing good for the community. You can refer to the, The following summaries about tru ball goat release will help you make more personal choices about more accurate and faster information. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". First, it is much faster than walking. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Matt Dillon rode a number of horses during the twenty years of Elliott used a very unique saddle in these exciting productions. Whatever his title, Chester was Dillon's foil, friend, partner, and in an episode in which Chester nearly dies ("Never Pester Chester"), Dillon allows that Chester was the only person he could trust. This means that not all horses with a tan or golden coat and black points are necessarily buckskins the horse must have the specific genetic makeup for buckskin coloring. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The registry is open to all breeds. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The front and back of the Gunsmoke trading card shown here identify Dillon's horse as Marshal. The series centered on ranch owner, Ben Cartwright, played by actor Lorne Greene, and his three adult sons. Buckskin horses have a coat color of tan or gold with a black mane, tail, and lower legs. On the television show "Gunsmoke," the name of Marshall Matt Dillon's horse was Faithful Old Buck, according to an interview with actor James Arness. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. The most apparent feature of buckskin horses is their coloring. Buttermilk is the lightest colored buckskin coat, and just like all buckskin horses, they have dark points. Pedigree for Fvf Matt Dillon, photos and offspring from the All Breed Horse Pedigree Database. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Horses of the Wild West. In another episode, The Youngest, Adam Cartwright (Pernell Roberts) is attacked by a mountain lion while he is out riding alone. rschlueter@bnd.com. They are commonly used as all-around western workhorses and are also popular in various equestrian disciplines, including western pleasure, trail riding, and rodeo events. Faithful Old Buck, the horse owned by Marshall Matt Dillon, is a real-life legend and a favorite of many viewers of the show. Gunsmoke was one of the most popular western series on TV and aired on CBS and WHAS 11 from 1955-1975 becoming the longest-running network primetime show. Despite being on-screen partners, Eastwood was allergic to horses. He rode a number of different horses. This is especially noticeable when he's standing next to them or when they're running next to each other. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? In fact, some breeds of horses, such as the American Quarter Horse and the Appaloosa, have a long history of producing buckskin offspring. - Charlie was his hunting horse who was buried in the Atlantic on the way back from Europe. In the film, Buck was used for a variety of tasks, including pulling a stagecoach and carrying supplies. In addition to his work on Gunsmoke, Arness appeared in a number of other television shows and movies throughout his career. Old Charlie. Copyright 2022 Horse Racing Sense. Buck was an American Quarter Horse (Big buckskin). His large size often scared off potential predators, such as the coyote that attacked the group, and his size also allowed him to protect the other animals from harm. How many different horses did Matt Dillon ride in Gunsmoke? Buck was an American Quarter Horse (Big buckskin). Matt Dillon rode a number of horses during the twenty years Gunsmoke was on the air. He was the same horse used by Ben Cartwright in Bonanza. Arness was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1923. The standard color buckskin, displaying tan with standard black points, is the most common buckskin color. But not to be outdone, Roys better half in the show Dale Evan rode a sturdy buckskin quarterhorse. First, Buck was able to carry Dillon's character further and faster than a smaller horse would have been able to. Horses, not buckskin but are the offspring of buckskin, are also eligible to enroll. He was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1975. Their maneuverability and powerful hindquarters . Spirit is a buckskin Kiger mustang colt. 2 2.What Kind Of Horse Did Matt Dillon Ride In Gunsmoke? He was significantly larger than the other animals in the film, including the other horses. 62 What horse was ridden by Marshall Matt Dillon? Jun 24, 2022 - "Matt Dillon Finally Scores!" Does anyone remember, when you we. Did James Arness do his own horseback riding in Gunsmoke? The front and back of the Gunsmoke trading card shown here identify Dillon's horse as Marshal. Additionally, Buck's size gives him an advantage when it comes to racing. I have raised some winning horses and had some that didnt make it as racehorses, so we trained them in other disciplines. Arness began his acting career in 1941, appearing in several theatrical productions. Here are a few notable examples: Gunsmoke fans may be interested in learning that Marshall Matt Dillon rode a big buckskin quarter horse in the show. Jun 24, 2022 - "Matt Dillon Finally Scores!" Does anyone remember, when you we. The list can be read here. (from the archives of Pioneers of Television) Peter Graves reveals fascinating tidbits about his brother James Arness, who played Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, and who died this week. While buckskin horses may come from various breeds, they share certain common characteristics, such as soundness, endurance, and sure-footedness. Both organizations host events for eligible horses. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If you are interested in reading about the origins of horses, you may enjoy this post about wild horses.. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Matt Dillon had a horse called Buck. All Rights Reserved. Which confirms the type of horse he rode in the series. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. buckskin American Quarter Horse. How many different horses did Matt Dillon ride in Gunsmoke? A buckskin horse is a type of horse that has a golden or tan coat with black points on the mane, tail, legs, and ear edges. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 10 Did Matt Dillon and Ben Cartwright use the same horse? He is the star of the animated movie Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron and the television series Spirit, Riding Free. We had a little controversy in our household when the question surrounding if Spirit is a buckskin or dun. The Sorraia breed was perfect because of its exceptional endurance and relatively low maintenance. The buckskin coloring is found in almost all breeds; however, these tan-colored horses possess unique qualities that extend beyond their looks. Third, horseback riding is more readily available than other means of transportation. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. James Arness rode the same Buckskin horse (Buck) in this movie as he rode in many episodes of Gunsmoke (1955). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. In the scene where Dillon's character is trying to teach the other horses how to race, Buck is the only one who seems to be able to keep up with Dillon. Copyright 2023, 2012 - 2022 All rights reserved |. Since all buckskins have the genetic markers of a bay, they also have black points. However, his size also made it difficult for him to find food, and he often had to go without while the other animals ate. An exception was as a big-city police officer in a short-lived 19811982 series, McClains Law, co-starring with Marshall Colt. As a sad result, Landons horse passed away in October 1964. Gunsmoke was one of the most popular western series on TV and aired on CBS and WHAS 11 from 1955-1975 becoming the longest-running network primetime show. The gene reduces the production of black pigment in the horses coat, resulting in a golden or tan color. Ben Cartwright used him in Bonanza. James Arness did his own horse riding in Gunsmoke. Despite not being a skilled rider, Landon took care of the horses that he had to work with. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? The series was cancelled in 1973. Buttermilk (April 13 1941 - October 7 1972) was a buckskin Quarter Horse. His elder brother was actor James Arness. Two are pictured on Gunsmoke trading cards. Which confirms the type of horse he rode in the series. james arness had a bad back,he was able to ride him because of his smooth gates. These two examples show that while Landon may not have been a skilled rider, he was still able to take care of the horses that he had to work with. strictly ad-lib." He purchased that horse at the Hollywood Race Track and Jubilee stood sixteen hands high, a sight to see. This was important in a few scenes where Dillon's character needed to look intimidating, such as when he was confronting the villain. So whether you're looking for guidance on how to make your home more energy efficient or just want some inspiration for dinner tonight, be sure to check out Arew! Most experts agree that Matt Dillon's horse Buck was the tallest horse in the film. A buckskin horse has a single dilution creme gene that acts on a bay horse. Little Joe is very fond of it and both go trough thick and thin. For nearly all western genre movies and TV shows youll typically find a preponderance of Quarter Horses, Quarter-type horses, Paints, Pintos, Appaloosas. He was the same horse used by Ben Cartwright in Bonanza. You probably also recognize Buck from a little show called Bonanza, . During its run, Arness appeared in over 600 episodes of Gunsmoke. 5 Clues. The crossing of Sorraia with other wild horses developed into the western buckskin. The reason I got away from Gunsmoke was that I wanted to leave the second banana role, Weaver said to the Toronto newspaper. He would often brush them down and make sure they were taken care of. But, if you notice primitive striping in addition to the dark line on the back, then the horse is assuredly a dun. These horse breeds can reach 18 to 19 hands in height and weigh between 1,800-2,200 pounds (800-1,000 kg) on average. Please refer to the information below. There is no clear answer to this question as the weight of Matt Dillon's horse Buck is never revealed in the film. This foal is double diluted and not a buckskin. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What was Marshall Dillons horses name on Gunsmoke? It's not just a random date that the food company picked out of thin air. Old Whitey. Nahf will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. What kind of horse did Marshall Dillon ride in Gunsmoke? The Buck of Gunsmoke was in fact the very same Buck as was ridden by Ben Cartwright in Bonanza. 6 Who was the best horse rider in western movies? 5 Clues. Clint Eastwood may be one of the greatest on-screen cowboys. No, Matt Dillon's horse was known as Faithful Old Buck. Trigger and simial greats, Matt's horse didn't have a name and never once saved his life or led the way to the outlaws' hideaway. Fox Sports' RJ Young breaks down five true freshmen quarterbacks who are most likely to play in 2023. Buckwas foaled ,and trained at fat jones stables in north hollywood. Landon was not a skilled rider and he didnt enjoy riding horses. Director Andrew V. McLaglen Writers John Meston (teleplay by) Norman MacDonnell (story by) Charles Marquis Warren (developed for television by) Stars James Arness Thats according to Arness. fifth, horseback riding is a great way to get some exercise. I read that Glenn Ford was the best rider in Westerns. Matt Dillon owned a horse named Buck. What is a Dapple Gray Horse? Tecovas recently added a bunch of awesome apparel to their markdowns list, like the best-sellingBrushed Cotton-Pearl Snap. Today, most horse breeds have Sorraia influence; thus, you have buckskin coloring in all kinds of horses. Learn More: What to do if you fall off a horse? How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? The International Buckskin Horse Association (IBHA) was established in 1971. More : Matt Dillon's horse was a big buckskin American Quarter Horse named Buck. Their coat should resemble the color of a deers skin without primitive markings. The front and back of the Gunsmoke trading card shown here identify Dillon's horse as Marshal. Was James Arness right handed or left handed? What horse did John Wayne ride in El Dorado? Did Matt Dillon and Ben Cartwright use the same horse? What breed was Matt Dillons horse? The show decided to give Hoss a heroic death with him drowning in an attempt to save a woman. The registry is the largest for these horses in the world. He then donated Buck to a therapeutic riding center. Who are the horses on the TV show Marshal Dillon? He was the same horse used by Ben Cartwright in Bonanza. Why Is Your Zucchini Plant Stem Splitting? Today, buckskin remains a highly sought-after color among horse enthusiasts. But we noticed that Spirit doesnt have a dorsal stripe. Michael Landons horse on Bonanza Check this link to read more about bay horse genetics. He was best known for his role as Jim Phelps in the CBS television series Mission: Impossible from 1967 to 1973 and from 1988 to 1990. Did Matt Dillon's horse have a name? Finally, the size of Buck also made him look more imposing and impressive on screen. This meant that Dillon's character was able to get to places faster and cover more ground, which was important in a few scenes where he needed to get away quickly. You can refer to the answers, The following summaries about unscented goat milk soap will help you make more personal choices about more accurate and faster information. Reports say Dillon's horse, Buck, retired into helping mental patients, learn to ride, until it's death in 1992. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. His experience with horses began long before he landed the role of Marshal Matt Dillon on the iconic television series. Its name is derived from its ability to outrun other horse breeds in races of . Hes known for his various westerns he made early in his career. A dusty buckskin is a lighter version of a sooty horse with standard coloring and no definitive dorsal stripe. Cochise is Little Joes beautiful Paint Horse with spotting pattern of white and black. Arness was so tall, in fact, that his Gunsmoke co-stars often had to stand on platformsor he had to stand in a low spotfor scenes in which they appeared next to him. After the cancellation of Bonanza, they brought Buck to a riding center for physically and mentally challenged kids, and he became the teaching horse. He then donated Buck to a therapeutic riding center. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The world's largest horse breeds are not only famous for their jaw-dropping size, but also . FVF NODEN PACO* Bay Dun Fewspot 14.3 2012 . Gunsmoke actors drank beer rather than whiskey, but they drank tea or colored water in place of whiskey. February 24, 2022. A self-taught DIYer, Tammy loves nothing more than tackling a new project in her own home. Dillon is shown here on another Gunsmoke trading card on another horse. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. What breed was Matt Dillon's horse? A standard buckskin can vary in shades, but the horse should have a coat color similar to a deer. Adam Cartwright. Matt tracks the criminal to a Kiowa camp. Buck was that! What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Arness older brother was actor Peter Graves. Sooty Buckskin- The stallion below may look like a dun, but he is a buckskin. Who would win in a fight X-Men or the Avengers? Matt Dillon had a horse called Buck. The series ran for 20 seasons, making it the longest-running primetime drama in television history at the time of its cancellation in 1975. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The riders were also skilled in horseback riding and could handle the horses with ease. Breeds, Facts, and Color. It is possible that the producers of the show wanted to use a horse that was already familiar to viewers, so they chose Buck. Horseback riding is the best way to travel around Ponderosa. There were 635 episodes and many of the outdoor scenes for this show were shot in Johnson Canyon near Kanab, Utah. The horses vary in color; some may be yellow or dark golden, but the primary buckskin color is tan with black points. Did Ben Cartwright and Matt Dillon ride the same horse? The American Quarter Horse, or Quarter Horse, is an American breed of horse that excels at sprinting short distances. Shot in nine days. When we first see Matt Dillon's horse Buck in the film, it's clear that he's a lot bigger than the other horses. Second, it is more efficient than walking because it uses less energy. Buck - In Gunsmoke it was Matt Dillon's horse; Buttermilk - Dale Evans horse; Champion - Gene Autry's horse; Citation - Famous 1948 Triple Crown Winner; Comanche - 7th Cavalry Survivor of the battle of Little Big Horn where Gen Custer died. One horse, in particular, was a Clydesdale that was used in some of the scenes. Is paralegal higher than legal assistant? Arness landed roles on other westerns including How the West Was Won. He also booked roles in TV movies such as Red River and The Alamo: 13 Days to Glory. Occasionally Wayne would take the reins of Cocaine, the stunt horse used by Chuck Roberson, who was Waynes double in more than 30 movies. 1.What breed of horse did Matt Dillon ride in the western 'Gunsmoke'? Most of the cowboy stars, actors and even extras in the silent film-era were excellent riders, and many were hired just because of that skill, says Jim Dunham.