How this Indigenous equestrian stunt rider from Saskatchewan built a film career

Mick Favel brings us this week’s edition of Indigenous Circle.

The career of a Saskatchewan equestrian stunt rider has taken him from the prairies to film and television sets around the world.

Northstar Stonechild, a member of Yellow Quill First Nation, has been riding horses for about 20 years and has spent more than a decade working in the film industry. His first movie role came in 2015, when he appeared as a horseman in The Revenant.

Stonechild credits his success to timing, opportunity and the horses he has worked with throughout his career.

“The language is all the same,” Stonechild said. “The riders and wranglers will tell you differently, but the communication and connection is there regardless of where you are.”

He says his uncle played a key role in introducing him to horseback riding, providing a positive outlet during an important time in his life.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

Stonechild’s film and television credits include Outlander, Heartland, Billy the Kid, The Abandons and Young Washington. His work has also taken him overseas, including a trip to Scotland, where he rode a horse he recognized from the film War Horse.

“I was trying to pet his neck and he snipped at me,” Stonechild said. “I looked at him and said, ‘I want to ride this horse.’”

As Indigenous stories continue to gain greater visibility in mainstream entertainment, Stonechild says he is proud to be part of that shift.

Outside of film work, Stonechild has competed in the Calgary Stampede and was part of the 2024 inaugural Indian Relay Championship team.

He is also studying filmmaking and camerawork and taking acting classes. In the coming weeks, Stonechild will help lead a horse workshop connected to the film industry.

“Being able to be a facilitator at this point is really a blessing,” Stonechild said. “Now I’m able to open that world to other individuals and show how important and amazing horses really are.”