Many people wonder, “Did Artax really die?”. The horse that was the subject of the film was a Thoroughbred racehorse. It was filmed in 3 weeks and was trained for months by a professional horse handler. If Artax did die, why was it so fast? The video below reveals the truth. Artax survived by sinking slowly in mud up to its head.
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Artax was a Thoroughbred racehorse
Artax was a champion American Thoroughbred racehorse, winning the Breeders’ Cup Sprint in 1999 and the Carter Handicap. The stallion equaled three track records and was named American Champion Sprint Horse. During his career, Artax also sired three notable winners, including Diabolical, winner of the Grade I Carter Handicap. Artax was retired to stud in 2000 and stood at several different farms, including the Clermont Farm in New York, Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky, Diamond G Ranch in Edmond, Oklahoma, and the Haras Santa Tereza do Bom Retiro in Brazil. Artax had numerous notable offspring, including Diabolical, a Grade I winner, and Friendly Michelle, who was a Grade I stakes winner.
The name Artax was derived from a horse from the Neverending Story novel series. The horse was named after a character in the novel, which was a children’s fantasy. The story follows the adventures of the hero Atreyu, who is protected by the horse Auryn. However, his protector, Atreyu, is not able to protect Artax from the Swamp of Sadness, resulting in him losing his life.
It was a Thoroughbred racehorse
A legendary Thoroughbred racehorse, Artax won the Breeders’ Cup Sprint and was named after a fictional character. He was 17 years old when he passed away from colic complications. His offspring include Diabolical, a Grade I winner, and Friendly Michelle, a graded stakes placer. The American Champion Sprint Horse died in a Brazilian equine hospital on January 8, 2012.
The movie NeverEnding Story featured a horse named Artax, who unfortunately died while being ridden. The movie featured two identical white horses who played Artax. They were both stunning, and it was very difficult for Anne Hathaway to let go of her beloved horse. Despite the harrowing storyline, it is still amazing to think that a horse named Artax died in such an untimely manner.
It was trained for months by a professional horse handler
In The Neverending Story, the character Artax was named after an American Champion Thoroughbred racehorse. The movie starred Noah Hathaway as the young Atreyu, and the horse was trained by a professional horse handler. Artax’s death was one of the most traumatic childhood experiences for our generation. The movie has a harrowing ending, but Artax comes back and teaches Bastian how to be a better horse.
Before Artax won the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, he was previously trained by a professional horse handler. He had previously won the Grade 1 Vosburgh Stakes and the Carter Handicap, as well as the California Derby. He was also a standout in the sprint division, earning over $264,876 in 61 starts. His winning record was very impressive: six firsts, thirteen seconds, and ten thirds. The horse was sold to Sophia Alison in July 2018. His name is taken from the movie “The Neverending Story,” and he’s known around the barn as Frosty.
It was filmed in 3 weeks
The movie is one of the most famous movies of all time, but it also has some interesting facts. For example, it took 7 weeks to film the Swamp of Sadness scene. Horses are not built to walk into deep pools of mud. To get the horse Artax to stand still in the swamp, two trainers had to train the animal. The movie also features the luckdragon Falkor, which is part plane, part horse.
The setting of the movie is equally impressive. The swamps and dead trees are beautifully shot. The fog that covers everything adds a very chilling atmosphere to the movie. And the music is haunting. The death of Artax is particularly moving. Despite the film’s melodrama, the plot of the movie is believable. The characters in the story are all well-developed and sympathetic.
It was not the real horse
There’s a story that’s catching a lot of attention: the movie “NeverEnding Story” featured an equine character called Artax, but it was never the real horse that actually died. The story goes that two identical white horses were used to play Artax. Although both horses were gorgeous, Artax didn’t die during filming of the Swamp of Sadness scene. Rather, he died due to complications from colic.
Wolfgang Petersen has discussed the myth that Artax was not the real horse that actually died. The story also claims that Artax had a difficult life, but this is not the case. In fact, the real horse was able to survive because of its training and the conditions he faced. But that doesn’t mean Artax’s story doesn’t have a happy ending.
