| The story begins with a simple phone call
looking for a white pony/mini. Artie was asked if he
could come to LA to be in a Nike commercial with the
newly named US Women's Soccer team. Sounds great but
Artie was off to a show where he is poised to win a
trophy buckle. After much consultation with others it
was decided LA was once in a life time thing, try for
the buckle next year. So we left for LA on a Friday
night and stayed a few minute away from Phil’s
animal rental ranch. This is the super fun part. It
had been a long trip so we thought Artie needed some
TLC and we came up with the best way to do that. We
brought him into our motel room. Everything went well
until he saw himself in the mirror and let out a big
yell, after all he is a stud. We both kinda pounced
on him to cover his mouth. We hoped the neighbors would
just think we had a western on TV. It was so cute he
was like a dog as he followed us all over the room.
Finally it was time for bed, we had to be at the ranch
early so sleep was needed. Shortly after the lights
were out a familiar smell came into the room. Yes, Artie
had taken a big poop. Silly us we forgot he wasn't house
broke. We then came up with a new use for the ice bucket.
After two flushes it was time for Artie to go sleep
in his big trailer with wall to wall shavings. With
jammies on it was good night Artie. |
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Morning came and it was time to get ready
for the big day. We fed Artie his breakfast and took
him for a walk around town. Guess people had never seen
a little white horse before because we had lots stop
us to talk or pulled over to take pictures. Little did
Fillmore California know that they had a star in the
making walking there streets. |
After a quick graze on the front lawn
of the Best
Western it was off to Phil's ranch. We arrived to
a ton of animals. They had horses, cows, reindeer,
water buffalo, ducks, geese, and flamingos. Pretty
cool wagons and stage coaches. We also spotted Arties
co-stars. It was pretty fun to see all those whitish
ponies (most were greys). Artie stepped out of the
trailer in is blanket and introduced himself to everyone
with very loud yells. After the final bath was given
we were off to the UC Fullerton for the shoot.
Ok, let's just say we will never complain about
traffic in the Bay Area again. We were entertained
the whole way by the rearing minis in the trailer
in front of us. A one hour trip took two and a half
hours - L.A. gotta love it... NOT.
We arrived at the shoot to see tons of trailers,
motor homes and people everywhere. It was truly a
sight. Hollywood was in full bloom as they had everything
you could think of. People making food, anything and
everything from healthy to greasy. They had air conditioned
everything including the bathrooms. Massage therapist
and even the ponies had their own umbrella people.
Over the top.
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After we ate in Hollywood style it was
all about the wait. Hurry up and wait about 2 hours
worth. While we waited we cruised the campus showing
off the 4 legged star to be. Everyone just loved him!
Then it was time to get lined up. Phil's people lined
up the other minis as Artie stood off to the side waiting
his turn to get in line. After the line up was completed
the Director and Produced asked the crew which mini
would be best for the lead mini role, they all said
Artie. So a star was born and Artie stepped to the front
of the line. He and his actor Rainn Wilson (from the
show the Office) would have the only walking and talking
parts. The US Women's Soccer teams' part would be to
straddle the other minis like they were riding them.
It was really funny watching all this unfold. We had
stepped on feet, rearing horses, loose mini (the same
one who had gotten loose 3 times before that we all
chased all over the soccer fields). Minis in reverse,
kicking minis, laughing soccer players and a few x-rated
mini moments that we won't talk about. Put it to you
this way, the US Women’s team saw some real men
that day. I mean STUDS. So after everything and everyone
settled in we did take after take the director said
cut for the final time. Artie did great, put up with
the crazy things Rainn tried to do to him, like pick
him up (tried to). Artie received tons of praised from
everyone. The girls said that he was the prettiest and
their favorite. Our adventure had come to a close. We
left there with a great time, great story, and an autographed
soccer ball from the girls and let’s not forget
Artie the star. |
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