Professional horsewoman Beth Gouthro of Stauton, Virginia says that she didn’t find the movie, Texas Rein–“It found me.” Gouthro recalls one day back in November when her phone rang and there was a lady on the other end of the line explaining that she was producing a movie called Texas Rein.
“Her name was Rebecca Rogers Nelson. She said that she came across information and photos of me on our website,” says Gouthro, who along with her husband, Matt run BMG Show Horses. “She asked if I would have any interest in being a riding double for the lead role of the movie. Of course, I said yes. She then asked me if I had any acting experience, to which I replied, no. She told me she wanted to send me the script to read and that she would like to set up a day to come meet me. After reading the script, I couldn’t believe the similarities between the character and myself. I told her that it might be crazy, but I thought I could be Cassie.”
At the same time, Beth explains that the film company, Barefeet Productions, was also interested in checking out her family’s farm as a possible location for some scenes in the movie. So, the date was set for Rebecca and the novelist, Becky Boyette to come visit Beth at her farm.
“When they walked in the door of our barn and we had a short chat, both ladies teared up. It was then that I learned what a journey the project had already been for them, and their goal to produce a wholesome movie with a message that at the same time accurately and authentically represented the sport of reining,” Beth remembers. “It was also then, that I realized why I had been contacted in the first place. That was the first time that I saw the artwork on the cover of the book, Texas Rein (pictured bottom right). Even our three year-old son looked at it and said, ‘That’s my mommy’. I had to laugh. That was when I knew I wanted to be a part of the movie.”
Over the next couple of months, Gouthro met with Boyette and Rebecca and Durrell Nelson. “They took some time to get to know me, and I spent time working with them on acting exercises before finally offering me the role,” says Beth, who besides a school play doesn’t have any previous acting experience.
According to Gouthro, Texas Rein is a faith-based family drama based on the novel of the same name by Becky Rodgers Boyette. The movie is about a girl, Cassie Roberts, who makes some bad choices and now doesn’t want to go back home to face her parents and the rest of her hometown who knows her mistakes. Once the hometown sweetheart and accomplished horsewoman, she fears she will never live up to her parents dreams for her. Her hometown of Summerville, Texas, is the last place she wants to be, until she has the opportunity for Olympic Gold. It may be her father’s dream to enter his prize winning Quarter Horse, Splash, in the Olympic Reining Trials, but it’s Cassie’s dream to ride him. With the help of horse trainer, Chase Eversoll, Cassie might be able to make their dreams come true. (pictured left is Beth with her husband Matt and son, Cole)
As far as the equine star in the movie, trainer, Mike McEntire will be providing the reining horse, Oreo Cookie Whiz (Flash), while BMG Show Horses will be providing the double, Very Well Could B. Although Gouthro’s equine accomplishments include AQHA World Champion and Reserve World Champion titles, Congress placings and AQHA high point titles, she has zero experience on reiners, however, she says that she looks forward to the experience.
“I feel that my background as a professional horsewoman puts me at an advantage in playing the role of Cassie Roberts because so many of the scenes in the movie involve her working with the horse,” Gouthro explains. “These parts will all be second nature to me. I also know that my experience as a competitor and someone who strives for perfection in all that I do will help me to give the producers what they need. I am a perfectionist and no stranger to hard work. My horse show experience has taught me to work hard for what you want to achieve and if that’s not good enough, work harder. They keep warning me about 12 hour days on set, but what they don’t realize is how may 20 hour days I’ve survived in a row at the Congress!” Beth says laughing.
Beth says that she can relate playing the lead role of Cassie due to her horse and life experiences.
“Like Cassie, I grew up riding and competing,” Beth told GoHorseShow. “Also, like Cassie and most of us, I made a few decisions that maybe weren’t the right ones. I also moved away from home and started my life as an adult. I also moved back home when my father was ill. There are also other similarities in the strain and preciousness of that relationship. I grew up in a Christian family and have at times drifted away and longed for the closeness and clarity of my relationship with The Lord. I too have a son and share the understanding of the importance of her role as Sam’s mother and his importance as her son. And I understand her drive, her competitiveness and the lifestyle that Cassie lives as it is my real life.”
Gouthro states that shooting begins at the end of May and goes through the end of June. “I am still amazed that this opportunity came along the way that it did. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that there is a plan, and this was part of the plan for me…. So, I am going to see where it takes me. I feel blessed to have been offered this opportunity.”
In the near future, GoHorseShow will update everyone on the release date of the film so you can go support a fellow competitor in the theaters!
Photos © Becky Boyette, Rhonda Painter, Texas Rein
