Every year, on the first Saturday in October, Sleepy Hollow, New York, becomes a hub of activity as thousands of visitors flock to its annual street fair. This quaint town is most famous for being the backdrop of Washington Irving’s classic ghost story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. However, Irving’s tale was penned in a time before cars ruled the roads.
Caught in a traffic jam on her way to an event, Lee Dillion, an ER nurse and a rider portraying the Headless Horseman, faces a dilemma. With only two miles to go and hours of traffic ahead, she decides to take matters into her own hands and ride into town on her majestic black Friesian horse, Eagle.
As Dillion dons her Headless Horseman costume and gallops down Route 9, motorists stuck in traffic are in for a surprise as the legendary figure speeds past them towards Sleepy Hollow. “People in their cars were going absolutely nuts,” Dillion recounts to Popular Science. “It was great.”
VIDEO: With traffic stopped outside of Sleepy Hollow, New York, Lee Dillion rides into town fully in costume. CREDIT: Lee Dillon/Corinthian Equestrian Center.
The horse-human bond
Dillion, the owner of Corinthian Equestrian Center in Warwick, has been part of a group of fearless riders in the Hudson Valley who embody the Headless Horseman for seven years. What started as a Halloween tradition with her son has evolved into a seasonal side job for Dillion and others. The Headless Horseman can be seen at various events like the annual Halloween parade, film festivals, haunted attractions, and readings of Irving’s tale.
The partnership between riders and horses is crucial for these performances. Horses, with their height and power, make these spectacles possible. Despite their intelligence, horses can still be unpredictable, relying on the calm and confident guidance of their riders.
The bond between humans and horses dates back thousands of years, evolving from wild interactions to domestication. Horses, being highly intelligent creatures, have been selectively bred over generations for traits that make them compatible with humans.
Horses’ finely tuned senses and instincts make them ideal partners for various tasks, including entertainment. However, it is essential for riders to maintain a sense of control and confidence to guide their horses effectively.
Bomb proofing for real-world spooks
Riders participating in parades and events like those in Sleepy Hollow look for specific qualities in their horses. Intelligence, trust, and a willingness to learn are key attributes, along with good physical characteristics like strong feet and an imposing presence.
Training techniques like bomb proofing are used to desensitize horses to various stimuli and sounds, preparing them for the unpredictable nature of public events. By gradually exposing horses to different stimuli, riders can build trust and confidence in their mounts.
One such event that Dillion takes part in is the Boo Barn at Thunderbird Farms, where she and her horse face challenges like chainsaw noises. Through training and reassurance, Dillion ensures that her horse remains calm and focused during these events.
The partnership between a rider and their horse is essential for successful performances, with each horse having its own strengths, weaknesses, and personality. For Dillion and her horse Eagle, embodying the Headless Horseman is not just a job but a thrilling experience that they both enjoy.
As Halloween enthusiasts eagerly await the appearance of one of the season’s most iconic figures, Dillion and Eagle stand ready to bring the legend of the Headless Horseman to life once again.
