Danielle Chuchran plays “Emma”, a spirited young woman returning home in the holiday film “Twelve Dogs of Christmas – The Puppy Rescue”. Danielle has been nominated for The Young Artist Award for her roles in “You’re So Cupid” and “The Wild Stallion” and has worked in the hit TV shows “ER” and “Crossing Jordan”. You might recognize her acting in “Dr Seuss’ The Cat In The Hat”, “Little Secrets” with Evan Rachel Wood and Vivica A Fox and the remake of “Little House on the Prairie” where she played Mary Ingalls. Danielle owns 2 horses and competes on her ½ Arab, ½ Saddle bred “Marquis de Bey”.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING WITH SO MANY ANIMALS IN “TWELVE DOGS OF CHRISTMAS – THE PUPPY RESCUE”?
I’m the biggest animal person ever, so I was happy I got the part of Emma. Working every day on this film was a dream come true for me. There were always animals on set – anywhere from 2 to 20 dogs, a horse and even a bear.
I UNDERSTAND THE PRODUCER ASKED HOW COMFORTABLE YOU WERE RIDING A HORSE FOR A BIG STUNT IN THE MOVIE?
I love to play roles with action so I was up for the challenge. They found a horse that could rear on command, paw the ground and jump, but had never been around fire. There is a scene in the movie where the barn is on fire so my character rescues the dogs living in the barn, but when a blazing log from the ceiling falls and cuts off my escape, my horse has to jump the burning log. We prepared “Belle”, a chestnut Thoroughbred, as much as possible for her stunt. I knew to cover her belly and tail with water for protection. I leapt on her bare back and
jumped over the log. I was so proud of her!
TELLS US ABOUT YOUR OWN HORSES?
I’ve been riding since I was a very young girl. My Aunt owns a ranch and is my teacher. I have two horses right now and show my ½ Arab ½
Saddle bred “Marquis de Bey”. I just showed my horse at the National US Horse Show in Tulsa, OK and showed Marquis in a side saddle class and a ½ Arab Hunter adult amateur and open class.
HOW DID YOU LEARN TO RIDE SIDE SADDLE?
I love riding side saddle. My aunt put the saddle on “Marquis” and we learned together. I’m so fortunate because he is a perfect match for me. I can’t always ride him every day, but we have grown up together so we have a special bond.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE SCHOOL, ACTING, RIDING AND SHOWING?
I do the best I can and am lucky to have family support. My Aunt takes great care of my horses, so I know they are in good hands when I can’t be around.
DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PROJECTS COMING UP?
I have another movie coming out this month “Osombie” and “Abide With Me”.
