Gandalf’s Horse For Sale in New Zealand

Make an offer and you could take home the ultimate piece of movie magic! Gandalf’s mount from The Hobbit parts II and III, “Draysill,” is for sale.

Top photo from Draysill’s Facebook page.

“Draysill” is known to his friends simply as “Big Nick,” a fitting moniker for the 18-hand Clydesdale gelding who has enjoyed a recent rise to fame. Big Nick is a movie star, after all, coming into the media spotlight as the horse that Sir Ian McKellan as Gandalf rides all across Middle Earth in the second and third installments of The Hobbit. Filmed in New Zealand, the movie franchise as well as its sequel series The Lord of the Rings are known for their stunning equine stars, most notable of which included Gandalf’s later mount Shadowfax (requiring McKellan to ride bridleless with only a nearly-invisible neck rope for guidance). Draysill at least gets to be fully tacked; he’s mostly been ridden by stunt men all over New Zealand for getting various sweeping scenery shots. The dark gray 10 year old also stood quietly in the studio with McKellan on his back for close-ups.

Draysill and Gandalf being chased by paparazzi. (Big Nick and a stunt rider on set in New Zealand.)
Photo from Draysill’s Facebook page.

Big Nick’s sale ad on the New Zealand site Trade Me describes him as “well de-sensitised and schooled. Beautiful paces, sensible calm, athletic type.” He’s trained under saddle only, not as a driving horse — but anything that can put up with the demands of filming could probably handle anything. Nick’s owners are accepting offers via email and have commented on the horse’s Facebook page that there have been over 21,000 hits on the sale page — act fast if you want to own this beautiful boy, as the sale will close on July 11.

Photo from Draysill’s Facebook page.

Go Riding!

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