Norman Reedus Jumps Saddle

Because 10 years ago, Norman Reedus was scared of horses, he requested a minor adjustment for his role on AMC's The Walking Dead.

The Walking Dead has featured a prominent couple over all 10 seasons: Daryl Dixon and his motorcycle. It’s a love so pure that not even the zombie apocalypse can keep these two apart for long. When actor Norman Reedus, who portrays Daryl Dixon, sat down with Conan O’Brien to discuss the love affair—he revealed that he was actually behind it. “I’m a huge fan of the show, and such an iconic part of your character is the motorcycle, and the bow—and then I find out that originally you were supposed to ride a horse,” O’Brien said. Reedus confirmed the fact and revealed why he originally nixed the idea: “I used to be kind of afraid of horses, that they can smell your fear, all that stuff.” When he learned that Daryl’s brother Merle rode a Harley Davidson motorcycle instead, Reedus suggested a slight adjustment to his character—on the grounds that “if Merle can ride a motorcycle, Daryl probably knows how to ride a motorcycle.” Reedus overcame his fear not too long ago when he shot this month’s cover of Polo Lifestyles with photographer Mark Seliger at a stable full of, you guessed it, horses. And just like the anticipation that’s mounted around season 10 of The Walking Dead, Reedus’ anticipation over the equine-theme shoot grew until he came face to face with the gentle giant. He and the horse gazed into each other’s eyes and then he wrapped his arms around his co-start as the photographer clicked and captured the magic. Photo shoot finished and all previously discussed fears cast aside, Reedus was ready to talk about season 10. He’s already revealed that the show’s crew are “freaking out over crazy season 10 storylines.” He’s publicly promised that mind-blowing content is on the way to the AMC original. Speaking at the ACE Comic Con Midwest, Norman teased, “I hope you’re excited for The Walking Dead because this season’s crazy. There are things that

are gonna happen this season that are mind-blowing, and the sets are huge, it’s just nuts." "Everybody on our crew, who have been there for 10 years, are freaking out over this season. And they’re kinda hard to phase, cause they’re there every single day, but it’s nuts.” Asked to describe the dramatic upcoming episodes in one word, Norman continued: ‘Combustible. How’s that work? ‘The whole thing is flammable. Just wait. It gets really crazy.’ We’re keeping our fingers crossed that The Walking Dead will go above and beyond and deliver Norman’s vows. Laura Bradley contributed to the reporting.