Movie actor Colin Farrell had to perfect his horse-riding skills in preparation for his role in historical biopic Alexander.

The Irish-born actor - who plays Macedonian conqueror ALEXANDER THE GREAT alongside co-stars Angelina Jolie and Val Kilmer in the Oliver Stone film - spent months riding horses to perfect his equestrian skills.

Farrell says, "I had to ride without a saddle, something I haven't done before.

"It's a pain in the b******s, quite literally."

11/04/2004 14:24