Grayson McCouch (ex-Morgan Winthrop, Another World) gallops into the 1880s, portraying Sean Logan on the new UPN series Legacy. "The show deals with a Southern horse-breeding farm family during the post-Civil war era," McCouch says. "I play the eldest son. Sean's a compatriot of his father (played by Brett Cullen, Dan Fixx, Falcon Crest), but he has a vested interest in being a self-made man. He has a tobacco crop. He wants to go out on his own, be he keeps finding himself back in the dynamic of the family nucleus.

"It's a nice contrast to playing Cass' younger brother on Another World," McCouch adds. "Sean's a good guy, not too verbose. He's centered, honest and his father's first mate.

"McCouch's character kicks off the premier episode by breaking hearts. "I'm planning on marrying the daughter of one of the most prominent men, but I call it off," he explains, in character.

The reason for the canceled nuptials? "I'm in love with an African-American woman named Marita (Sharon Leal; Dahlia, Guiding Light) who works for the family. Our family is progressive with its attitude toward African Americans. That was one of the rifts between my fiancée and me.

"McCouch says that he felt an instant camaraderie with Leal. "Sharon's the greatest thing since sliced bread. I can't wait for her to be permanently away from the soap so I can have her all to myself. We have good chemistry and it's fun to be working with someone who has a similar background.

"Although the series is set in Lexington, KY, it's filmed in Richmond, VA. McCouch uses the "horse country" location to his advantage, indulging in one of his favorite pastimes, horseback riding.

"There's a lot of riding, which is great because I'm able to exploit my equestrian talents. Before I was an actor, I used to show equestrians. I grew up riding, so I'm in heaven. I'm putting it all to use and riding bareback, which is the way I want to ride. It's my favorite part of doing the show. Whenever we have external shots and riding scenes I can't believe I'm getting paid for it!

"McCouch has bonded with the horse he often rides, an Arabian named Ahab. "I keep trying to change his name to Trigger but the wranglers don't want to change it. So they are starting to call me 'Dale' to get back at me," he says with a laugh.

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