This week, I’m going through the first part of a list of what I think are the best horse movies and shows (that I’ve seen, anyway!). I’ll give a couple reasons for the placement of each movie or show, too. On we go!
- Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
Ohh, this movie. Not only is it still one of my favorite movies ever – and has been for years – it’s also more realistic than most live action horse movies. I mean, the girths of the horses are literally tied with t-knots in the movie – how much better can it get? I personally have never outgrown this movie, and I don’t think I ever will. It has so many realistic little details (despite being an animated horse movie that could never happen – well, at least not parts of it), and I love it each and every time I watch it.
- The Black Stallion
There’s several reasons why this one is a great horse movie! Some of them are simply things I appreciate, and others are ones that should apply to everyone who likes a good horse movie every once in a while. First of all, the horse that plays the Black is the most beautiful horse that I think I’ve ever seen – and he was actually a stallion, unlike most horses that play stallions in horse movies. Also, the actor who plays Alec spent months before filming with the horse, bonding with him, riding him, and overall developing a relationship that really shines through the screen. As a bonus, he also did all of his own stunts, and can actually ride! Most horse movies never come close to touching that. The horse parts of the movie are also realistic, and the training and the race are really well done. This one is a movie that no matter how old it gets, it’ll always be great!
- Walk. Ride. Rodeo.
This is a movie based off of the true story of Amberley Snyder, a champion barrel racer. It tells the story of how she was in a car accident, becoming paralyzed from the waist down, and how she pushed through to continue to ride. I’ve really enjoyed this movie each time I’ve seen it! It’s one of the only horse movies that has barrel racing in it, and it’s done really well! Amberley even does her own stunts in the movie, alongside her sister. I definitely recommend watching it!
- Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken
I love this one! It’s also based off of a true story – that of Sonora Carver, a girl who rode diving horses, but is blinded from hitting the water wrong. I read the book that she wrote about her life years ago (A Girl and Five Brave Horses), and discovered this movie a while after that. Similar to Walk. Ride. Rodeo., though older, Sonora faces numerous challenges throughout her life and pushes through them all to continue to do what she loves. I really like this movie, and the book is great too! As a note, though, the movie isn’t really true to her actual life, skipping events and changing details. So just keep that in mind if you watch it!
These are the movies that got the top four spots on my list! Stay tuned for the next parts — there’ll be several.
Great movie recommendations! I feel I can always trust your advice on books and movies for my family.
Thank you!! I’m glad (: