The Best Horse Documentaries and Movies

Horses have been an integral part of human history for thousands of years. From being used in warfare and transportation to sports and recreation and childhood stories like My Little Pony of course! The beloved horse has played a significant role in human civilisation. There are a plethora of documentaries available that delve into the world of horses, their history, and the bond between humans and horses. In this blog post, we will explore the best horse documentaries and movies that you can watch to learn more about these magnificent creatures. Come on and take a closer look with us!

“Wild Horse, Wild Ride” (2011)

“Wild Horse, Wild Ride” is a documentary that follows the journey of a group of trainers who participate in the Extreme Mustang Makeover Challenge. In this competition, the trainers are given 100 days to train a wild mustang and prepare it for a public auction. The documentary showcases the beauty and versatility of these wild horses in a great way while highlighting the patience and dedication required to train them.

“Harry & Snowman” (2015)

“Harry & Snowman” is a heartwarming documentary that tells the story of Harry deLeyer, a Dutch immigrant who bought a plough horse for $80 and transformed it into a champion jumper. The documentary follows the journey of harry & snowman, as they compete in various competitions and capture the hearts of the American public.

“Buck” (2011)

“Buck” is a documentary that tells the story of Buck Brannaman, a horse trainer who uses gentle methods to train horses in the best way. The documentary showcases Buck’s unique approach to horse training and his ability to communicate with horses in a way that most people cannot. It also explores Buck’s troubled childhood and how his experiences shaped his approach to working with horses.

“The Horse Boy” (2009)

“The Horse Boy” is a documentary that follows the journey of a family who travels to Mongolia to find a cure for their son’s autism. The family discovers that their son has a deep connection with horses and that riding them has a calming effect on him. The incredible documentary showcases the beauty of the Mongolian landscape and the bond between humans and horses.

“Ride with the Wind” (2017)

“Ride with the Wind” is a documentary that follows the journey of Cheryl Ward, a horse trainer who adopts and trains wild horses. The documentary showcases the beauty of these wild horses and the bond that Cheryl forms with them. It also highlights the challenges of adopting and training wild horses and the importance of conservation efforts to protect them.

“The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses” (2017)

“The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses” is a documentary that explores the history and current status of wild horses in America. The documentary showcases the beauty of these wild horses and the challenges they face, including overpopulation and government policies that threaten their survival. It also highlights the efforts of conservation groups to protect these magnificent creatures.

“The Last Cowboys” (2018)

“The Last Cowboys” is a documentary that follows the Wright family, a multigenerational family of cowboys who compete in rodeos. The documentary showcases the beauty and athleticism of rodeo horses and the bond between the Wright family and their horses. It also explores the challenges of keeping this traditional way of life alive in the modern world.

“Horse Power” (2010)

“Horse Power” is a documentary that explores the therapeutic benefits of horses for people with disabilities. The uplifting documentary showcases the incredible bond between horses and humans and how riding horses can have a positive impact on physical and emotional well-being.

“The Wild Horse Redemption” (2007)

“The Wild Horse Redemption” is a documentary that explores the unique rehabilitation program for inmates at a Wyoming correctional facility. In this program, inmates work with wild mustangs and learn about responsibility. It’s a great documentary.

“Dark Horse” (2015)

“Dark Horse” is the inspirational true story of a group of friends from a working men’s club who decide to take on the elite ‘sport of kings’ and breed themselves a racehorse.

Great Horse Movies

What makes a great horse movie?

A great horse movie is more than just a film that features horses. It is a movie that captures the essence of the horse-human relationship and the unique bond that exists between them. There are several factors that contribute to making a great movie, including:

Authenticity: A great horse movie should accurately depict the world of horses, their behaviour, and their relationship with humans. This includes realistic training and riding scenes, as well as accurate portrayals of horse care and management.
Emotional resonance: A great horse movie should evoke strong emotions in the viewer. Whether it is the triumph of a race or competition, the heartbreak of a loss, or the bond between a horse and a human, the movie should leave a lasting impact on the audience.
Visual appeal: A great horse movie should be visually stunning, showcasing the beauty of horses and their environment. Cinematography, lighting, and sound design should all work together to create a compelling visual experience.
Storytelling: A great horse movie should have a compelling story that draws the viewer in and keeps them engaged. Whether it is based on a true story or a work of fiction, the plot should be well-crafted and the characters should be fully developed.
Respect for the horse: A great horse movie should treat horses with respect and showcase their intelligence, strength, and beauty. The movie should also promote responsible horse ownership and care.

Famous Actors In Great Horse Movies

Elizabeth Taylor – National Velvet (1944) a young girl wins a spirited gelding in a raffle, and she dreams of training him for the Grand National.
Mickey Rooney – The Black Stallion (1979) is a boy who is shipwrecked on a deserted island with a wild Arabian stallion that he has a close relationship with. After they are rescued, they are set on entering a race challenging two champion horses on an epic journey.
Viggo Mortensen – Hidalgo (2004) based on Frank Hopkins story as a self-proclaimed professional horseman
John Wayne – The Horse Soldiers (1959)
Robert Redford – The Electric Horseman (1979) and The Horse Whisperer (1998) A pair of films that were both a massive success.
Johnny Depp – Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Christopher Reeve – Somewhere in Time (1980)
Sammi Hanratty – The Greening of Whitney Brown (2011)
Tom Cruise – Far and Away (1992)
Richard Gere – Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009)
Jeff Bridges – Seabiscuit (2003)
Kurt Russell, Kris Kristofferson, Elisabeth Shue and Dakota Fanning (the human star of this movie) – Dreamer (2005) It is inspired by the true story of an injured thoroughbred racehorse.
Sean Bean – Black Beauty (1994 ) The story of this special horse and adaptation of the book is scripted and directed by Caroline Thompson for her directorial debut.
Diane Lane – Secretariat (2010) This film chronicles the life of the thoroughbred racehorse Secretariat, who was one of the Triple Crown winners. It was supposed to be one of the best horse big-budget action movies, but overall it wasn’t the best horse racing movie.
Matt Damon – Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002) A beautiful animated movie produced by DreamWorks Animation follows the story of Spirit an American mustang stallion who is captured during the American Indian Wars.

These are great horse documentaries you need to have on your watch list for the ultimate horse lovers. But what about inspirational films with horses or great horse racing movies? Are there any you recommend for me to include? What are the best horse movies you love to watch? I would love to hear all your thoughts to share with the equine world!

The Best Horse Documentaries and Movies for Equestrian Enthusiasts