Horses have long been a feature of films, from westerns, to romance, to war films. Requiring great skill and special training, these remarkable animals are often the unsung heroes of cinema, adding beauty, grace, and athleticism to some of the best movies ever made. The following are the best 10 films featuring beautiful steeds.
1. War Horse
War horse is an inspiring 2011 film about the bond between a man and his horse. This remarkable story explores the power of love and friendship during a time of war.
2. Seabiscuit
Set in the 1930’s, Seabiscuit is the story of an underdog, a small horse who had a remarkable life in racing. This beautiful thoroughbred became a symbol of hope to many Americans during the Great Depression.
3. The Man From Snowy River
The Man From Snowy River is a beautifully cinematic film set on an Australian cattle ranch. Featuring majestic Australian bush horses and an epic riding scene down a mountain slope.
4. The Black Stallion
A breathtakingly beautiful film based on a children’s book. The film stars Mickey Rooney and a magnificent black Arabian horse.
5. National Velvet
This film is a about a young horse loving girl who decides to enter into England’s Grand National Race, starring a young Liz Taylor.
6. Secretariat
The story of one of the most legendary race horses in America. Given the nickname ‘Big Red’, this horse was a large chestnut colt coming from a long pedigree of race horses.
7. Hidalgo
A cinematic film about an expert horse master. The horse, Hidalgo, and his owner (Viggo Mortensen) compete in a dangerous horse race across the Arabian desert.
8. Shergar
Based on a true story, about an Irish race horse who was kidnapped by the IRA.
9. The Horse Whisperer
A young girl and her horse are injured and traumatised after a bad riding accident. A horse trainer (Robert Redford) realises that the girl will only recover once her horse does.
10. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
A cartoon about a wild stallion as he travels across the western frontier.