by Abbie Clayton
Whether you are an equestrian enthusiast or a horseracing fan, you will love watching each of the following horse movies.
Phar Lap (1983)
As the name suggests, Phar Lap is based on the New Zealand-bred racehorse of the same name. It explores how and why Phar Lap eventually became the greatest Kiwi thoroughbred of all time. One of the best scenes in the movie was that of Phar Lap and Jim “The Master” Pike winning The Melbourne Cup, soon after Woodcock just barely manages to get Phar Lap to the Flemington Racecourse. Like most major events shown in the movie, his 1930 Melbourne Cup win really was a thrilling moment for everyone involved.
Being a historical movie, most of the facts shown are accurate and some are dramatised, but a few are inaccurate. Nevertheless, it was well-reviewed by critics because of how well it portrayed the bond between Phar Lap and his strapper Woodcock. The greed that infamously killed the beautiful horse long before his time was also heart-wrenching to see on the silver screen. It should be noted that the movie is based on Michael Wilkinson’s book of the same name, which was released just three years prior in 1980.
Seabiscuit (2003)
Seabiscuit was one of the greatest thoroughbred stallions to have ever been foaled, and till the day he retired on April 10, 1940, no horse in the history of American and global horseracing had won more money than the mighty stallion. The movie itself is based on the horse’s biography, Seabiscuit: An American Legend (1999). It featured some of the industry’s most popular actors of the time, namely Toby Maguire, Jeff Bridges, and William H. Macy.
The high-spirited and positive message of Seabiscuit was well received by fans and critics alike on release. It was soon nominated for seven Oscars at the 76th Academy Awards, but unfortunately, Seabiscuit did not win even a single Oscar. Everyone expected John Schwartzman to win the Best Cinematography Award at least, but that was not to be. Admittedly, the movie had much worse luck than the racehorse, but it still is a must-watch for every horseracing fan out there.
Buck (2011)
Dan “Buck” Brannaman is the real “Horse Whisperer” on whom the character of consultant Tom Brooks was based, in both the book by Nicholas Evans and the book-inspired movie of the same name by Robert Redford. He believes in natural horsemanship, which is partly based on the classic vaquero system of horse training. There is no physical or mental punishment for any racehorse in Buck’s training manual. Also, a clinician, Dan believes in making horses feel safe around humans, understanding their behaviours, and building a trusting bond with them to create a dynamic partnership.
As a documentary film based on the actual Dan Brannaman, Buck received more positive reviews and critical acclaim than the movie that was modelled after him. Throughout the movie, Cindy Meehl concentrates on the real horse whisperer, his techniques, philosophies, career, personal life, and the love behind his magic. The documentary film won two highly prestigious Audience Awards at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival U.S. Documentary Competition, and the 2011 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)
An animated film about a fictional horse who never existed or raced in real life may seem like a bad recommendation for horseracing enthusiasts but rest assured that Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron will win your heart. It’s a movie with spectacular animation, stunning artwork, soulful music, and excellent voice acting. Above all else though, it embodies the unbreakable spirit of a free, wild stallion in its most beautifully powerful form that we had ever seen before in any other real-life or animated film.
Other recommendations that did not make it to this small list include Hidalgo, Dreamer, and of course, Secretariat. Once you are done with the list, none of these wonderful horse movies will let you down.
