Top 5 Riding Films Chosen by You

Since the days of the classic Western rode into the sunset, movies with horses haven’t been as popular, and are a downright rarity in this century. But those of us who love horses have fond memories of the movies we saw as kids – and adults – that featured horses prominently. StateLineTack.com took to social media to find out what your favorite horse riding movies are, and we got a wide range of replies. Here are the top five:

• Secretariat (2010/PG) - The true story of 1973’s Triple Crown winner, this was your clear favorite.
• The Black Stallion (1979/G) - The beloved children’s book is equally beloved on film, more so than its 1983 sequel, The Black Stallion Returns.
• Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story (2005/PG) - Starring Dakota Fanning, this heartwarming tale of a horse uniting a family got lots of likes in our poll.
• My Friend Flicka (1943/NR) and Flicka (2006/PG) - Also based on a classic book, both the original and the modern remake placed high, along with mentions for the sequels and the TV series.
• The Horse Whisperer (1998/PG-13) - Part romance, part family drama, this film brought the controversial practice of natural horsemanship to mainstream attention.

From here the field got very crowded, but all of these got multiple votes:

• Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002/G)
• Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken (1991/G)
• The Man From Snowy River (1982/PG)
• Sylvester (1985/PG)
• Hidalgo (2004/PG-13)
• Phar Lap (1983/PG)
• Seabiscuit (2003/PG-13)
• War Horse (2011/PG-13)
• The Long Shot (2004/TV, NR)

Black Beauty was mentioned, though the preferred film version isn’t clear. Also, the original National Velvet seems to be as popular as its much-later sequel, International Velvet. We got a vote for Mr. Ed, although it’s not a movie, and even one for the 1968 Disney curio The Horse in the Grey Flannel Suit. (While we’re at it, a couple of wise guys in our creative department nominated The Two Towers (2002/PG-13) from the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Mel Brooks’ foul-mouthed spoof Blazing Saddles (1974/R) as their favorites.)