5 Horsey Films Every Equestrian Should Watch
1. National Velvet (1944)
An oldie but goodie! If you haven’t seen it before you should definitely watch this Oscar-winning film set in England in the 1920s, about a young girl called Velvet Brown (Elizabeth Taylor), who first wins a horse in a local raffle and then seeks the help of a former jockey to take him to the Grand National. Based on a book of the same name. Prepare to fall in love with this gorgeous chestnut gelding as Velvet canters him through fields and leaps him over hedges.
Where to watch? I haven’t been able to find this movie on the likes of Netflix, Prime or Apple TV in the UK, but you can buy the DVD on Amazon (prices vary).
2. International Velvet (1978)
This is one of my favourite films of all time! Starring Tatum O’Neal, Nanette Newman, Christopher Plumber and Anthony Hopkins, it’s the sequel to National Velvet and another heart-warming story — this time about Velvet’s orphaned niece Sarah, who comes to England, falls in love with riding and goes on to compete in the Olympics. The cast and acting is fabulous, the music beautiful and the scenery captivating (much of the filming took place in Devon, the UK).
Where to watch? As with National Velvet, this one was hard to track down, but you can buy the DVD on Amazon (prices vary).
3. The Horse Whisperer (1998)
Most us may have seen this already, but I feel like no horse-movie list would be complete without The Horse Whisperer (and it surely deserves a re-watch?) Personally I would have preferred more horsey scenes and less romance, but I find the film does a good job of depicting a tragic riding accident and the impact it has on a young rider, her horse and her mother. Great acting from a young Scarlett Johanssen. Robert Redford is pretty good too, and the Montana scenery is spectacular. Based on the book by Nicolas Evans.
Where to watch? Rent in the UK on Prime Video or Apple TV for £3.49.
4. Hidalgo (2004)
I only recently watched this film based on the legend of long distance rider Frank T. Hopkins and his mustang Hildago, and have to say I really enjoyed it. Starring Viggo Mortensen (Lord of the Rings), Zuleikha Robinson and Omar Sharif, the movie follows Hopkins and Hidalgo as they persevere in a gruelling 3,000-mile race across the desert against the best Arabian horses and their Bedouin riders. It’s just what you’d expect of a Hollywood action film except the horse, not the man, is the hero.
Where to watch? Rent in the UK on Prime Video or Apple TV for £3.49.
5. Ride Like A Girl (2019)
This is a great watch for anyone who is in need of some inspiration. An Australian biographical drama starring Teresa Palmer and Sam Neill, it tells the true story of Michelle Payne, the youngest of 10 children, who in 2015 became the first female rider to win the Melbourne Cup, despite facing odds of 100 to 1. It’s a horsey film yes, but also one about family and recovery from injury. And, it’s a particularly good lesson for female equestrians, showing us that success is possible with a little faith in ourselves and our horses. Be prepared to shed a few tears.
Where to watch? Rent in the UK on Prime Video or Apple TV for £3.49.
