7 Horse Documentaries for Horse Lovers

Documentaries About Horses

Lazy day on the couch and in the mood for a documentary? Whether you’re an avid equestrian or just simply love being around horses, we’ve compiled a list of horse documentaries to keep you entertained. With the plethora of streaming services and horse documentaries out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s worth the watch. Luckily, we’ve watched just about all of the horse documentaries to help speed up the process for you. Documentaries are a great way to learn about other disciplines and gain awareness regarding important equine matters. They’re also much more personal than movies, taking viewers behind the scenes while providing a first-person, candid perspective of special moments and events.

From lighthearted to eye-opening and educational, we’re certain you’ll enjoy this selection of horse documentaries.

1. Harry & Snowman

Runtime: 84 minutes

9x US film festival award winner, “Harry & Snowman” tells the story of riding instructor Harry DeLeyer and the grey plough horse saved from slaughter, turned show-jumping legend, known as Snowman. Grab a box of tissues and get ready to experience all the feels. Told by 85-year-old DeLeyer himself, this documentary showcases incredible archived footage and does a wonderful job of conveying the emotional bond between horse and rider from the moment he first saw the grey to the moment he put him to rest… and that last part is truly heart-wrenching. If you are someone who has recently lost a loved one, fast-forward through Snowman’s final minutes. But don’t let that keep you from watching the rest of the film! It’s a must watch with a beautiful story that will make you appreciate what you have a little more. Life is short. Hug your horse.

2. 500 Miles

Runtime: 37 minutes

Statistics show that 20% of veterans suffering from PTSD develop drug and alcohol addictions, and 22 commit suicide every day. 500 Miles is a moving short film about Heroes and Horses, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that trains wild mustangs—captured by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) —and re-purposes them into an innovative program that helps veterans suffering from the psychological and physical wounds of combat. Watch as mustangs and veterans make the 500-mile journey through New Mexico and Arizona. You won’t regret it.

3. Buck

Runtime: 90 minutes

2011 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner for best U.S. Documentary, “Buck” tells the story of American horse trainer and real-life horse whisperer Buck Brannaman, the man who inspired the character of “Tom Booker” in the Nicholas Evans novel, “The Horse Whisperer,” and later served as the primary equine consultant for the 1995 movie of the same name, working alongside actor and director Robert Redford. Follow Brannaman as he works with horsemen and women of all ages and disciplines and speaks of the childhood abuse he endured at the hands of his father. The link he makes between his past and his unique ability to help horses is what makes this documentary so amazing. A lesson in empathy, self-awareness, trust and respect, “Buck” is a must watch not just for horse lovers, but for anyone looking to become a better human being.

4. True Appaloosa

Runtime: 84 minutes

A 2015 EQUUS Film Festival official selection, True Appaloosa follows Scott Engstrom, a fiery 69-year-old horsewoman and Appaloosa breeder, on a quest to prove the true origins of the breed and save them from disappearing. This well-made documentary’s compelling imagery rivals that of NatGeo and its passionate protagonist will inspire you to get out and do more.

5. Heavy Horsepower

Runtime: 45 minutes

A British documentary all about the working horse. Presenter Martin Clunes starts the film off by introducing his two Clydesdales, Ronnie and Bruce, who are currently in training to become working horses on his farm, and then takes viewers to various farms where horses tend to the land, vineyards, the ocean and more. Years ago, humans depended on the horse to do the “heavy lifting,” but modern machinery and technology has fazed them out. Today, many believe the usefulness of the horse is a thing of the past. This film presents a solid argument for why, now more than ever, the working horse is the future.

6. Wild Horse, Wild Ride

Runtime: 106 minutes

Made to help promote the adoption of wild mustangs, Wild Horse Wild Ride follows 100 mustangs and 100 horse trainers as they partake in the Extreme Mustang Makeover Challenge. The goal: to tame the wild mustang in just 100 days. Get a glimpse into the world of different trainers as they explain a little bit about their lives, methods of training, and love for horses.

7. From The Kill Pen

Runtime: 76 minutes

You’re probably wondering why this sort of film has a place on a list for horse lovers. The short answer: because it’s important. Every day, American horses are shipped across the borders to foreign slaughterhouses. The only way to bring about change is to build awareness. From The Kill Pen is an eye-opening documentary that casts hard light on the institutionalized slaughter pipeline that takes the lives of thousands of American horses each year. It’s the ‘Blackfish’ for America’s horses. It’s unbiased, fact-driven without unwarranted violence, and it intelligently exposes the truth: overbreeding and a tainted meat industry.

This article was written by Lauren Lima and originally published in the Summer 2019 issue of Thoroughbred Today Magazine. Photo by Dylan Nolte.