Horse Documentaries
The horse movies post has been popular, so I decided to put together a list of horse documentaries too. For each film I added links to where they can be purchased on Amazon, along with their IMDB information & either a trailer or a clip of the film (where I could find them).
Horse Documentaries
Barbaro – A Nation’s Horse (2007)
Narrated by Bob Costas, this is the inspirational story of Barbaro & features interviews with his owner, trainer, vet & jockey as well as exclusive footage of some of his most famous races. Donations from each DVD sale go to the Barbaro Fund.
Brumby: Horse Run Wild (1998)
Horses were first brought to Australia 200 years ago and since then they have taken to the wild and adapted to their environment. This video discusses the Brumbys in Australia and the unique challenges they face there.
El Caballo: The Wild Horses of North America (2007)
Horses made their way to North America via Spanish explorers and eventually became the wild horses of America. This documentary discusses the encroaching development that is devouring the lands of the west and rapidly displacing the animals.
Horses of Gettysburg (2006)
Horses of the World (2005)
An entertaining educational film that explores the varied world of horses from Lipizzaner Stallions at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna to the equine animal in the modern circus.
Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments (2009)
Documents the greatest moments of one of the most well-known races in America The Kentucky Derby. With performances by War Admiral, Secretariat, Citation and Barbaro you’ll see some of the most famous horses to set foot on American racetracks.
Nature – Horses (1982)
One of a documentary series on nature, this is the horse edition. This is a box set with two videos, one illustrates three different riding disciplines such as dressage, cutting & polo. The other discusses the wild horses of Mongolia and stars Julia Roberts.
Paso Fino: The Natural Horse (2006)
Discusses the rich history, evolution and the modern day Paso Fino of Puerto Rico.
Riding the Icelandic Horse (1998)
Developed to help riders understand the gaits particular to the Icelandic horse and the different style used by Icelandic riders. Great for beginners or those interested in that specific breed.
Saddles & Silks – A Jockey’s Story (2005)
A look into the life of a Thoroughbred racing jockey, and incredibly demanding and dangerous career & one that doesn’t always end in the winner’s circle.
Seabiscuit – America’s Legendary Racehorse (2003)
A documentary that takes a closer look at those who loved & worked with Seabiscuit, his owner, trainer and jockey. Includes interviews and exciting race footage.
Seabiscuit – The Lost Documentary (1939)
The original documentary made in 1939 by Seabiscuit’s owner Charles Howard. The film follows the life of Seabiscuit from his birth to his training to some of his most legendary races.
The American Experience – Seabiscuit (2003)
This documentary was made in 2003 and tells the story of Seabiscuit, the horse who inspired a nation during the great depression. This film is more about the depression era & the Seabiscuit’s affect on the people of the US.
The First Saturday in May (2007)
The film follows the intertwining path of 6 racehorses & their trainers working towards the 2006 Kentucky Derby, (one of which is the legendary Barbaro). A look inside the lives of the trainers as they work their animals toward a common goal.
The Icelandic Horse (2008)
The Icelandic breed has remained totally pure for the last 1000 years, this is an animal with unique gaits and a great temper. This film discusses how they were key to Viking survival and have become a cornerstone of life in much of Iceland.
The Last Victory (2003)
A film about Tuscany’s Palio race, an 80 second bareback race that dates back to the middle ages. The district of Civetta hasn’t won a Palio in 23 years and this year the citizens have lucked upon a prize horse that is sure to make them proud.
The Little Horse That Could: The Connemara Stallion, Erin Go Bragh (1996)
A documentary about a Connemara stallion eventing horse named Erin Go Bragh & his owner Carol Kozlowski. It details everything from daily care, to training to the unfolding of actual events. For horse lovers of all ages.
The Royal Art of Riding (2006)
Filmed in Spain, Germany & Denmark with a soundtrack performed by the Royal Philharmonic of Denmark, this documentary takes a look at riding when it was more than just sport, it was an artform.
The Trail of Painted Ponies (2003)
The trail started as public art for charity in New Mexico when 118 artists put their mark on life-sized polyurethane horses sculpted by artist Star Liana. Since then the trail has spread across the US, with artists all over the country providing their horse vision.
The True Story of Hidalgo (2008)
Was the story of Hidalgo true? Frank T. Hopkins claims that his paint mustang Hidalgo won over 400 distance races & the 3000 mile Arabian Desert endurance race. The History Channel investigates his claims to find proof of his tale.
Wild Horse Redemption (2007)
Set in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, this documentary covers the use of inmates to break & train wild mustangs for adoption. This story follows the stories of both the inmates & the horses.
Win, Place, Show – The History of Horse Racing (2001)
An intense look at “The Sport of Kings” and some of the most famous racehorses ever to set hoof on the track. Provides a comprehensive look of racing over the years as well as examining the state of horse racing today.
Women in American Horse Racing (2007)
A documentary that delves into the world of females in the racing industry, featuring interviews with jockeys, executives, grooms & vets. Learn about how women worked their way onto the track, into the barns and on the horses of the racing world.
Know Something I Don’t?
There is no doubt that more horse documentaries exist & I will continue to add them as I find them. In the meantime, if anyone can recommend a good one, please leave it in the comments below.
Be sure to check out an even longer list of horse movies too.
2 Responses to “Horse Documentaries”
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I never thought that there are a lot of film about these horses..better check one of them out..
Thanks for another great list! My daughter is getting into racing (gulp) and I think I will order her the Women in American Horse Racing dvd for Xmas!
Good work! Tweeted it.
~DD