Every horse lover has their favorite horse movie moment. As horse people we are drawn to all things horses, and rarely will we pass up an opportunity to watch one on a big screen for two hours.
That said, here are the first two of my four favorite horse movies and the moments that make them special to me.
The Man From Snowy River
One of my all time favorite movies is The Man From Snowy River. Not only is it full of breathtaking scenery and wild horses, but the story makes it a good watch. Fellow fans of the movie know which scene is my favorite without even reading this.
The horse action is pounding throughout the movie. But the absolute best part is the most pivotal moment, when the group of Brumby-chasing cowboys pull up as they come to an almost vertical hillside. There is silence, then suddenly the kid Jim appears at a full out gallop on his mountain horse and they don’t stop at the edge, in fact they don’t even slow down.
In a moment of pure poetic fearlessness, they plunge over the edge and proceed to gallop down the side of an almost vertical face. What a rush it is to watch, even in slow motion. (skip directly to 2 min 15 sec to see the goods).
The Black Stallion
Another horse flick celebrated for it’s brilliant imagery is The Black Stallion, any horse lover worth their oats knows this one.
Based on Walter Farley’s fiction series about a Black Arabian stallion and his boy, this movie does a great job evoking the emotion of a bond forced through mutual misfortune. An unlikely bond between a child and a wild animal.
Much to the delight of Farley’s fans everywhere, Frances Ford Coppela achieved his goal and the book was aptly translated to screen. Being a fan of the Black Stallion series I was transfixed by the beauty of his vision.
It is difficult to pinpoint a specific moment of the movie as superior to the rest. However, the most breathtaking scenes were on the island as the unusual friendship developed between the boy and the stallion. My favorite being the scene when the horse first accepts Alec’s offering of a turtle shell full of seaweed on the beach. It is quite beautiful in a sad, deserted island way. (skip directly to 3 min 40 sec to see the goods).
Be sure to learn more about these two amazing breeds, the Arabian & the Australian Stock Horses. Also, you’re not done yet, be sure to take a look at The Coolest Horse Moments Pt. 2
Two, unbelievable movies… loved them both. lets see how well secretariat turns out.
just watched the pivotal part of ‘snowy river’…Mannnnn–he was practically lyin on that horse’s bk when they were goin down the mountainside-EEck!!! No Fear in either him—LOVE IT!!! Balls of steel i say, no doubt about it!!! What a Ride……………
These two movies would also be my picks for “best horse scene” but the Black Stallion scene I would pick is the one shot underwater for the first mount that then emerges at a gallop with the rising music. Awesome!