Top 10 Movies/Shows For Your Inner “Horse Girl”

Horse girls have been a common audience for family-friendly horse movies. In fact, many horse films and shows focus on a horse girl dynamic where a young child builds a bond with a horse.

While animal and human relationships are seen with many dog movies, such as Old Yeller, Homeward Bound, and Marley and Me, horse films narrow in on a niche population of equine enthusiasts. Here is a look at ten movies and television shows that come packed with horse girl energy.

10 Racing Stripes (2005)

This 2005 movie is an underdog story about a girl and her zebra as they learn to overcome their fears and race against thoroughbred racehorses. This quirky, fun-loving film is voiced by an all-star cast. Not only does Bruce Greenwood and Hayden Panettiere star in the film, Frankie Muniz voices Stripes, David Spade voices Scuzz, Mandy Moore voices Sandy, and Snoop Dogg, voices Lightning, with Lightning’s iconic line, “If that’s a racehorse, then I’m D-O double-G, baby.”

9 Albion: The Enchanted Stallion (2016)

Albion: The Enchanted Stallion is about a stallion horse that transports a twelve-year-old girl to a fantasy realm. It is in this fantasy land that this young girl must save the people from an evil ruler.

While the film’s plot is tired, the setting, CGI, and costuming choices are idyllic and fun to watch. The magical horse is also a Friesian, which is a breed known for its majesty. Avery Arendes, Stephen Dorff, Johnny Sequoyah, and Daniel Sharman star in this 2016 film.

8 Horseland (2006-2008)

This animated televisions series ran from 2006 to 2008 and centered on a trio of girls who loved horses. David Kalis, Dana Donlan, and Wendy K. Gray are all voice actors of the show.

Some of the conflicts in the show are human-related, like the dynamics of friendships, conversations of social class, and overcoming perceptions of others. However, most of the conflicts that arise in the show are paired with that of owning a horse, such as caring for a sick horse, what to do when your horseback riding confidence falters, how to adjust to riding at a new facility or boarding a horse at a new facility, and how to be a good sport in the competitive world whether you win or lose.

This is a very similar show to Netflix’s Spirit Riding Free. If viewers enjoy the modern international of Spirit, they will enjoy the three seasons of Horseland. 

7 Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story (2005)

Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, and Oded Fehr star in this 2005 film inspired by a true racehorse story, as the film’s title suggests. One of Dakota Fanning’s first films, Dreamer follows a young girl who is on a personal quest to help her father rehabilitate an injured racehorse whose name is Sonador, which roughly translates to “Dreamer.”

The horse that the film was inspired by was Mariah’s Storm. Mariah’s Storm was a promising thoroughbred filly that shattered her cannon bone while in line to race at the Breeder’s Cup.

Dakota Fanning was nominated for the Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actress in 2006.

6 Free Rein (2017-)

The show uses the bond between horse and human as a bildungsroman (coming-of-age) tool to help 15-year-old Zoe navigate her teenage years and learn life lessons. This Netflix show is a must-watch for its target audience because it shows storylines that can be applicable and relatable to teenagers. Freddy Carter, Jaylen Barron, Celine Buckens, and Manpreet Bambra star in this binge-worthy Netflix Original.

Note: This 2017 series is not to be confused with a 2014 show of the same name.

5 Ride Like A Girl (2019)

Teresa Palmer, Sam Neill, and Sullivan Stapleton star in this 2019 movie about the real-life jockey, Michelle Payne (played by Palmer). The film follows Payne’s legacy of not only racing at the Melbourne Cup, but also winning.

This motivational film is highly inspiring for not only horse girls but female athletes alike. This 2019 film can be found on Amazon Prime.

4 Heartland (2007-)

Heartland, created in 2007 for television, is a multigenerational narrative that focuses on both the positives and the trying times of this Canadian family. The television show was inspired by the chapter book series of the same name. This highly successful show has over 200 episodes and counting made up over 13 seasons. Amber Marshall, Shaun Johnston, and Graham Wardle star in this horsey drama. Be prepared with a box of tissues, because the trying times of this family can be rather difficult to watch.

3 Rodeo & Juliet (2015)

The 2015 film, Rodeo & Juliet doubles as both a horse movie and also a romantic Christmas film. City girl turned barrel racer, Juliet Rogers follows the classic tale of falling in love with cowboy Monty, while their parents argue over old familial squabbles. Krista Allen, Tim Abell, and Nadine Crocker star in this modern iteration of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. 

2 Spirit Riding Free (2017-)

A modern iteration of Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmaron,  Netflix’s Spirit Riding Free is the perfect television show for little, horse-crazy girls. This show centers on the adventures of Lucky, a former city slicker turned country girl, her friends, Abigail and Pru, and a famous wild stallion, Spirit.

Amber Frank, Bailey Gambertoglio, Sydney Park are voice actors for this show.

1 Secretariat (2010)

Based on the real-life racing legend and the owner that would not give up, Secretariat is a true hero’s journey narrative that follows the birth of a horseracing legend and his fierce owner, Penny Chenery (played by Diane Lane). Of the many records broken, this horse not only was the first racer to win the Triple Crown in 25 years, he also won the Blemont Stakes placing by 31 lengths ahead of the horse behind him.

John Malkovich and Margo Martindale star alongside Diane Lane in this equestrian film.

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