The Coolest Horse Moments on Film Pt. 2

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 last two of my four favorite horse movies and the moments that make them special to me.

Seabiscuit

A great movie for horse lovers of all ages, the story of Seabiscuit is one of triumph in a time when the United States needed something to believe in. He was awkward, lazy and not so easy on the eyes, but boy could he run.

Beautifully directed and well cast, Seabiscuit does a great job of translating the thoroughbred’s life journey onto film. Most of us are suckers for the underdog and Seabiscuit was definitely that, along with his pal Red Pollard, his half-blind jockey.

By far the best scene was the match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral, a race that Charles Howard worked hard to make happen. Consequently it was a race that had the American people holding their breath.

I have to admit to getting the chills as I watch that part of the movie. If you liked the movie version, you’ll love the real deal.

Hidalgo

Hidalgo is a great adventure flick. Those of you that earned an appreciation for Viggo Mortensen after Lord of the Rings will like him even more for his obvious connection with the horse as well as his actual horsemanship.

Another underdog story, Hidalgo is about Frank Hopkins and his mustang named Hidalgo. He is a pony express rider who is offered the chance to race in the Ocean of Fire, a 3,000 mile survival race across the Arabian desert. His entry is notable because this race is generally reserved only for horses of the purest Arabian bloodlines.

The whole movie will keep you at the edge of your seat, and perhaps the relationship between Frank and Hidalgo will make you sniffle too.

However the best scene (I know plenty of you will think it is the sandstorm), but I don’t think so. I think it is the start of the race. Partially because I can imagine how palpable the electricity in the air was at that moment, even while filming; and partially because the little multicolored Hidalgo looks so out of place alongside all of those sleek Arabian animals.

Be sure to learn more about these two amazing breeds, the mighty American Mustang & the sleek, swift Thoroughbred. Also go take a look at pt. 1 for some more great horse movie moments.