Although we certainly wish we could spend every waking moment with our horse, this is simply not reality. Everyone needs a chance to relax, including the most dedicated equestrians! As horse lovers, we have a tendency to immerse ourselves in the equine world. Documentaries and films about horses can be a great way to enjoy some downtime while learning about the fascinating world that we love so dearly.

Whether you are looking to learn more about your equine companion or simply needing a relaxing evening after a long day at the barn, we are certain that you will enjoy these eight great horse documentaries.

Best Documentaries About Horses for Equestrians

While there are certainly countless films and movies about horses, there is something special about watching a true story play out in front of you on the big screen. Watching a tale about a horse and their rider come to life is a great way to learn more about equine culture and history. From educational documentaries to light-hearted tales, there is a horse documentary that every equestrian can enjoy. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Wild Horse, Wild Ride

Wild Horse, Wild Ride documents the annual Extreme Mustang Makeover Challenge held in Fort Worth, Texas. This exciting and challenging event involves 100 people training a wild Mustang in only 100 days. Ask any equestrian and they will be quick to share that that is quite the feat!

We love this documentary as it perfectly portrays the powerful bond that can quickly form between a horse and its human. Watch in awe as professional and amateur equestrians exhibit the patience and dedication required to train a horse, especially one of this caliber.

You will leave this documentary feeling inspired, your passion for horses reignited.

Where to Watch Wild Horse, Wild Ride

Wild Horse, Wild Ride is available for free on Amazon Prime Video. You can also watch this incredible documentary on Tubi, Vudu, Sling TV, YouTube, and Google Play.

2. Unbranded

Unbranded follows the story of four men as they journey 3,000 miles from Mexico to Canada with sixteen Mustangs in two. However, these aren’t just any Mustangs. The sixteen Mustangs that accompanied these four Texans on their trek were adopted from the wild and trained before their journey. The primary goal of this inspiring trek was to inspire equestrians to adopt one of the many horses and burros currently held in government captivity through the Bureau of Land Management.

We love the beautiful rugged scenery of the American West found throughout this film as well as the accurate portrayal of the Mustang breed. You will find this film to be motivating and eye-opening.

Where to Watch Unbranded

Unbranded is available for free on YouTube and Amazon Prime Video. You can also view this documentary on Tubi and iTunes.

3. Chasing the Win

We all love watching an underdog rise to the top. This is exactly the story that is portrayed in Chasing the Win. This uplifting documentary follows a long time horse owner, an inexperienced horse trainer, and their racehorse. Through their rise to the top, we learn that dreams really come true.

Equestrians in the horse racing industry will find that this documentary accurately portrays both the challenges and rewards of this lifestyle.

Whether you are a longtime lover of horses or just looking to learn more about the horse racing industry, we guarantee that you will enjoy this inspirational film.

Where to Watch Chasing the Win

Chasing the Win is available for free on Amazon Prime Video. It is also available for viewing on Tubi, YouTube, and Vudu.

4. Horses by National Geographic

National Geographic is known for its many beautifully-shot documentaries and Horses certainly fits this description. This documentary is not aimed solely at equestrians. Because of this, you may find some information to seem quite basic. However, it provides an excellent reminder of the many reasons why horses are such fantastic creatures.

Additionally, it is a great documentary to share with new equestrians or young horse lovers. Horses is just one of many horse documentaries by National Geographic. After watching this incredible documentary, be sure to check out their other horse documentaries on more specific topics.

Where to Watch Horses by National Geographic

Horses by National Geographic is available for free on YouTube here.

5. Buck

Most equestrians are acquainted with the name Buck Brannanam. This documentary follows the heart wrenching and incredible life story of the now-famous horse whisperer. Buck Brannanam bases his training philosophy on important lessons learned throughout his childhood. As a victim of an abusive childhood, Brannanam communicates with horses not through punishment but through sympathy and respect.

Inspiration for the novel and movie, “The Horse Whisperer”, this incredible documentary shares Buck Brannanam’s road to success. We appreciate the honest look at the close relationship between Buck Brannanam and the horses with which he works.

Where to Watch Buck

Buck is available for viewing on Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, YouTube, Google Play, and iTunes.

6. The Horse With the Flying Tail

The Horse With the Flying Tail documents the heartwarming journey of a horse named Nautical. A palomino horse with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred bloodlines, Nautical was an odd choice for an Olympic racing horse.

Known for his unique behavior of raising his tail in the air as he jumped, Nautical quickly became a favorite on the United States Equestrian Team, eventually winning an Olympic gold medal in team showjumping.

The Horse With the Flying Tail on Best Documentary at the 33rd Academy Awards, a well-deserved accolade. If you are looking for a feel-good film that will leave you feeling inspired, we recommend giving this one a try.

Where to Watch The Horse With the Flying Tail

The Horse With the Flying Tail is available for viewing on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, YouTube, Vudu, and Google Play.

7. Harry & Snowman

Harry & Snowman is a true Cinderella story following the tale of an $80 rescue horse turned champion showjumper. The true story of Dutch immigrant Harry deLeyer, Harry & Snowman in an inspirational tale of friendship, courage, and fighting against the odds.

Throughout this documentary, we get an inside peek into the journey of Snowman, an Amish plow horse that was quickly headed to a glue factory. After a heartwarming rescue and several years of hard work, Harry & Snowman beat the top jumpers in the nation, winning the Triple Crown in showjumping.

This shocking and inspirational story is one that everyone will enjoy, regardless of their involvement in the equestrian community.

Where to Watch Harry & Snowman

Harry & Snowman is available for free on Tubi, Vudu, and Pluto TV. It is also available on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Google Play.

8. Equus: Story of the Horse

Have you ever wished for a complete overview of the history of horses? Equus: Story of the Horse follows this incredible story through a series of episodes. From different horse breeds around the world and how they continue to adapt to new environments, you will leave this documentary in awe of our equine companions.

This documentary mini-series covers 11 countries on 3 continents as we seek to uncover the origin of man’s relationship with the horse. This film is great for experienced equestrians and new horse lovers alike as it inspires a greater appreciation for this incredible species.

Where to Watch Equus: Story of the Horse

Equus: Story of the Horse is available for viewing on Amazon Prime Video.

In Conclusion

Whether you are a longtime equestrian or a casual horse lover, you are sure to learn from and enjoy the horse documentaries shared on this list. Of course, these are only a few of the many great films and documentaries on our favorite subject, the horse. Do you have a favorite horse documentary that wasn’t included in our list? Be sure to share it with us in the comments! We are always looking for new and exciting ways to learn about the history and origin of our equine companions.

Top 8 Horse Documentaries You Need To Watch