An Equestrian’s Top Ten Favorite Horse TV Shows
As an equestrian, I have always been enthralled by everything about horses. From horse books and video games to horse movies and TV shows, if it has horses – I’m interested! In this post, I have compiled a list of ten horse TV shows that equestrians of all ages can enjoy in the hours they spend away from the barn. From old classics to cartoons catering to younger equestrians, there is a horse TV show for every horse lover!
1. Heartland
Perhaps one of the most popular horse TV shows, and for good reason, Heartland is based on a book series following horse whisperer Amy Fleming. This epic saga follows Amy as she falls in love with horses following her mother’s death in a tragic accident.
With 14 seasons currently available and a 15th season in the works, Heartland provides hours of entertainment. Throughout the series, Amy Fleming and her friends work to build relationships with injured horses as they find them new homes.
Heartland is a family-friendly show that equestrians of all ages will enjoy with a wide range of storylines centered around horses.
Where to Watch Heartland
While there are currently 14 seasons of Heartland
2. Mister Ed
Mister Ed has long been considered an American classic. This nostalgic show follows a talking horse named Mister Ed and his owner Wilbur Post. This beautiful palomino will only talk to his owner, leading to countless comedic situations throughout the series.
Equestrians of all ages will enjoy all six seasons of this classic horse TV show that first aired in January 1961. Much like many other TV shows, Mister Ed is based on a series of short stories written in 1937 by Walter R. Brooks. Originally filmed in black and white, Mister Ed continues to provide laughs for equestrians and non-equestrians alike.
Where to Watch Mister Ed
As a classic show, Mister Ed is a bit harder to track down. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. The entire series is available to purchase on Amazon and is a great investment in my opinion!
3. The Adventures of Black Beauty
It would be nearly impossible to find a horse lover who has not heard of the story of Black Beauty written by Anna Sewell. The Adventures of Black Beauty, while not based on the book, provides a continuation of this classic tale.
The Adventures of Black Beauty continues to follow the stunning Thoroughbred mare through new adventures with James Gordon’s daughters. Another classic horse TV show, The Adventures of Black Beauty is a family-friendly show for horse lovers of all ages!
Where to Watch The Adventures of Black Beauty
Both seasons of The Adventures of Black Beauty are free to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
4. Ride
While not a classic horse TV show, Ride follows the story of equestrian Kit Bridges as she moves to England to attend an elite equestrian boarding school. While attending Covington Academy, Kit Bridges overcomes fears and gains confidence working with difficult horses.
Although Ride only went on to produce two seasons, the show suited for horse lovers of all ages. With good character progression and an engaging storyline, this show is certainly a favorite of many equestrians.
Where to Watch Ride
Ride is available for streaming through Amazon Prime Video.
5. Spirit Riding Free
Much different than the other horse TV shows on this list, Spirit Riding Free is a cartoon geared towards young horse lovers. Based on the popular movie Spirit, Spirit Riding Free continues to follow Lucy Prescott as she bonds with a wild mustang named Spirit.
Following the wild success of this horse TV show, a feature film based on the series called Spirit Untamed is scheduled for release in the summer of 2021. Now is the perfect time to enjoy this fun-filled series in anticipation of the release of this movie!
Where to Watch Spirit Riding Free
You can currently stream all 8 seasons of Spirit Riding Free on Netflix. It is also available on YouTube TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
6. Free Rein
Another horse TV show based on a book series, Free Rein follows the story of a Los Angeles teenager who spends her summer on an island off the coast of England. During her time in England, Zoe Phillips forms a strong bond with a horse named Raven.
This British television drama includes everything from adventure to friendship, drama, and plenty of suspense. A family-friendly show for horse lovers of all ages, Free Rein is a must-watch for equestrians.
Where to Watch Free Rein
All three seasons of Free Rein are available for streaming on Netflix.
7. The Saddle Club
Perhaps the most iconic of horse TV shows, you would be hard-pressed to find an equestrian who has not heard of The Saddle Club. Based on a book series written by Bonnie Bryant, The Saddle Club follows the story of three friends training at Pine Hollow Stables.
Throughout the three seasons of The Saddle Club, Lisa, Carole, and Stevie develop their passion for horses while dealing with the drama often present in stables. The classic TV show is well-suited for horse lovers of all ages.
Where to Watch The Saddle Club
You can watch seasons 1-3 of The Saddle Club on Netflix. Season one is also available on Amazon Prime Video.
8. Wildfire
Wildfire is an equestrian drama that follows the story of Kris Furillo as she readjusts to life following her time at a teen detention center. While at a family ranch called Raintree, Kris Furillo develops a special bond with a horse named Wildfire.
In this new environment, Kris faces many challenges as she forms new relationships and struggles to fit in. Wildfire is an engaging horse TV show. However, due to mature thematic elements, it is recommended for equestrians over the age of thirteen.
Where to Watch Wildfire
All four seasons of Wildfire are available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also watch the show on Tubi, YouTube TV, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.
9. The Adventures of The Black Stallion
Another classic equestrian tale, The Adventures of The Black Stallion is loosely based on the book series written by Walter Farley. Starring Mickey Rooney and Richard Ian Cox, The Adventures of The Black Stallion follows the story of Alec Ramsay, a fifteen-year-old horse racer.
After the death of his father at the beginning of the series, Alec must run Hopeful Farm with the help of his mother. Throughout the series, Alec races his stallion The Black through the racing circuit. Equestrians who are familiar with the story of The Black Stallion will enjoy this horse TV series.
Where to Watch The Adventures of The Black Stallion
You can stream all three seasons of The Adventures of The Black Stallion on Amazon Prime Video.
10. Horseland
Another horse TV show geared towards younger equestrians, Horseland is an animated series that follows the lives of a group of children at an equestrian school called Horseland. Throughout the series, the children participate in competitions and engaging adventures.
Horseland is a great series for children who are beginning to show interest in the world of horses. Older equestrians, however, will likely find the show a bit dull and childish.
Where to Watch Horseland
You can stream all three seasons of Horseland for free on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi. The series is also available on iTunes and Vudu.
Other Ways to Enjoy Horses When You’re Not At The Barn
Although many equestrians would love to spend every spare moment at the barn, this is often not possible. However, during your time away from the barn, there are plenty of ways to enjoy horses and the equestrian world.
One of the best ways to enjoy horses while you’re not at the barn is to spend time reading about horses. By educating yourself on certain techniques or breeds, you can better yourself as a rider and horse owner. Check out my article Horse Training Books: Top 10 Horse Training Books to Read.
However, if reading isn’t your thing, there are many other ways to immerse yourself in the world of horses. Another fun way to engage with the horse world is to find a horse video game that you enjoy! There are a wide variety of horse video games for various skill levels.
Of course, there are also many classic horse movies that are enjoyable for horse lovers of all ages. To learn some of my favorite horse movies, read my article 18 Greatest Horse Movies (Picked By An Equestrian.)
Not only are these activities enjoyable but they are also a great way to share your love for horses with the non-equestrians in your life.
In Conclusion
Watching a horse TV show is a great way to unwind after a long day at the barn. Do you have a favorite horse TV show that isn’t on this list? I’d love to hear about it! Share your favorite horse TV show or movie with me in the comments and maybe I’ll add it to the list!
P.S. Save this to your “Horse” board!
