SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100
Check Out Our Coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event!
Horse Entertainment

Horse Illustrated’s 30 Best Horse Books, Songs and Movies

Horse Illustrated lists some of the best in horse entertainment, from

30 Best Horse Books
Ask a group of horse people from anywhere across the country to talk about their favorite horses and you may be surprised to hear the same names mentioned again and again. Why? Because memories of horses we’ve read about in books can be almost as powerful as the ones we’ve encountered in real life. Misty, Mokey, The Pie, Ready Penny… If you’re not feeling nostalgic yet, then you’d better get down to your local library and check out some of the books we’ve chosen as all-time horsey classics.

30 Best Horse Movies
Since the days of the classic western movies, horses on the silver screen have inspired many a lifelong love affair with horses. Whether the equine actors have a starring role in the story or merely add to the appeal as supporting cast members, the horse movies on our list cover a wide range. Pass the popcorn, and enjoy!



30 Best Horse Songs

And while for equestrians, it’s horses that soothe our savage souls, music about horses—or that we pretend is about horses—is a close second. From classics like The Old Gray Mare  to songs about wild horses by supergroups like the Rolling Stones and U2, we’ve compiled a  list of horse songs that’s sure  to get you humming.

Abigail Boatwright

Abigail Boatwright is a freelance writer and photographer based in Texas, and is the editor of Horse Illustrated’s sister publication, Western Life Today.

View Comments

  • I'm happy you made a 30 best horse movie list. Now I can add movies that I did not know about to my collection. Thank you.

  • I am glad to see a mixture of both classics and contemporary, fictiona nd non-fiction included on your list:)

  • I'm glad you wrote this article. I have read, heard, and seen several of the books, movies, and songs. I was wondering in your 30 Best Horse Songs why don't you have "Happy Trais to You" by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans? I think that's one of the best horse songs I've heard. Anyway great article! Thanks!

  • I have to say the the book chooses are great,And the movies are to.I personaly perfer seabuiscuit,the movie.the record player I think is really cool!I mea it is not something that you woul see every day.

  • I agree on most of the movies but some of the movies i have not seen. the books i have not read but when i get time i will. as the music goes i only leason to country.

  • I think that horse Illustrated Is one of the best horse magazine ever .It has so many good facts in it that can save a horse live .It also has really tip about training Techniquess for horses.

  • It's really cool that you've added this page to the site. Now I can look for great horse books and movies when I run out!

  • for the movies i think the original my freind flika & thunderhead son of flika should be on there
    and the books i dont read anything unless it is about horses and my FAVORITE book in the world is COLT by: Nancy Springer

Recent Posts

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Recap and Results

Kentucky skies were finally blessed with bright sunshine all day for the conclusion of the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event…

24 hours ago

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

Stay up to date on the action from the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Find information about the event, including…

1 day ago

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Cross-Country Day

After a day of deluges on Friday, cross-country day dawned dry, gray, and very cold for late April, with a…

2 days ago

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day Two

Under threatening skies that provided on and off downpours and even some lightning, nobody could catch Germany’s Michael Jung on…

3 days ago

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day One

Day one of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L kicked off today at the Kentucky Horse Park in picturesque…

4 days ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Stella

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

6 days ago