# Most spectacular horses in film. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 2, 2013, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278 "2013-05-02T00:48:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/41 "2013-05-03T00:41:44Z")
Yes! The team of white horses in Ben Hur were all splendid Arabians, a matched set. There is one magnificent white Arabian stallion separate from the others on a Turkish train that was derailed in Lawrence of Arabia. (horses were unhurt AFAIK) - it was snatched up right quick by the Anthony Quinn character as war spoils. I do love a dish-nosed Arabian horse (I drew them for hours, inspired by Marguerite Henry’s books) and a dapple gray one? I would sell my house and car to own one, lol! There is a movie about a circus starring Miss Joan Crawford, from the 60’s, where she struts about as ringmaster - “Berserk”? - and among the astonishing number of animal acts there is a team of jet black Spanish Friesians with long wavy manes and tails - just magnificent creatures. ---
**Author:** ![standingwave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/42 "2013-05-03T01:15:12Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > How did I forget Shadowfax, Gandalf’s horse (and Lord of All Horses) featured in “The Two Towers” and “Return of the King.” Opened this thread to nominate Shadowfax. Played an [Andalusian](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andalusian_horse) named ‘Blanco’ who even has his [own Facebook page](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lord-of-The-Rings-Shadowfax-star-horse-Blanco/115471305137956). 😃 More on Blanco here: [http://thehorsepedia.com/meet-shadow-fax-from-lord-of-the-ring/](http://thehorsepedia.com/meet-shadow-fax-from-lord-of-the-ring/) ---
**Author:** ![the\_diego](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/43 "2013-05-03T02:49:30Z")
No love for Silver? ---
**Author:** ![Ruffian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/71e660/32.png) [@Ruffian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruffian)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/44 "2013-05-03T03:14:01Z")
Cass Ole/The Black Stallion, Goliath/Ladyhawke, and Shadowfax/Lord of the Rings all come to mind. Seabiscuit amused me because the horse was so damn talkative–I figured that had to be Hollywood, right? Nope. Asking a horse community about this very chatty nature, several thoroughbred owners spoke up that their horses were as chatty as the one in the film. I was impressed by Hidalgo–and also impressed they used multiple horses. That horse has a very distinct overo coat pattern that had to be damn hard to replicate in the various incarnations. I was amused watching him untie himself, since [my boy can do the same thing](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ocWrmCfSAac/UXygHJ0dzdI/AAAAAAAAAl4/ikVN6Osl-sA/s400/IMG_5600.JPG). He’s either untying himself or [just chomping through the damn thing](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XcUvDYCu7iM/UX0puZAl2jI/AAAAAAAAAmY/TS93L-I2BQQ/s1600/IMG_5606.JPG). The relationship between the lead and his buckskin Cisco in Dances With Wolves is very touching, and very accurate, for me. You see how distinct their personalities are, and how they are very much your partner. I loved that horse not because he was a spectacular specimen (though he is nice), but because he is just a damn good horse. Since folks are requesting photos, I have to go with some of my recent finds. Anyone who doubts horses are competitive in races need to take a look at this photos–some horses get damn _pissed_ when another horse tries to pass them. Chompy chompy! [Exhibit A (a historically famous one)](http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/550x/87/03/1c/87031c32ff70178f79692d0d28f8491f.jpg) [Exhibit B](http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/550x/c5/21/0c/c5210c00b521f43833fc955a94e92173.jpg) [Exhibit C](http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/550x/b2/34/b8/b234b843a68e44b71926a939d762c0b2.jpg) And it’s not just racehorses. My 36" tall miniature mare OWNS my riding horse, who is more than quadruple her weight. When I turn them out together, she likes to lead him in the Race Around The Ring. Since her little legs just can’t cover the same ground his does, she cheats–she deliberately cuts corners to get ahead of him. If he gets too close, she pins her ears and snakes her neck at him, or kicks at him. He has learned to just contentedly canter behind her at a safe distance while she tangles up her legs in a flat run–decidedly in front of him. He knows she has teeth and hind legs, and isn’t afraid to use them. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/45 "2013-05-03T03:22:35Z")
I’m thankful this thread reminded me of Hidalgo – one of those movies that I didn’t really expect much from, and I was surprised at how terrific it was. And yes, great horses – it’s one of the best IMO of showing the personality of the horse – making him an actor rather than a prop. Another movie with a great horse character is _The Scalphunters_, Burt Lancaster holds conversations with his horse, and the horse and what it can do are pretty integral to the plot. ---
**Author:** ![Sahirrnee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sahirrnee/32/13937_2.png) [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/46 "2013-05-03T19:27:45Z")
> [@River\_Hippie](#): > > I’m not a horse guy. Don’t know much about them. I grew up near a lot of Amish and I’d occasionally see one pulling a buggy that looked the way I thought a horse outta look. Some of the big plow horses they use are quite eye catching when viewed up close. > So…tonight I’m watching a PBS show about the [Lippizan Stallions](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipizzan) and even I can appreciate how beautiful these beasts are. > So Horsey Folks, tell me about some horses from film or TV that are particularly magnificent and why they stand out to you. If you ever get a chance to see them for real do it. They are impressive. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/47 "2013-05-03T19:33:59Z")
I don’t see it mentioned and it’s just a brief appearance, but there’s a shot in _The Fisher King_ where the camera sort of swings from reality to Robin Williams’s hallucinations (set in Central Park, IIRC). What he sees is the terrifying Red Knight following them, and I remember being completely wowed/amazed at the horse they used. Very, very well done shot, IMHO. You just sort of slide over the edge into his madness, and back again. ETA: I guess he sees it several times; there are various clips on YouTube. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/48 "2013-05-03T19:48:39Z")
Not in any movie (that I know about), but I think the [Akhal-Teke](http://www.curiositiesbydickens.com/tag/akhal-teke/) is the most exotic horse I’ve ever seen by quite a margin. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2013, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/49 "2013-05-03T22:18:47Z")
> [@romansperson](#): > > Not in any movie (that I know about), but I think the [Akhal-Teke](http://www.curiositiesbydickens.com/tag/akhal-teke/) is the most exotic horse I’ve ever seen by quite a margin. Yes, that IS an unusual looking horse! Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2013, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/50 "2013-05-04T03:28:39Z")
For a visit to the uncanny valley of coat patterns allow me to submit the [zorse](http://www.lifeinthefastlane.ca/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/zorse.jpg) – a horse-zebra hybrid. [Paint zorse](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkVHlNaLwXg/TaLdeU0eghI/AAAAAAAACOc/A3-ANFxqJig/s1600/ZebraHorseEPA_600x517.jpg)! [Zonkey](http://grahamten.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/cross6.jpg)? ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2013, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/51 "2013-05-04T22:17:50Z")
> [@well\_he\_s\_back](#): > > The horses in the Lord of the Rings movies were very pretty horses, and the info on them in one of the many DVD features was interesting. Shadowfax could never live up to the description in the book though. Agreed. Viggo Mortensen bought his horse, Brego, from the studio at the end of the shoot. > [@Hampshire](#): > > **Most spectacular horses in film.** > > Did you see Sex and the City? And _Airplane!_ (can’t find that particular scene on YouTube, though, dammit). If you haven’t read it, I recommend Robert Lawson’s kids book _Mr. Revere and I_, written as if told by Paul Revere’s horse. Good history, some funny jokes, and Lawson’s usual beautiful illustrations. > **[Amazon.com: Mr. Revere and I: Being an Account of certain Episodes in the Career...](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Revere-Account-Episodes-Revealed/dp/0316517291)** > > Amazon.com: Mr. Revere and I: Being an Account of certain Episodes in the Career of Paul Revere,Esq. as Revealed by his Horse: 9780316517294: Lawson, Robert: Books ---
**Author:** ![TV\_time](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f17d59/32.png) [@TV\_time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TV_time)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/52 "2013-05-06T21:28:41Z")
> [@salinqmind](#): > > Yes! The team of white horses in Ben Hur were all splendid Arabians, a matched set. Yes, Yes, Yes! Not one, but four of the most beautiful horses you will ever see. The multiplication factor alone makes them spectacular! For television..I give you Trigger, Gene’s Champion, and Silver, but look at Matt’s mount in Gunsmoke (no, I’m not talking about Miss Kitty). That is nice horseflesh. Pre television, I might point to Tony the wonder horse. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/96bed5/32.png) [@Cat\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Jones)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/53 "2013-05-06T22:28:39Z")
> [@romansperson](#): > > Not in any movie (that I know about), but I think the [Akhal-Teke](http://www.curiositiesbydickens.com/tag/akhal-teke/) is the most exotic horse I’ve ever seen by quite a margin. It is and you’d wonder why anyone felt the need to ‘smudge’ the photo, original [here](http://cellar.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=35777&d=1323396634). ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/54 "2013-05-07T04:16:33Z")
Here’s my favorite horsey bit from LOTR: [- YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NllOWlaGPx4) ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/55 "2013-05-07T06:07:34Z")
> [@River\_Hippie](#): > > Thanks for all the input. I’ll have to watch The Black Stallion, I’ve never seen it. It’s one of my favorite movies. It really is stunning. It’s basically a silent film so you have to pay attention. Phar Lap was a great movie about a great horse. I don’t know if Another great animal movie is The Bear. ---
**Author:** ![Noel\_Prosequi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b19c9b/32.png) [@Noel\_Prosequi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noel_Prosequi)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/56 "2013-05-07T11:57:48Z")
**papsett** has mentioned The Man From Snowy River. Spectacular cinematography, if a slightly corny story. Scenes of wild horses charging in slow motion through snow are strikingly beautiful. And there is a scene where a horse is ridden pell-mell down a steep incline that is very impressive. ---
**Author:** ![Noel\_Prosequi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b19c9b/32.png) [@Noel\_Prosequi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noel_Prosequi)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/57 "2013-05-07T12:06:39Z")
Here someone has matched excerpts from the MFSR with a recitation of the poem on which it is based. Youtube doesn’t do justice to the cinematography, but you get an idea. > **[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/?app=desktop)** > > Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. ---
**Author:** ![jayrey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/47e85d/32.png) [@jayrey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayrey)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/58 "2013-05-07T20:49:31Z")
> [@Silence\_Lenore](#): > > Clint Eastwood always seemed to ride the most beautiful horses in his movies. One had a dapple grey horse, maybe the movie where he protects some miners, that was just gorgeous. > The white stallion on the train in Lawrence of Arabia is beautiful too. I love the scene where it leaps off the train and goes galloping off with Anthony Quinn. I think that movie is called Pale Rider. And the horse Clint rides in Outlaw Josey Wales is incredible. I detest Sandra Locke but have endured her assinine performance in that movie over and over again just to see that amazingly beautiful horse. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/59 "2013-05-07T21:04:44Z")
> [@romansperson](#): > > Not in any movie (that I know about), but I think the [Akhal-Teke](http://www.curiositiesbydickens.com/tag/akhal-teke/) is the most exotic horse I’ve ever seen by quite a margin. That _is_ exotic. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278/60 "2013-05-07T21:30:22Z")
This thread won’t be complete without [this beauty](https://www.google.com/search?q=what%27s+opera,+doc?&client=firefox-a&hs=GVB&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=X3GJUYWHLcWdyQGCkIBo&ved=0CFsQsAQ&biw=1129&bih=1145#client=firefox-a&hs=aCW&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=what%27s+opera%2C+doc%3F+horse&oq=what%27s+opera%2C+doc%3F+horse&gs_l=img.3..0.62309.63370.0.63844.6.6.0.0.0.0.79.453.6.6.0...0.0...1c.1.12.img.u8ufJtohgIk&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.46226182,d.aWc&fp=10725baf5d17c046&biw=1129&bih=1145). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-spectacular-horses-in-film/657278.md?page=4)