As you develop a love for horses, you might find yourself thinking, ‘I care about horses not only when riding but also in everyday life…’ This article introduces some movies that horse enthusiasts will enjoy. If any catch your interest, be sure to watch them.
Sannou Agricultural High School Equestrian Club
Synopsis
This film is set at an actual high school in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. It depicts the daily lives of the members of the riding club, who are overwhelmed with caring for horses due to a shortage of members, and how their bond with the horses deepens.
The protagonist, Kanae, is a second-year high school student. The horse she cares for, Takara Cosmos (known as Cosmos), was a former racehorse but has become blind due to illness.
Dealing with a horse that is highly proud and also cautious because of its blindness is a challenge. Kanae struggles but continues to sincerely interact with Cosmos. Her efforts gradually earn Cosmos’s trust, and the horse begins to open up to her…
Highlights
Actress Fumone Nagabuchi, the daughter of singer Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, plays Kanae. This is her acting debut, and the director told her, ‘You don’t need to act in a conventional way.’ The film features a sincere and straightforward performance that resonates deeply.
While horses in films are often associated with battle scenes or historical stories, the realistic portrayal of Cosmos gradually trusting Kanae in daily life is remarkable. The image of riding as graceful is common, but the film realistically portrays the busy and demanding nature of the riding club’s activities.
Cosmos in the film is a real horse, and the story is largely based on true events. A documentary titled ‘The Famous Blind Horse Takara Cosmos,’ produced by Aomori Broadcasting, documents her birth and upbringing, and is available for viewing.
Dreams-Running Horse, Dreamer
Synopsis
This is based on the true story of Mariah’s Storm, a racehorse that was nearly euthanized due to a fracture but miraculously recovered to win a major race. The film explores her comeback story and the changes in the trainer’s family.
The racehorse Sonya Dore, a mare under intense expectation from those around her, is trained by the experienced trainer Ben. When Sonya Dore suffers a fracture during a race, Ben considers various ways to prevent her euthanasia…
Highlights
In Japan, it’s not uncommon for injured horses to be euthanized. The recent Tokyo Olympics also saw a classified event where an injured horse was euthanized, illustrating this harsh reality.
Horses are heavy animals that benefit from movement to maintain healthy blood circulation, and long periods of rest can be burdensome. However, in ‘Dreams-Running Horse, Dreamer,’ Sonya Dore and her trainer’s family work together to overcome adversity, inspiring tears. The evolving family relationships add another layer of emotional depth.
Embraced by the Winds of Montana
Synopsis
The protagonist, Grace, a girl, suffers a severe injury during horseback riding, losing the ability to walk. Her mother, however, learns about Montana’s renowned ‘Horse Whisperer,’ who heals both horses and humans. Initially resistant, Grace eventually agrees to visit Montana, where she and her horse, along with her mother, experience transformative change.
The story highlights the healing power of horses in a majestic natural setting and explores the evolving family relationships.
The original title is ‘Horse Whisperer,’ which refers to a person who communicates with horses not through force but through dialogue. Although dramatized, this approach emphasizes a meaningful way to engage with horses that is valuable in real life. For those interested in the true Horse Whisperer, a book titled ‘The Man Who Talks to Horses—The Life of World-Renowned Trainer Monty Roberts’ is highly recommended.
Secretariat
Synopsis
In this film, Helen, a housewife, inherits a ranch that breeds racehorses from her father. The ranch was struggling financially but she decides to take on this challenge. With the help of trainer Lucien, her perspective on the horse racing industry begins to change, and she becomes more involved.
The story is not about a horse’s rise but about Helen’s journey. The title ‘Secretariat’ is the name of a famous American Triple Crown winner, but the film is more about her life and growth than just racing achievements.
Although you may see horses running at racetracks, few people know much about the owners and management behind them. This movie offers an insightful glimpse into an unfamiliar world, and it is inspiring to see a woman toughing it out in a male-dominated industry back in the 1960s.