Top 10 Horse TV Shows for Kids: Gallop into Fun

Last updated: May 11, 2023

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

When my grandchildren spend the night, we often cozy up on the couch and watch horse shows together. They know all the good ones by heart, so I wanted to share them with you. Plus, I found a few others to add to their list. These are all tried and true, cowboy and cowgirl approved.

Horses have a certain charm that captures the hearts of both young and old, making them perfect for children’s television. The shows on this list feature adorable horses, exciting adventures, and valuable life lessons that kids can relate to. As a proud grandparent, I know how important it is to find quality entertainment for our little ones.

So saddle up and join me on this fun journey as we explore the top 10 horse TV shows for kids. Each show has its unique appeal, but they all share one thing in common: a love for horses and the joy they bring to our lives. Get ready to discover new favorites and create lasting memories with your little cowboys and cowgirls.

1. Spirit Riding Free

Embark on the exciting journey of Lucky, a spirited city girl who relocates to the quaint town of Miradero. In her new surroundings, Lucky forms an extraordinary bond with Spirit, a wild Mustang with a strong and independent spirit. Together with her new friends Pru and Abigail, Lucky and Spirit embark on thrilling adventures, discovering the true meaning of friendship, loyalty, and courage along the way.

• Target age group: 6-12 years
• Key characters: Lucky, Spirit, Pru, Abigail, and their horses
• Moral and educational lessons: Friendship, teamwork, responsibility, and respect for animals
• Where to watch/stream: Netflix

2. Free Rein

Dive into the captivating tale of Zoe, a teenage girl from Los Angeles who travels to a remote English island to spend her summer. There, she discovers her passion for horses and begins training to become a showjumper with a mysterious horse named Raven. As Zoe faces the challenges of her new environment, she forms strong bonds with the island’s locals, including Jade, Becky, and Marcus. Together, they embark on thrilling adventures and uncover secrets, all while learning about trust, courage, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.

• Target age group: 8-14 years
• Key characters: Zoe, Raven the horse, Jade, Becky, and Marcus
• Moral and educational lessons: Self-discovery, courage, friendship, and embracing change
• Where to watch/stream: Netflix

3. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Discover the enchanting world of ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,’ a delightful animated series that follows the adventures of magical pony friends. Join Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy as they explore the vibrant land of Equestria. Through their exciting escapades, they learn the true power of friendship, kindness, and empathy. With its colorful and captivating characters, this heartwarming cartoon series inspires young viewers to cherish the bonds they form with others.

• Target age group: 4-10 years
• Key characters: Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy
• Moral and educational lessons: Friendship, kindness, empathy, and problem-solving
• Where to watch/stream: Netflix and Hulu

4. Horseland

Welcome to Horseland, an enchanting animated series that follows a group of kids and their talking horses as they embark on imaginative adventures. Inspired by the popular AOL game Horseland Junior, the show is set on a picturesque horse ranch where young riders learn about competition, compassion, and caring for animals. Through engaging, fantasy-inspired storylines, children are introduced to valuable life lessons and the importance of nurturing the special bond between humans and their equine companions.

• Target age group: 6-12 years
• Key characters: Sarah, Alma, Molly, Will, and their horses
• Moral and educational lessons: Competition, compassion, and caring for animals
• Where to watch/stream: Tubi and Amazon Prime

Here is a YouTube video about Horseland.

5. Spirit Riding Free: Pony Tales

Experience the magic of ‘Spirit Riding Free: Pony Tales,’ a delightful collection of music videos and short episodes that captures the fun and adventure of the beloved Spirit Riding Free series. Join Lucky and her friends, Pru and Abigail, as they embark on exciting new escapades with their loyal horses. This vibrant compilation showcases the camaraderie, courage, and joy that lie at the heart of ‘Spirit Riding Free,’ while presenting young viewers with entertaining stories filled with catchy tunes, laughter, and heartwarming moments.

• Target age group: 3-7 years
• Key characters: Lucky, Spirit, Pru, Abigail, and their horses
• Moral and educational lessons: Friendship, self-confidence, perseverance, and creative problem-solving
• Where to watch/stream: YouTube and Kidoodle.TV

6. The Saddle Club

Based on the popular book series, The Saddle Club follows three aspiring equestrians at Pine Hollow Stables. Stevie’s impulsiveness, Carole’s family tragedy, and Lisa’s overachieving ways create challenges. However, their love of horses and strong friendship help them overcome obstacles, including a rivalry with the spoiled Veronica.

• Target age group: 8-12 years
• Key characters: Stevie, Carole, and Lisa
• Moral and educational lessons: Teamwork, perseverance, empathy, and responsibility
• Where to watch/stream: Amazon Prime and YouTube

7. Mia and Me

Mia, a 12-year-old at a new boarding school, receives a magical book and bracelet, transporting her to the storybook world, Centopia. Becoming a flying elf, she gains the ability to talk to unicorns. Tasked with saving unicorns from an evil queen, Mia joins forces with elven warriors Mo and Yuko, who are also devoted to protecting the mystical creatures.

• Target age group: 5-10 years
• Key characters: Mia, Mo, Yuko, Onchao, and Lyria
• Moral and educational lessons: Friendship, courage, loyalty, and problem-solving
• Where to watch/stream: Netflix

8. Pony Sitters Club

Skye, a spirited girl living on her family’s ranch, creates a club with friends to care for the animals, including their neighbors’ ponies. Join their exciting adventures as they learn about responsibility, friendship, and teamwork while nurturing their passion for horses and fostering unbreakable bonds.

1. Target age group: 6-11 years
2. Key characters: Skye, Shelby, Trish, and their fellow Pony Sitters
3. Moral and educational lessons: Responsibility, compassion, problem-solving, and the importance of friendship
4. Where to watch/stream: Netflix

9. Wildfire

Immerse yourself in the captivating story of ‘Wildfire,’ which follows the journey of Kris, a troubled teen who discovers her love for horses while working on a ranch. As she finds solace in the company of these horses, Kris forms strong friendships and starts to rebuild her life. Amidst the challenges of her past and navigating the competitive world of horse racing, she learns valuable lessons. This heartfelt series showcases the transformative power of human-horse connections and the resilience of the human spirit

1. Target age group: 10-14 years
2. Key characters: Kris, Junior, Matt, Dani, and Wildfire the horse
3. Moral and educational lessons: Redemption, personal growth, trust, and overcoming adversity
4. Where to watch/stream: Amazon Prime and Tubi

J. Barbie & Her Sisters in a Pony Tale

1. “Barbie & Her Sisters in a Pony Tale”: Barbie and her sisters embark on an exciting adventure at a horse academy, making new friends and discovering a mysterious wild horse.
2. Target age group: 4-8 years
3. Key characters: Barbie, Skipper, Stacie, Chelsea, and their horses
4. Moral and educational lessons: Family, friendship, courage, and the importance of self-belief
5. Where to watch/stream: Netflix and YouTube

10. Ride

This engaging Nickelodeon series follows Kit, an American teenager, as she moves to England and joins an elite equestrian boarding school. Through thrilling adventures, Kit overcomes challenges, adapts to her new environment, and forms lasting friendships, all while exploring her passion for horse riding and navigating the complexities of adolescence.

1. Target age group: 9-14 years
2. Key characters: Kit, Anya, Elaine, Will, and Kit’s horse, TK
3. Moral and educational lessons: Adaptability, resilience, teamwork, and embracing new experiences
4. Where to watch/stream: Nickelodeon and Amazon Prime

Honorable Mentions

1. “Black Beauty” (1990)
2. “The New Adventures of Black Beauty” (1992)
3. “Heartland” (2007)
4. “Horse Doctor” (2012)
5. “Riders of Berk” (2012)

Reasons to check out these shows:

1. “Black Beauty” and “The New Adventures of Black Beauty” are classic adaptations of Anna Sewell’s beloved novel, capturing the spirit of the timeless story and exploring the bond between humans and horses.
2. “Heartland” is a long-running, family-oriented series that showcases the healing power of horses while focusing on family dynamics and personal growth.
3. “Horse Doctor” is a unique historical drama that delves into the fascinating world of veterinary medicine during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, offering an intriguing cultural perspective.
4. “Riders of Berk,” a spin-off from the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise, combines the appeal of dragons with horse-like qualities, making it an entertaining option for kids who love both horses and fantasy adventures.

Our Favorite Horse-Themed Movies for Kids

While TV shows can be great for ongoing entertainment, sometimes a heartwarming movie is just what we need for a cozy family night. Here are some of our favorite horse-themed movies that kids will love:

A. “Casey’s Shadow” (1978) This classic film follows a young boy named Casey and his love for a racehorse, Shadow. Despite obstacles and challenges, Casey’s unwavering determination and passion for Shadow create an inspiring and touching story.

B. “Dreamer” (2005) “Dreamer” tells the story of a young girl, Cale, and her father, Ben, who rescue an injured racehorse named Sonador. As they nurse Sonador back to health, they form a unique bond and learn valuable lessons about hope, perseverance, and the power of dreams.

C. “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” (2019) Based on a true story, this inspiring film follows the journey of Amberley Snyder, a champion barrel racer who becomes paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident. With incredible determination and resilience, Amberley fights to get back in the saddle and return to the sport she loves.

D. “War Horse” (2011) Set during World War I, “War Horse” is an emotional tale of friendship, loyalty, and courage. When young Albert’s beloved horse, Joey, is sold to the British cavalry, they embark on an incredible journey that tests their bond and strength amidst the chaos of war. While the subject matter may be intense for younger viewers, this captivating film is suitable for older kids and provides a compelling look at the extraordinary role horses played during wartime.

These wonderful horse-themed movies offer a blend of adventure, emotion, and valuable life lessons that kids and adults alike can enjoy together.

How to Choose the Right TV Shows for Your Child

For me, it’s crucial to take responsibility for reviewing what my grandchildren watch. I want to ensure they’re not only entertained but also exposed to valuable life lessons. Here are some factors I consider when selecting a horse-themed TV show for them:

A. Age and interests: I always keep my grandchildren’s age, maturity level, and interests in mind when choosing a show. I look for series that cater to their preferences, such as animation versus live-action or focusing on riding competitions versus the daily care of horses.

B. Educational and entertainment value: I try to find shows that balance entertainment with educational content. I want my grandchildren to have fun while watching but also learn about responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of friendship.

C. Parental reviews and ratings: I take the time to read reviews from other parents and guardians, as well as check ratings on trusted websites. This helps me understand if a show is age-appropriate and aligns with the values I want my grandchildren to learn.

D. Watching an episode together: Finally, I like to watch an episode with my grandchildren to gauge their engagement and see if the show resonates with them. This also gives me an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns they might have, and it’s a great way to bond over a shared interest in horses.

Conclusion

The world of horse TV shows and movies offers a wide range of captivating stories that cater to children of all ages. These programs not only entertain but also provide valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, responsibility, and compassion.

By carefully considering your child’s interests and preferences, as well as the educational and entertainment value of each show or movie, you can help foster their love for horses and create cherished memories together. So, grab some popcorn, snuggle up on the couch, and let these heartwarming horse adventures gallop into your family’s hearts. Happy watching!

FAQs