Top 5 Horse Movies

For those who live and breathe anything equestrian, here is a list of the top 5 movies starring horses.

5. War Horse 

War Horse is a classic story of the love between a boy and his horse, which endures through war, hardship and separation. Like most horse movies, War Horse will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. This flick is a must-see for those who love stories about horses, friendship and history.

4. Hidalgo 

Set in 1890, Hidalgo is loosely based on a true story of a man and his mustang, Hidalgo, who journey across the Arabian Desert in a cross-country race. The race becomes a journey of pride, honour, endurance and survival.

3. Secretariat 

Secretariat tells the true story of a housewife and mother, Penny Chenery, who takes over her father’s stables. The movie is about overcoming the odds and taking on challenges – whether it be the lack of knowledge of horse racing that Penny had, or being taken seriously in a male-dominated business.

2. Black Beauty 

In this classic horse movie, Black Beauty tells the story of his life and his series of owners. Black Beauty looks at the relationship between man and horse, and while sometimes heart-wrenching, there is also happiness and contentment.

1. The Black Stallion 

After forging a strong bond on a deserted island, Alec and his horse return to the USA to train. His goal is to challenge two of the fastest racehorses in a match. The story is about the love and friendship between horse and human. Suitable for the whole family, The Black Stallion is a timeless movie, filled with beautiful
scenery and suspenseful action.

[Source: Squidoo]

Reindeer 101

Since horses are not a common symbol for the holidays, we wanted to take a closer look at our hoofed friends, the reindeer.

Photo by Medieval Karl

Reindeers first appeared as Santa’s sidekick in 1821 in The Children’s Friend: A New Year’s Present, to Little Ones from Five to Twelve.  In this early emergence, Santa only had one lone reindeer pulling his sleigh.

The number of reindeers helping Santa out increased to eight in the poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” by Clement Clarke Moore. 

In this poem, we learn the names of the reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen. One famous reindeer has not yet been included: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Rudolph first appeared in 1939 in a promotional giveaway for Chicago’s Montgomery Ward department store, created by Robert Lewis May. He created a story about a rejected reindeer that Santa would turn to on Christmas Eve. Before deciding on the name Rudolph, Rollo and Reginald were considered.

Rudolph’s song was written by Johnny Marks and performed by Gene Autry in 1949, selling two million copies in its first year.

Today in Canada, the eight reindeers and the addition of Rudolph has stuck in most popular culture. Other countries have tried substitutes such as Australia’s use of six white boomers, Louisiana’s alligators and red-nosed werewolf, and the Netherland’s tall white horse.

(Source: The World Encyclopedia of Christmas by GerryBowler)

Equine Therapy

Horseback riding isn't just for the thrill of the race – it also offers the rider therapeutic benefits. Equine therapy is becoming increasingly popular as the advantages from time spent with horses are recognized.

Horses are gentle animals that have the ability to sense the needs that people have. Horses can adapt to try to meet those needs. Known as one of the most understanding, non-judgemental and tolerable animals, horses make for great therapists.

Bonding and interacting with horses can help with a number of mental and emotional disorders. For those who having difficulties trusting others, animal therapy is a great starting point. Equine therapy is proven as an efficient way to re-strengthen interpersonal relationships.

Those with anxiety and depression can benefit from spending time with horses. Horses are a calming animal and simple tasks such as grooming and employing relaxation techniques while riding can reduce anxiety and provide the individual with a role model. Horses help individuals to identify how depression is affecting their wellness, while also creating a safe environment to heal.

As horses are gentle, genuine and loving, individuals with low self esteem and poor body image are recommended to try equine therapy. Experiencing a connection with a horse that accepts one for who they are is particularly remedial for those who have not been able to accept or believe the love from people around them.

Many stables in Manitoba offer therapeutic horseback riding. Check Manitoba's Equine Directory for a stable nearby you.

Source: Healing Hooves

Georgian Downs November Race Nights

Relax on your weekends and get ready for the excitement during the week We are adding two new nights of racing. We invite guests to join us on Wednesdays and Mondays (starting Nov 19) for a chance to watch these magnificent stallions compete. Whether you like the racing or not, there is always something to do at Georgian Downs!

So join the excitement or just use the races as an excuse to enjoy our second to none delectable drinks, fabulous food and incredible atmosphere! Hopefully see you soon!

November Schedule

For some of the best horse racing in Canada come to Georgian Downs where everyone leaves a winner!

More Horsepower Than Ever Before!

Xtreme Fan Night rolls into Georgian Downs this Saturday and one lucky race fan may wheel-out with a new Ford Mustang GT500 Shelby.  After race 11 someone at Georgian Downs will get the chance to win the Super Charged V8 Sports Car that delivers 650 -horsepower.  Georgian Downs will also feature the Xtreme Fan Night ATV giveaway draw.  Ballots for the POLARIS Sportsman 500 All Terrain Vehicle will be available in the Georgian Downs race program.

The Honourable Earl Rowe

For many years William Earl Rowe was actively engaged in horse racing as a breeder, owner, trainer and driver of championship Standardbred horses.  His most noted horses were trotters, among them Van Riddell.  Van Riddell had a great reputation as a champion trotter which was followed by an outstanding career as a sire.

Rowe and his son, Bill were founders of two Ontario harness race tracks, Windsor Raceway and Barrie Raceway.  He also worked diligently on behalf of numerous horsemen’s associations, serving as president of the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society twice and as an honorary director of the Ontario Harness Horsemen’s Association.


When he was not involved with his horse racing operation, politics occupied most of Rowe’s time.  During a 45 year period he served as a Member of the Provincial Parliament, leader of the Provincial Conservative Party and a member of the House of Commons in Ottawa.

Gold Rush Is Coming!

Innisfil, ON – The rush is on at Georgian Downs this Saturday night.  Ontario horse racing stars will converge on the Innisfil oval for the fifth annual Gold Rush and compete for a million dollars in racing awards.  On July 7^th Georgian Downs will host one of Ontario’s greatest nights of racing.  In total 8 championship stakes finals will be contested, bringing the best of Canadian horse racing together at one track.

For fans there will be western music and entertainment, games, contests, Kid’s amusements, free photographs with a celebrity horse, colouring books, horse and buggy rides and much more.

And there’s a chance to win $100,000 in the “Golden Bucket” contest.  After the 10^th race, one lucky fan will take the track and select 1 of 100 gold buckets each containing a prize from $500 all the way up to $100,000.  Ballots will appear in every Georgian Downs race program.

The Gold Rush is coming to Georgian Downs all the fun begins at 7:25 p.m.