A Gift Horse (2015)

I don't understand why the reviews are so negative. This movie is a great movie to watch with your family. I watched it with my 9 and 12 year old daughters. It has a great message about faith, hope and perseverance. It is a shame that the other reviews are too focused on the horse riding portion of the movie. While that portion may not be accurate, the movie focuses on values families should have. It touches upon not giving up, , having faith and believing in yourself, the importance of family, the importance of listening to your children and not ignoring them, the act of kindness and treating people with respect. This movie is worth watching if you want a movie to watch with your kids that does not pertain vulgar language, inappropriate scenes and want something that offers a healthy message.

My eye twitched the whole time. First off the first girl who couldn't ride the horse I found myself screaming at her to tighten her reigns because they're so loose they're bouncing all over the place. I sat there going "Tighten the reigns with a small half halt use leg and get the horse to trot." Then screaming to sit up and don't look down. She doesn't move with the horse at the walk and she kicks the horse with the side of her foot. You use your heel and you don't go straight to kicking. That girl also over used her crop way to much. But this seemed to be a big theme through out the movie. I agree with another reviewer. If you throw sand at a horse it's a good way to get kicked.

I don't understand why this movie is being hated on. I feel as though it was well-made, inspiring, and heartfelt.The story shows a very beautiful pony. I believe that it was probably a full-blooded Off the track Thoroughbred because it such a good mover. Also I would be scared to jump that high, and I don't think my Gypsy Vanner pony could jump that high. The riders are amazing, they will probably go on to the Olympics and etc. someday. If you think they aren't good, you probably have no idea about horses and I would like to see you do better!! they have amazing three-point positions over the jumps (aka cross rails, verticals, and oxers)The story made me cry, because one time my pony got colic so I could relate to Misty spraining her ankle. I think she got it because I kicked her too hard, just like how the little girl hurt her pony's foot by pulling on her rains. it is so hard to suffer the pain of knowing you have hurt you're horse.. luckily Misty recovered.btw my Gypsy Vanner pony is named Prince (aka show name Prince of Charming) and he is black and white. Anyway the story was realistic, and inspiring. Believe in your horse and u can soar just like me and Prince who are now showing in the 2'3" show jumping divisions :-)

I'll start out with the positive. They picked a beautiful farm, good looking horses, had a decent original score. The tack is immaculate and they chose proper riding attire. That's where it ends. Aside from the acting, storyline, and script being sub par for a kid's movie, the creators had no knowledge of anything in the horse world. These main characters have been riding "for a long time" yet the main character keeps holding her reins upside down. Neither of them can post to the trot. At least find a stunt double who can ride. The "trainer" puts the reins on the ground when rolling up one stirrup (good way to break a horse's jaw). Not to mention when they clean tack, they put the saddles flat on the counter to oil them - I would KILL someone if they placed my saddles down like that. The horse "sprains" the right ankle but they end up treating the left front with ice. The kid thinks the mare got hurt because she accidentally "pulled the reins too hard". The writers couldn't think of a more realistic cause for injury? At the end, the kid "wins" her class in the horse show with a chip to jump 1, a missed lead change, and trotting on course (automatic 55). She also whacks the horse on the shoulder repetitively like it's her first day. I guess the judge was blind.