A Gift Horse

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.

I don't write reviews but this was so horrible I had to make an account and comment.... as a professional horseback rider and instructor this movie was unrealistic and the riders equitation (simply their positioning and riding) was horrible it all honestly made me cringe. I had to watch to the end just because I was so stunned. These horses were such saints and put up with so much from these actors like dropping the reins or riding with their hands by their noses and practically falling over their necks. STUNNED Mississippi College allowed their horses to be used in this way.

Just watched it, and enjoyed it. I don't know much about horses, but the story works for me. And neither the acting nor the directing were a problem for me. It's a good, uplifting story of a little girl coping with the death of her mother. Horse-riding was their shared passion, so she buries herself in working at a tycoon's ranch. She falls in love with this particular horse, and commits herself to turning it into a jumping champion. There are a couple of interesting subplots. Amanda's father has a new girlfriend who's trying to earn her acceptance. A poor boy becomes Amanda's friend. And the tycoon's own daughter's brattiness is concealing her own difficulties. Praise to this movie for mentioning God as a guide in people's lives!

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 :-)

Horse officianados are complaining About silly details they say are Incorrect in the real horseworld... BUT NOBODY CARES that doesn't Have any bearing on a well told story with good acting, beautiful scenery, animals & it doesn't hurt Looking at Mr. Schneider who is Getting better looking as he ages. No bad language etc. And mentions God in a positive way as well as teaching life lessons. Some haters are perhaps jealous they were not in the movie. I'm going to buy more Copies to give as gifts.