Common Sense Media Review
By Tracy Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Formulaic faith-based horse movie has heavy themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Gift Horse
What's the Story?
Grieving the loss of her mother to cancer, Amanda (Kyla Kenedy) throws herself into caring for horses after school. There, she falls in love with Misty, a horse owned by local entrepreneur Mr. Canton (John Schneider) that needs a lot of work getting ready for the competition. But if Misty can't perform better, Amanda will have to endure yet another loss. Meanwhile, her father has a new girlfriend whom she struggles to accept.
Is It Any Good?
A GIFT HORSE has some positive messages about faith, family, and hard work, and it takes a very thoughtful approach to giving kids the space to grieve a parent's loss. It's beautifully shot in a great countryside setting, but the heavy themes and sweeping score, as well as the wooden acting and sentimental dialogue, make for a pretty weighted, maudlin viewing experience.
There is a fairly formulaic story about the patience of getting a horse up to competition standards, so this film is best for horse lovers and Christian families looking to have the power of faith enforced.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how A Gift Horse portrays grief. Do you think it's realistic? Why, or why not?
What is the film's message about gratitude? What things are you grateful for, and why?
What part does religion play in the movie? How does it help the characters cope?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 14, 2015
- Cast : John Schneider , Kyla Kennedy
- Director : Teddy Smith
- Studio : Vision Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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