Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Faith-based horse tale has drug use, some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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A Sunday Horse
What's the Story?
Based on a true story, A SUNDAY HORSE follows Debi Walden's (Nikki Reed) up-and-down journey to horse-jumping victory. A former youth champion, we meet Debi as a young adult working at a stable, saving almost no money, and smoking weed to pass the time. When local trainer Jonathan (Ryan Merriman) sees her talent, he pushes her to stop brooding and start riding again. Inspired, she manages to acquire a horse and convinces Jonathan to train her in exchange for free labor. With no help from her parents (Linda Hamilton and Gary Grubbs), she goes in on a second horse with wealthy investors (William Shatner and Georgina Armstrong) and gains the backing of a wealthy benefactor (Ving Rhames). She begins competing and winning blue ribbons again, but an accident could change everything for her.
Is It Any Good?
This film is uneven, with some touching moments and a central character worth rooting for, but also several cringe-worthy dialogues and an overly long run time. What stands out in A Sunday Horse is the presence of well-known actors like William Shatner, Linda Hamilton, and Ving Rhames. What are they doing in a film with such a decidedly made-for-TV feel, awkward lessons on racism, overtly sexist views of women, and a hokey voice-over?
On the plus side, the real-life story is compelling, and Reed (Thirteen) inspires empathy as Debi. As a constant underdog, Debi relies on her likability and talent -- the same qualities that help Reed (with support from Merriman as her kindhearted trainer) save this movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how A Sunday Horse was inspired by a true story. What do you imagine are the easiest and hardest parts about adapting someone's life story to the screen?
Do you know anyone whose life you think would make a good movie? Who, and why?
How does Debi show perseverance both before and after the accident? Do you think she would have made it as far without that determination?
The film uses a voice-over to fill in gaps in the story or provide additional information about the character. What are other ways to do this in a film?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : September 12, 2023
- Cast : Nikki Reed , Ving Rhames , Ryan Merriman
- Director : Vic Armstrong
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : 4Digital Media
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Animals
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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