Horse Sense

Parents need to know that Horse Sense is a Disney TV movie that is a heartwarming combination of a fish-out-of-water and coming-of-age drama. Michael Woods (Joey Lawrence) is a spoiled rich kid who is sent to Montana to work on his cousin Tommy Biggs' (Andrew Lawrence) ranch as a punishment for bad behavior. The movie references the death of a father on numerous occasions, as well as financial difficulties, and the potential loss of a home and business. As a means to emphasize how unaware Michael is of other people and cultures, he makes an insensitive remark to a Native American character called Mule (Steve Reevis) -- Michael assumes, incorrectly, it's a nickname. The scenes set in Los Angeles involve excess, with big houses, cars, shopping, and fancy holidays as the primary concerns of the characters, who do not care about college work or responsibilities. There are visits to racetracks, betting, and a passing reference to animal abuse. Otherwise, the movie is a gentle drama that is unlikely to surprise, but has a strong moral compass and message about working hard, showing empathy, and learning to put others first.