Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring docu about horse trainer has positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
My Heroes Were Cowboys
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MY HEROES WERE COWBOYS is an engaging short documentary about the life of horse trainer Robin Wiltshire. A native of Australian who grows up around horses and later relocates to the United States, Robin is attracted to American Western films. A breakthrough job opportunity leads Robin to a career where he takes centerstage as a horse trainer for movie and TV productions and also operates a ranch for animals in Wyoming.
Is It Any Good?
My Heroes Were Cowboys is a captivatingly concise, yet comprehensive, documentary short about horse trainer Robin Wiltshire. "I would say I was about 10 or 11," recalls the Australian native, "I went into this movie theater and I was mesmerized" with American movie Westerns and horses. "Robin is very passionate about re-creating the old wild West," says his wife Kate about his love. The couple, along with their son Patrick, relocate to live on a Wyoming ranch where Robin trains horses for film and TV roles. "As much love that you can put into them," says Robin about the horses he refers to as his kids, "they're going to give it back to you." My Heroes Were Cowboys is well-worth-the-ride storytelling that can encourage dialogue about the journey it takes to pursue one's passions and the steps to take to get there.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the perseverance of Robin Wiltshire in My Heroes Were Cowboys. How does he also demonstrate compassion, courage, and curiosity? Why are these important character strengths?
What led Robin to befriend horses and become a trainer? Why does Robin consider horses to be his kids?
If you could choose an animal to grow up with, which would it be and why? What kind of bond would you hope for?
How have you gained confidence in pursuing a passion? In what ways have others helped in achieving your goal?
What can be the possible effects of discouraging comments? If you were ever to experience this type of behavior, how would you manage it?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 16, 2021
- Cast : Kate Wiltshire , Patrick Wiltshire , Robin Wiltshire
- Director : Tyler Greco
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 23 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some smoking images
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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