Dreamworks’ film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is now 15 years old. The classic animated movie about a wild horse who would not be tamed came out in 2002. A new Spirit is returning to the screen next month in a series for a new generation of kids titled Spirit: Riding Free. Watch the trailer below.
Riding Free takes place in the 1800s and illustrates the timeless themes of friendship, finding yourself and coming of age. The main character, Lucky, is a 12-year-old girl who is unhappy about moving from the city to a frontier town with her father, leaving her old friends and the life she knew behind. But along the way, she meets and befriends Spirit, the wild buckskin stallion. She also forges friendships with Pru and Abigail, two similarly adventurous young girls. Together with their horses, the three girls find their place on the frontier.
While Spirit Riding Free is very much inspired by the Oscar-nominated 2002 film, the titular character is not the same horse, despite the similar coloring, attitude, and name. The artists behind Netflix’ Spirit gave him a white blaze, distinguishing him from the film’s solid buckskin. And unlike the film’s Spirit, who is never truly broke, this Spirit seems to enjoy rides with his human buddy—albeit only without saddle or bridle.
Another difference? While the film was narrated by Spirit himself (voiced by Matt Damon) the new series is primarily from the perspective of Lucky. The horse keeps his talking limited to equine vocalizations.
The full series will be available on Netflix on May 5.
Leslie Potter is a writer and photographer based in Lexington, Kentucky. www.lesliepotterphoto.com
As U.S. athletes look back on valuable experience gained at the 2025 FEI World Cup Finals in Switzerland, the next…
If you’ve never cleaned a horse’s sheath, you probably have questions. First and foremost, is it really necessary? And more…
After a nail-biting two years of speculation about the inclusion of equestrian sports in the next Olympic Games, it was…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Equine arthritis can affect horses of all disciplines and ages, and early intervention is crucial for maintaining comfort and performance.…
Mother, grandmother, and winning 5* eventing rider—these three titles don’t typically go together. However, Tamie Smith, 49, is all of…
View Comments
I don't think I will like the girls serious of Spirit I'd rather watch the boys to make it look for original so people don't get confused why they would put girls instead of boys
I absolutely hate the idea of this, the plot of this story DEFEATS the whole purpose of the original movie "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" where Spirit should remain free and not ridden by ANYBODY. I am disgusted by the thought of some 12 year-old city girl riding such a courageous and rebellious horse. The new "Spirit" has a completely new obedient and submissive nature. I'm heartbroken that this new film has tainted my favorite childhood movie. Quite frankly, I wouldn't mind if this show could be shut down.
The spirit in the show is really spirits and rains son that is the reason that they look different and i watched a video and this information was given by the creators of the show