11 Movies and TV Shows Accused of Abusing Horses

Hollywood has always been a glamorous industry — at least from what we can see. But behind the flashing lights and movie stars, there are often instances of animal abuse and exploitation.

Horses, in particular, have frequently been subjected to unsafe and inhumane treatment during the making of popular movies and TV shows like Lone Ranger and Game of Thrones. Despite the industry’s supposed efforts to prioritize animal welfare and ethical treatment, there have been many incidents of mistreatment of horses during the filming of productions.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the movies and TV shows that have four-legged horse stars who have been abused, shedding light on the darker side of Hollywood.

1. The Lone Ranger

Several horses were injured and one was euthanized during the filming of this movie. During filming, one horse nearly drowned after being forced to swim across the Colorado River. According to sources, Animal rights activists accused the production team of not looking after the horses’ welfare properly. Making movies with animals can be dangerous for humans too as Johnny Depp nearly got trampled by one on set.

2. War Horse

Despite the movie’s emphasis on the humane treatment of animals during World War I, several instances of animal abuse were brought to light during the filming process. Additionally, horses were forced to perform dangerous stunts and suffered injuries that were left untreated.

3. Game of Thrones

This hit TV show has faced criticism and controversy for the treatment of horses and other animals used in filming. Viewers were shocked by a lot of what they saw. In one violent scene, a horse was decapitated, which led to widespread outcry from Animal rights advocates.

4. The Hobbit

Source: Slate/YouTube

Three horses reportedly died during the filming of this movie due to negligence and poor animal welfare practices. The production team was accused of endangering the horses’ lives and safety by using them in such high-risk scenes. Horses were not the only animals that did not make it out of filming alive, 27 animals were killed at the farm where they were housed during the creation of the movie. 

5. Luck

Source: Wall Street Journal/YouTube

This TV show was canceled after reports of animal deaths on set and a somewhat silent backlash from animal rights advocates. Some horses fell, broke their legs, and were euthanized due to injuries sustained on set.

6. Hidalgo

The horses used in this movie were reportedly overworked and subjected to harsh environments, leading to injuries and deaths. Animal rights activists accused the production team of failing to provide proper care for the horses on set as many of the injuries and deaths were not due to negligence but to strenuous work and long hours. 

7. Apocalypse Now

According to sources, horses were reportedly subject to dangerous stunts and situations in this movie, including being forced to jump off a boat into the ocean. Animal rights activists argued that the stunts put the horses’ lives and bodies at risk. In addition to the horses being overworked, a water buffalo was killed on set. 

8. The Charge of the Light Brigade

This classic movie was criticized for its use of live horses in dangerous and violent war scenes. Horses were reportedly subjected to extreme stress and injury during filming. For the charge, 125 horses were trip-wired and 25 of them had to be euthanized.

9. The Horse Whisperer

Horses were subjected to extreme stress and injuries during filming, including being forced to run at high speeds through dangerous terrain. Animal rights activists criticized the production team’s animal welfare practices throughout the filming process.

10. Ben-Hur

Horses were repeatedly injured during the filming of this classic movie, including during a chariot race scene. Over 100 horses were shot and killed during production for no reason. In addition to outrage surrounding the deaths, Animal rights advocates argued that the stunts were too dangerous for the horses.

11. The Magnificent Seven

Horses were reportedly injured during the production of this movie, including being forced to perform in high-speed chase scenes. Although horseback riders and horses were trained to perform stunts, they were still overworked.

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