Spirit Riders (2015)
After a rebellious teen gets into trouble with the law, she's sent to an equine therapy camp as part of her sentence. Resistant at first, she slowly bonds with a spirited thoroughbred, finding healing and purpose. Under the tough guidance of the ranch's no-nonsense owner, she discovers the power of second chances—for both herself and the horse.
Spirit Riders (2015) is a heartfelt, if predictable, family drama that hits all the familiar beats of a redemption-through-horses tale. Alexandria DeBerry delivers a solid performance as Kacie, a troubled teen grappling with guilt over her brother’s death, whose court-ordered stint at an equine therapy camp transforms her through her bond with a spirited racehorse, Blaze. Lance Henriksen shines as Rex, the gruff yet compassionate ranch owner, bringing depth to a role that could’ve been one-note. The film’s strength lies in its sincere exploration of grief, responsibility, and second chances, though it leans heavily on clichés and a sometimes heavy-handed script. The cinematography captures the beauty of the ranch, but the horse-centric moments are surprisingly sparse for a supposed 'horse movie.' With mild mature themes like smoking and teen rebellion, it’s a decent pick for family viewing, especially for those who enjoy uplifting stories with a touch of faith-based messaging. Not groundbreaking, but it’s got enough heart to keep you engaged.