35 Incredible Songs About Horses That Every Equestrian Needs to Hear

Embrace your love for horses both at the barn and away with these 35 incredible songs about horses that every equestrian needs to hear.

For those of us who have lived and breathed horses for most of our lives, the degree to which they fascinate us and capture so much of our free time is no surprise.

Even for those who have never had the opportunity to ride or care for one before though, much of the general public shares an interest and respect for horses nonetheless.

The same can be said for the music industry, with countless artists finding a deep well of inspiration from our favorite four-legged friends.

Whether it’s rock, pop, rap, or somewhere in between, almost every musical genre has songs about horses or music that refers to horses in some way.

When you think about it, it’s pretty impressive considering that this cannot be said of most animals.

Whether you’re an avid equestrian or simply a fan from afar though, check out the following roundup of the 35 best songs about horses to get inspired and experience the amazing connection you can have with horses simply through music.

1. “Wild Horses” By the Rolling Stones
1. When it comes to songs about horses, most everyone is familiar with the classic “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones. Ironically, the song was first recorded in 1970 by The Burrito Brothers with the Stones releasing their version in 1971. There is some debate as to who the song was written about, but the lyrics offer an introspective look into a troubled relationship that endures despite these problems due to the singer’s (likely unhealthy) commitment to the relationship. Like many of the Rolling Stone’s timeless hits, the song continues to be popular today.
2. “Beer For My Horses” By Toby Keith
1. When looking for country songs about horses, you don’t have to dive too deep into the world of country music to find them. In this case, the lyrics for “Beer For My Horses” were inspired by a phrase Toby Keith had heard working at rodeos as a kid. His concept for the song was also shaped by his imagining of the ways of the Old West, where a group of men would go out and take down crime that was plaguing their town. When they came back, they would celebrate with…you guessed it, whiskey for the men and beer for the horses.
3. “Tennessee Stud” By Johnny Cash
1. Written by Jimmy Driftwood and originally released in 1959, “Tennessee Stud” has been covered by a number of artists over the years who have been eager to retell the story of the relationship between a man and his horse that is detailed in this song. While the Johnny Cash cover has been popular in recent years, the song remains a folk and country classic and is simply one of those songs about horses that every equestrian needs to hear.
4. “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” By Big & Rich
1. A fusion of country rock and country rap, “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” was a 2004 hit that still remains relevant today. While the lyrics may not be exactly PG, it’s a fun and catchy song that absolutely warrants a listen. The shoot for the music video also caused over $23,000 in damage to the Shelby Street Bridge due issues caused by the horses walking on the cement…so maybe give that a watch while you’re at it!
5. “White Horse” By Taylor Swift
1. The second single from Taylor Swift’s second studio album, Fearless (2008), “White Horse” is one of those country songs about horses that every country music fan (or at least every Taylor Swift fan!) should know. Interestingly, the song was almost left off the album since Swift felt there were already enough sad songs included on Fearless without it. Thankfully, she had a change of heart when the producers of Grey’s Anatomy decided to feature the song in the show.
6. “Dark Horse” By Katy Perry
1. One of pop’s most iconic songs about horses, “Dark Horse” is a massive hit by Katy Perry that topped number one on the charts in multiple countries after its’ release in 2013. In the lyrics, Perry warns a man not to fall in love with her because she will put a spell on him and never let him go. The lyrics, coupled with minimal production and a rapped bridge by Juicy J, help to achieve the “witchy, spell-y kind of black magic-y idea” that Perry was going for while also crafting a catchy track that has remained popular even in years after it was initially released.
7. “Old Town Road” By Lil Nas X
1. One of the more recent songs about horses to be released, “Old Town Road” is a mainstream favorite that comes from humble beginnings. Released independently by Lil Nas X as his debut single in 2018, the track went viral on TikTok and entered the Billboard charts in 2019. It has since been remixed with Billy Ray Cyrus and certified diamond by the RIAA for selling 10 million total units in the United States.
8. “Chasin Wild Horses” By Bruce Springsteen
1. Another one of the songs about horses on this list that has been released in the past five or so years is Bruce Springsteen’s “Chasin Wild Horses”. The song was recorded as part of his nineteenth studio album, Western Stars, which includes 13 tracks all written by the singer songwriter himself.
9. “No Reins” By Rascal Flatts
1. When it comes to country songs about horses, what could be better than a track that draws parallels between the spirit of wild horses and a free-spirited human? There’s something about horses that many of us can either relate or aspire to, and this 2008 track by the popular country band Rascal Flatts depicts that feeling perfectly.
10. “Live Like Horses” By Elton John
1. Reaching number nine in the UK Singles Chart, this emotive ballad by Elton John and Bernie Taupin depicts the desire to live free from the confines of society’s iron fences — just like wild horses. It’s one of those horse songs that has a deep and emotional meaning that resonates with both equestrians and the general public alike.
11. “All The Pretty Horses” By Becky Jean Williams
1. One of the more unique songs on this list, “All The Pretty Horses” is a beautiful lullaby by Becky Jean Williams. It promises the sleeping baby of all the pretty horses when she awakes, and it is probably the most perfect of all of these songs about horses for any horse obsessed little girl or boy.
12. “Girls & Horses” By Templeton Thompson
1. Looking for horse songs that effortlessly capture the deep love you have for the equestrian sport and animal? “Girls & Horses” does just that. With lyrics such as,”Well, she talks about ‘em, dreams about ‘em, thinks about ‘em all the time,” this horse song’s lyrics ring so true for horse lovers that it will leave you wondering if it was written for you personally.
13. “Fallen Horses” By Smash Mouth
1. Not all horse songs are written to depict the freedom and magic that most of us feel when amongst these four-legged favorites of ours. Though the music itself isn’t necessarily morose, Smash Mouth’s “Fallen Horses” takes on a more reflective, solemn tone, with the narrator of the song questioning why certain things have happened in his life. This is one horse song that can hold multiple different meanings giving the ambiguity of the lyrics, and it’s worth a listen to see how it influences you.
14. “Just Like Them Horses” By Reba McEntire
1. When it comes to horse songs with impactful, real life meaning, “Just Like Them Horses'' undoubtedly fits the bill. The song was first penned by Liz Hengber, who was inspired to compose it in response to a friend dying from cancer. Tommy Lee James helped Hengber to finish off the song, which was ultimately recorded by Reba McEntire in 2015. This is one of those country songs about horses that almost anyone can relate to, as it pays tribute to a loved one’s passing and compares their journey to that of beloved horses running freely in the afterlife.
15. “High Horse” By Kacey Musgraves
1. We’ve probably all told someone to get off their high horse at some point, and finally there’s a song that relays this message, too! Released in 2018 by country artist Kacey Musgraves, “High Horse” is a fun disco track that reminds those arrogant, better-than-you type of people to take their bad attitudes and ride straight out of town.
16. “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” By Lainey Wilson
1. For those who feel they have a bit of a free spirit, “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” by Lainey Wilson will likely be a song that will hit the mark. This newer country horse song that was released in 2022 embodies the narrator’s independent and trailblazing spirit, comparing it to the beauty and untamed essence of both wildflowers and wild horses.
17. “Wild Horses” By Birdy
1. “Wild Horses”, an emotional and uplifting ballad from Birdy, is another one of our favorite songs about horses. The second single from her third studio album Beautiful Lies (2016), the track is an inspirational and heartbeat song that reminds listeners to “survive and be the one who’s stronger”, even when the untamed nature of love threatens to ruin them.
18. “Raised in a Barn” By Erin Kirby
1. When it comes to fun, upbeat country songs about horses, there’s no better pick than “Raised in a Barn”. Just recently released in 2023, this new country hit describes the singer’s preference to hard working, church-going men that were “raised in a barn”. It’s a classic country pop track that will surely be stuck in your head in no time.
19. “If Heartaches Were Horses” By George Strait
1. Who better to sing a song about horses than an accomplished horseman himself? That’s right, not only is George Strait an acclaimed singer and songwriter, but he’s also an experienced roper. His authentic background combined with his musical talents make “If Heartaches Were Horses” a memorable and impactful country ballad depicting the toll that a cowboy style life can take on a relationship.
20. “Ride the Horse” By Vanilla Ice
1. Contrary to what it seems like from listening to most of the songs on this list, not all horse songs are country. Just take “Ride the Horse” by Vanilla Ice as an example of an alternative option for a horse themed track that has absolutely no emotional meaning, but is a fun and catchy party song that you will one hundred percent be putting on repeat once you hear it.
21. “A Horse With No Name” By America
1. Released in 1971 by the folk group America, “A Horse With No Name” is a song about horses that has been interpreted in multiple different ways by listeners over the decades since it first came out. Despite the fact that some listeners feel the song alludes to illicit drug use (even some radio stations have refused to play the song due to this assumption), the band themselves has clarified that the lyrics really should be taken at face value. According to the writer Dewey Bunnell, the theme of the song is about finding inner peace and tranquility, and the setting of riding a horse through the desert was the perfect way to convey it.
22. “Wild Horses” By Natasha Bedingfield
1. By now, you’ve probably realized that wild horses are a popular inspiration for songwriters to depict feelings of freedom and grace. Natasha Bedingfield’s “Wild Horses” does that and more, and with lyrics such as “riding bare-back, care-free”, almost any equestrian can relate to this song with ease.
23. “WildHorse” By RaeLynn
1. An upbeat feminist anthem by country artist RaeLynn, “WildHorse” is a song that should be on every equestrian’s radar. With lyrics like, “I don’t want no fences around me, nobody boxing me in,” you won’t be able to help but sing along to this fun and freeing track.
24. “All The Wild Horses” By Ray LaMontagne
1. This slow acoustic ballad by Ray LaMontagne is a calming song about horses that, like many of the other songs on this list, reminds us of the untameable and free spirited nature of the horse.
25. “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses” By U2
26. “Chestnut Mare” By The Byrds
1. Everyone loves a chestnut mare, right? Ha! Well, it just so happens that the narrator in The Byrd’s “Chestnut Mare” is one of those special people that truly does, as the song details the story of one man’s quest to catch one in the wild. The track has a folk sound to it, and is a very literal song about horses that is a fun and unique experience to listen to.
27. “Horses” By Keith Urban
1. Another one of the horse songs on this list that is relatively recent is “Horses” by Keith Urban. While the track isn’t so much about riding horses, it is another one of our favorite country songs about horses that uses the animals as a vehicle to urge the listener to run free and break away from the fears that are holding him or her back in life. It’s a positive message that both equestrians and non-horse people alike can appreciate!
28. “Black Horse and The Cherry Tree” By KT Turnstall
1. Most of us have heard the incredibly popular “Black Horse and The Cherry Tree” by KT Turnstall. Released as part of the Scottish singer-songwriter’s 2004 debut album, the writer herself has explained that this song is all about digging deep and finding out who you want to be. While the lyrics are of course an important part of the music, you’ll also love the catchy, bluesy sounds that will make this song about horses live rent free in your head forever.
29. “Pony Boy” By Bruce Springsteen
1. A modified version of the traditional song “My Pony Boy”, Bruce Springsteen puts a beautiful folky twist on this classic which was recorded at Springsteen’s home studio in the early 1990s.
30. “Good Day to Ride” By George Canyon
1. For most equestrians, every day is a good day to ride. George Canyon’s “Good Day to Ride” reflects that feeling to a tee, describing the joys of getting outdoors and spending time in the saddle. It’s one of the country songs about horses and really speaks to equestrians specifically, since it’s actually about spending time with horses and riding.
31. “The Horse Nobody Could Ride” By Joey + Rory
1. “The Horse Nobody Could Ride” is a country song by Joey + Rory that tells the story of a wild young mustang that…you guessed it, nobody could ride. That is until a patient cowboy takes the time to slowly approach her and show her he’s not going to hurt her. Another one of the horse songs on this list that can be taken literally, we think all equestrians can appreciate the message that slow and careful training is often the most rewarding in the end.
32. “Wild Horses” By Alicia Keys
1. If you enjoyed the previously mentioned “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones, you can’t miss checking out the cover by Alicia Keys and Adam Levine. The combined talent of Keys and Levine make this a special and unique twist on a classic favorite song about horses.
33. “She Rides Wild Horses” By Kenny Rogers
1. Another country song about horses, the title of this track is also the name of Rogers’ twenty-third studio album. The song discusses the freedom one feels when riding horses, which many equestrians can relate to.
34. “Wildfire” By Michael Martin Murphy
1. “Wildfire” by Michael Martin Murphy is a one of the horse songs on this list that tells an interesting story about a woman and her horse. The song recounts the story of a young Nebraska woman who dies searching for her escaped pony “Wildfire” during a blizzard. Many of us would go to the ends of the earth for our horses, so it’s sure to hit home for any equestrian.
35. “Let That Pony Run” By Pam Tillis
1. “Let That Pony Run” is a single released by country recording artist Pam Tillis in 1993. It tells the story of a woman whose husband comes home and confesses to having an affair, and the woman consequently “[lets] that pony run” by divorcing him and moving to West Virginia. There, she finds a barn and purchases a chestnut horse. We certainly think her new lifestyle sounds much more appealing!

We hope you enjoyed this list of songs about horses and maybe even found a few new favorite horse songs along the way!