Netflix's 'My Heroes Were Cowboys' Is A Must For 'Heartland' Fans

Netflix

I will just come out and say it. My only issue with Netflix’s astonishing documentary “My Heroes Were Cowboys” is its brevity. At only 21 minutes, the ambitious doc conveys critical segments in the life of legendary horse trainer Robin Wiltshire. If you have watched “Heartland,” you know how incredible the relationship between a human and a horse can be. It is simply magical.

Executive produced by actor Chris Pine, “My Heroes Were Cowboys” takes a tender, evocative, and powerfully brief ride into the life of Robin Wiltshire. In a first-hand account, Wiltshire shares his experiences growing up in Australia and leaving the land down under to become a horse trainer in California. After moving a hemisphere away, it was a movie about a “galaxy far, far away” that threatened to dash his dreams.

Thankfully, Robin Wiltshire found a way through Hollywood’s transition from Westerns to sci-fi and established a towering career for himself. In its brief time, “My Heroes Were Cowboys” conveys how many movies, TV shows, and commercials Wiltshire and his horses have had a hand in making spectacular. Considering Wiltshire’s proximity to the series’ filming location, it is strange not to see “Yellowstone” among them. 

Netflix

Robin Wiltshire’s portfolio of horse work speaks to him being the go-to guy. To that point, the marvels the documentary showcases Wiltshire managing to do with his horses is on another level. If you have watched “Heartland” or love horses in general, you will be fascinated to see the tremendous feats that Wiltshire and his horses have achieved. That goes beyond the tricks they can do too. 

The emotional connection that Robin Wiltshire clearly has with his horses is stirring, a profound illustration of how humans need animals as much they need us. As Wiltshire pays tribute to one of his beloved horses, Juniper, it is impossible to avoid dabbing at your eyes. The love shared between them is so apparent, beautiful, and moving. 

“My Heroes Were Cowboys” provides an education into the heart, mind, and soul of a remarkable horse trainer’s dedication to his passion. This viewer’s only lament is that “school” gets out so early. I could have spent well over an hour-and-a-half hearing, seeing, and learning more. Hopefully, this is not the last time cameras roll behind the scenes because a more extended doc would be just what the doctor ordered.

You can watch “My Heroes Were Cowboys” on Netflix. It is streaming there alongside “Heartland” and a lot of other alluring documentaries worth your time. Thank goodness horses are back in business, thanks in part to “Game of Thrones” and costume dramas, in general. They should always be in vogue.