10 Famous Country Songs About Horses
Country music and horses: a pairing as natural as peanut butter and jelly, as timeless as the Grand Ole Opry itself. Horses symbolize freedom, adventure, and the untamed spirit of the American West, themes deeply embedded in the heart of country music.
There is an evident connection between country music and horses. Just look at the most popular country songs, they are about nature, cowboys, freedom, and the countryside. All of these things scream horses!
So, if you want to get inspired and feel the true power of nature, horse-themed country songs are the way to go. You can get inspired by these songs and learn how to bet on horse racing. For that, you’ll need an actual guide, not a song. Songs are just for inspiration!
So, buckle up (or should we say, saddle up?) as we embark on a trail ride through ten of the most famous country songs about horses, each a testament to the enduring bond between humans and these magnificent creatures.
If Heartaches Were Horses – George Strait
In the song “If Heartaches Were Horses,” a lady breaks up with her partner as he goes to rope cattle because she can no longer put up with his way of life. He considers how things would be different if she still loved him as he rides out.
Numerous cowboy slang expressions are employed as metaphors for his heartache throughout the song. Georg Strait is a real-life cowboy who participates in rope contests, therefore the song makes more sense overall.
“Beer For My Horses” – Toby Keith feat. Willie Nelson
In the 2002 song “Beer For My Horses,” Toby Keith narrates a tale about horses. “Beer For My Horses,” the sixth single off his 2002 album Unleashed, became an instant smash, peaking at number one on the country charts.
Keith sings about going into combat, battling injustice with his buddies and horses, and then having a round of cold drinks to celebrate.
“Beer For My Horses” became so successful that in 2009, it became a full film, a music video, and this remix with Willie Nelson.
Ride Me Back Home – Wille Nelson
Again Wille Nelson. It seems like he is a true horse lover, as horses always find a place in his songs.
Horses are portrayed in the song “Ride Me Back Home” as a symbol of freedom. It honors the seventy horses Nelson spared from being put to death.
Nelson has always had a deep affection for horses. On his 700-acre Texas ranch, the horses he saved are now content.
“I think my horses are the luckiest in the world. They are content horses since they are hand-fed twice a day and, as far as they can recall, were almost about to be put to death.
Ballad of a Runaway Horse – Emmylou Harris
Hear the lively soprano of Emmylou Harris sing of a horse that got away in “Ballad of a Runaway Horse.” The words of the song, which is taken from her album Cowgirl’s Prayer, depict a cowgirl going through some tough times. Although it appears at first that she is missing her horse, it eventually becomes clear to us that her “runaway horse” is her ex-boyfriend.
Prior to her major breakthrough in 1995, Harris recorded a new country song titled “Ballad of a Runaway Horse.” Even still, a lot of fans still consider it to be their favorite song from the artist.
No Reins – Rascall Flatts
The well-known country music singer Rascall Flats is the source of this timeless song about riding horses. In “No Reins,” a woman’s journey out of an unsatisfactory relationship is compared to the majestic freedom of untamed horses galloping without a leader.
Any playlist would benefit greatly from the inclusion of this upbeat tune. For everyone who is going through a difficult breakup and needs their spirits raised, this song is fantastic.
Should’ve Been A Cowboy – Toby Keith
“Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” another great song by Toby Keith, is a favorite song of many cowboys and cowgirls. The song is about a man who is unhappy with the decisions he made in life.
The man in the song laments his current situation and wishes he had followed his dream of being a cowboy. He regrets not having studied how to work, rope, and ride cattle.
A Horse With No Name – America
America, a rock group consisting of US and UK musicians, released a classic country song titled “A Horse With No Name.” They released the song in 1971, and it remains their most well-known tune to this day.
The song was published together with the second edition of America’s self-titled album, and it became an international hit. Famous for being included in several movies and TV series, the song tells the story of a lone rider who travels the desert with his faithful horse.
Wild Horses – Garth Brooks
One of Garth Brooks’s greatest songs is “Wild Horses.” While enjoying a day at the farm, this upbeat tune is perfect to listen to.
The song tells the story of a man who finds it difficult to love a lady and the rodeo life. Although he repeatedly breaks his word to give up rodeo to be with her, “wild horses keep dragging [him] away.”
Cowgirls Don’t Cry – Brooks & Dunn
The iconic country classic “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” showcases the amazing voice of Reba McEntire. You will cry watching the touching music video for this poignant tune.
In the song, a father teaches his daughter how to ride a horse and how to persevere through difficult times. It follows a daughter’s connection with her father from the moment she rides a horse for the first time until her wedding day.
Tennessee Stud – Johnny Cash
“Tennessee Stud,” a song by the late great Johnny Cash, is the pinnacle of traditional country music. The song is enjoyable for listeners of all ages.
The song tells the story of a guy in the 1800s and his dependable horse. The horse is a gorgeous green-eyed stallion with a sun-colored coat that goes by the moniker “Tennessee Stud.” The two go on numerous experiences together, one of which is falling in love with a girl and her “Tennesse Mare.”
What's Your Reaction?
