The Horse with the Flying Tail

The Horse with the Flying Tail is a 1960s classic documentary-style film, narrated by George Fenneman. The film is a chronicle of the story of an extraordinary horse named Nautical, who challenged traditional expectations and defined the true essence of triumph in the face of adversity. An epitome of exceptional determination, Nautical's journey from an unsophisticated, ordinary animal to a recognized champion is enthralling and heartwarming. A symbolic representation of breaking barriers and overcoming obstacles, the film enlightens viewers about following their dreams no matter what the circumstances are.

Nautical, the golden palomino bear of the film, begins his journey in the western United States. Here, he is used for various equestrian activities that do not offer him much respect or recognition. Much unlike a conventional high breed horse reserved for the noble game of show-jumping, Nautical was initially dismissed and underestimated due to his humble beginnings.

Narrator George Fenneman offers engaging, warm, and witty narration throughout the film, providing viewers with the necessary context, insight, and emotional connection to the protagonist horse. His eloquent narration style and the dramatic intensity of his voice make the viewer feel as if they are physically present in each scene, experiencing all these events firsthand.

The film takes a crucial turn as Nautical enters the equestrian world, marked by the elitist culture of high breed horses dominating the show-jumping circuit, known as "Blue Bloods". Deemed unlikely to succeed in this sphere due to his regular upbringing and lack of pedigree, Nautical initially faces severe discrimination. However, it is his newly found trainer, Hugh Wiley, the rider representing the United States Equestrian Team, who sees the potential in him. Together, they embark on a relentless pursuit of recognition, respect, and excellence.

The narrative beautifully captures not just the physical, but also the emotional journey of Nautical. His evolution from being a disrespected, underappreciated horse to proudly donning the American team colors in International Horse Shows is incredibly moving and inspiring. It elucidates the fact that social status and lineage do not bind talent, determination, and hard work.

The film throws light on an unlikely patron, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, whose love for horses brought her close to this passionate tale of Nautical. Her presence in Nautical's life is not only symbolic of his rise to fame but also signifies his acceptance and acknowledgement by the very upper crust of society that initially had dismissed him.

One of the film's highlights is its exceptional cinematography. From capturing Nautical's mating dance to his strenuous workout sessions and the intricacies of his show-jumping acts, the camera becomes an unnoticed character that beautifully records these moments. The variegated landscapes, action shots, close-ups of the horse, and the spectacles of the glittering horse shows add a lavish visual appeal to the film, making it an aesthetic delight.

The Horse with the Flying Tail is not just a movie about a horse attempting to break into the world of show-jumping. It also has crucial social undertones. The narrative sub-text that runs throughout the film about breaking societal norms, rising from obscurity to recognition, and the triumph of an underestimated underdog can resonate with the viewers on multiple levels.

The film is an inspiring portrayal of determination, passion, and resilience, showing that success is not limited to the revered and ‘blue-blooded.’ Nautical comes to symbolize the spirit of every underdog who, against all odds, dreams of recognition and respect. Thanks to the eloquent narrative stylings of George Fenneman and the inspiring journey of Nautical, The Horse with the Flying Tail stands as a timeless classic, cementing its place in the heart of every horse-lover and dreamer. It's not only a celebration of the unassuming horse that soared high but also an ode to those who dare to dream from the margins of society.