I was on the set - even an extra - no I did not get paid - but the story is good and the actors are great. It's a movie folks. All the people behind the scenes worked hard, as well as all of the actors. And yes, Rusty is Rusty in all of the scenes. Contact Zion Farms if you do not believe me. And yes, the actors rode the horses as well. I heard that the main actors cowboy'ed the horses better than those of us who never rode horses before. It's a feel good movie - don't dissect it. Enjoy it. Three Billy's - how can you go wrong - sorry that Billy Preston could only be there for a short bit - but he wasn't feeling well.
15 Reviews
The Karate Kid on a jumping horse
bkoganbing3 February 2019
One of Zac Efron's earliest films before he became a Disney "it" boy through the
High School Musical series was this film which casts him as a would be baseball
player who likes horses. It's with horses that his passion lies much to the disappointment of his coach and father William R. Moses. When he gets beaned
in a pickup game he clearly has not got his head in the game.
The Derby Stallion is a nice film though some I'm sure will notice that this is a horseback version of The Karate Kid. Efron forms a friendship with old retired trainer Bill Cobbs who used to train all kinds of horses and even has bought a horse from a rich landowner who was getting rid of him anyway as the horse did not live up to promise. But i's possible he did not get the right training or rider.
Cobbs is the Mr. Miyagi (Patrick Morita) part. The villain or William Zabka role belongs to Michael Nardelli a spoiled rich kid whose father was the one who gave up on the horse Cobbs trains and Efron rides.
The Derby Stallion is a nice family film even though the makers of The Karate Kid could sue.
The Derby Stallion is a nice film though some I'm sure will notice that this is a horseback version of The Karate Kid. Efron forms a friendship with old retired trainer Bill Cobbs who used to train all kinds of horses and even has bought a horse from a rich landowner who was getting rid of him anyway as the horse did not live up to promise. But i's possible he did not get the right training or rider.
Cobbs is the Mr. Miyagi (Patrick Morita) part. The villain or William Zabka role belongs to Michael Nardelli a spoiled rich kid whose father was the one who gave up on the horse Cobbs trains and Efron rides.
The Derby Stallion is a nice family film even though the makers of The Karate Kid could sue.
This Is What This Sort Of Movie Looks Like
boblipton15 October 2023
Alcoholic horse trainer Bill Cobbs sees a great steeplechase rider in the unmotivated Zach Efron and trains him for the local derby.
It's the same sort of movie that has been made at least a couple of hundred times. It's filled with many of the incidents, like death, uncertain parents, the competitor who cheats, the decision not to compete, the last minute change of heart, et c. Etc. Clearly this is inended for the Young Adult market, the kids who have never seen any of these before. So it can be assessed pretty much on a checklist. The performances are good, especially Cobbs, one of those "plant your feet, look the other guy in the eye, and tell the truth" performers Visually it's a mix of ridiculous set design -- I've never seen stables that pristine, and I helped build one --and the camerawork is okay. It's one of those movies where you know exactly what is going to happen, and that's ok.
It's the same sort of movie that has been made at least a couple of hundred times. It's filled with many of the incidents, like death, uncertain parents, the competitor who cheats, the decision not to compete, the last minute change of heart, et c. Etc. Clearly this is inended for the Young Adult market, the kids who have never seen any of these before. So it can be assessed pretty much on a checklist. The performances are good, especially Cobbs, one of those "plant your feet, look the other guy in the eye, and tell the truth" performers Visually it's a mix of ridiculous set design -- I've never seen stables that pristine, and I helped build one --and the camerawork is okay. It's one of those movies where you know exactly what is going to happen, and that's ok.
Bad movie
wildponyfree16 June 2007
I am usually tolerant of horse movies. I don't expect the actors to be the best riders or horse handlers. I expect mistakes to be made and things to be wrong. I try to sit back and just enjoy the story. This is what I expected to do recently when I picked up a new horse movie called The Derby Stallion.
Well it was simply awful. The lead could not ride at all. I feel they could have found an actor with riding skills. Even worse was when they switched to the legs of a dark bay horse jumping when the lead horse was a bright chestnut. They should have taken the time to do the research and find the right people.
Overall I was not impressed with the way this movie was shot and put together. Some of the close-ups seemed too close and out of focus and actually made me dizzy. I feel a lot more could have been done to make this movie better starting with an actor who had real life horse experience.
Well it was simply awful. The lead could not ride at all. I feel they could have found an actor with riding skills. Even worse was when they switched to the legs of a dark bay horse jumping when the lead horse was a bright chestnut. They should have taken the time to do the research and find the right people.
Overall I was not impressed with the way this movie was shot and put together. Some of the close-ups seemed too close and out of focus and actually made me dizzy. I feel a lot more could have been done to make this movie better starting with an actor who had real life horse experience.
Possibly the worst movie i've ever seen.
asbchick015 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Horses and Zac Efron, a match made in cinematic heaven, right? Oh, how you could not be more wrong. Although I find Zac Efron to be one of the hottest (if not the hottest) man on the planet, his perfect body and alluring charm did not even captivate me enough to keep my eyes open. From an equestrian's point of view, this movie was also terrible. The fact that it's impossible for someone to become a steeplechaser in several weeks makes the plot completely fallible (I've been riding for 7+ years and I am no where near ready, and I compete at 3'). Not to mention the plot already was completely predictable. But whatever. Apparently if you are a really hot, oppressed teenage boy whose parents want you to be a "real" athlete and play baseball, you can get on a horse (after falling more times than is really necessary, the horse was already trained and it was rearing/bucking? Come on. A horse does not need to gain "trust" necessarily for you to sit on its back), be jumping cross rails in a week (over and over, might I add, which proved absolutely nothing), and be steeple chasing in a few months. If you don't know what steeple chasing is, it's basically a race, but you jump. So a race with X amount of horses all jumping the same things at the same time going speeds that regular racehorses are at. Pretty much racing only 100x more dangerous. And it's definitely not Zac Efron jumping, obviously, since none of the camera angles are of his whole body during the entire race scene. Oh, and guess who wins?
Heartwarming tale of overcoming fear
wrxsti5427 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Whilst the storyline is a little schmaltzy and predictable nonetheless it's a pleasant and heartwarming movie. Featuring 15 year old Patrick McCardle (Zac Efron) who initially incurs the wrath of his father Jim (William R Moses) by quitting baseball to take up steeplechasing due to his friendship with ailing local horse trainer Houston Jones (Bill Cobb), Patrick must navigate initial skepticism and opposition from his parents, bullying from the arrogant defending steeplechase champion Randy (Michael Nardelli) and his fears and apprehensions as a novice rider and then the last minute death of Houston to eventually win the local Steeplechase Derby in beautiful rural Georgia.
This was Zac Efron's first lead role and he demonstrates that he is an excellent actor as well as being a handsome heartthrob. Being the same age of his character gave the movie great authenticity - the movie excellently portrays the very typical boundary pushing conflicts between a father and a mid adolescent boy and also the vital role good external mentors can play in the lives of young men.
This was Zac Efron's first lead role and he demonstrates that he is an excellent actor as well as being a handsome heartthrob. Being the same age of his character gave the movie great authenticity - the movie excellently portrays the very typical boundary pushing conflicts between a father and a mid adolescent boy and also the vital role good external mentors can play in the lives of young men.
Predictable to the last
anabata25 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I will begin by saying that the only reason I watched this movie is because I like Zac Efron and was curious to see his other work. Considering the film hasn't received much attention outside of the Zac Efron fanbase, I had my reservations about how the film might turn out. Unfortunately, I wasn't mistaken.
'The Derby Stallion' has a very straightforward, some might even say cliché, storyline: a boy befriends an older-mentor archytype (think an old, black Yoda) and needs to learn how to ride steeplechase in order to compete against his rival and win the big derby at the climax of the film.
The film starts out with 15 year old Patrick in conflict with his dad who wants him to become a star baseball player. Instead, Patrick spends his time hanging out with the local town drunk, Bill Cobbs' Houston Jones, who regales him with tales of being a steeple chase rider. Naturally his parents disaprove of their friendship but this changes when Patrick takes an interest in riding and wants to compete in the big derby. Everything is going great until Houston passes away and Patrick, consumed by grief and lacking in confidence, decides to quit riding. At the last minute, he changes his mind and everything is set right. The film ends with a shot of Patrick leaving his trophy at Houston's grave, his family at his side.
The film is typically corny, rife with a very predictable storyline and the usual conflicts/resolutions that one might find in most family films. However, the ending of the film is so hasty and anti-climactic that I couldn't but help feel like it was done in a very half-assed way. Also, as many others have pointed out, the fact that the Patrick character becomes so skilled in such a short period of time defies logic and the so-called 'relationship' between horse and jockey is seems shaky at best.
The one bright spot is Bill Cobbs who does a fairly decent job portraying the relationship of Houston's 'Yoda' to Patrick's 'Luke' (yes, there's even a line in the film that is essentially paraphrases "Do, or do not. There is no try."). Other than that the film is forgettable. I'm sure there will be enough interest generated by Zac Efron's celebrity to get the film seen, but any serious rider, as others have previously posted, will find the premise and execution weak.
Edited for typo.
'The Derby Stallion' has a very straightforward, some might even say cliché, storyline: a boy befriends an older-mentor archytype (think an old, black Yoda) and needs to learn how to ride steeplechase in order to compete against his rival and win the big derby at the climax of the film.
The film starts out with 15 year old Patrick in conflict with his dad who wants him to become a star baseball player. Instead, Patrick spends his time hanging out with the local town drunk, Bill Cobbs' Houston Jones, who regales him with tales of being a steeple chase rider. Naturally his parents disaprove of their friendship but this changes when Patrick takes an interest in riding and wants to compete in the big derby. Everything is going great until Houston passes away and Patrick, consumed by grief and lacking in confidence, decides to quit riding. At the last minute, he changes his mind and everything is set right. The film ends with a shot of Patrick leaving his trophy at Houston's grave, his family at his side.
The film is typically corny, rife with a very predictable storyline and the usual conflicts/resolutions that one might find in most family films. However, the ending of the film is so hasty and anti-climactic that I couldn't but help feel like it was done in a very half-assed way. Also, as many others have pointed out, the fact that the Patrick character becomes so skilled in such a short period of time defies logic and the so-called 'relationship' between horse and jockey is seems shaky at best.
The one bright spot is Bill Cobbs who does a fairly decent job portraying the relationship of Houston's 'Yoda' to Patrick's 'Luke' (yes, there's even a line in the film that is essentially paraphrases "Do, or do not. There is no try."). Other than that the film is forgettable. I'm sure there will be enough interest generated by Zac Efron's celebrity to get the film seen, but any serious rider, as others have previously posted, will find the premise and execution weak.
Edited for typo.
The Derby Stallion-an surprising excellent movie
Ed-89426 April 2007
I really enjoyed this film. The acting was great and Zac Efron did some really nice work.I was drawn to this film because I ride horses and like racing. I didn't know much about Steeplechase before this movie. It is cool...looks pretty hard and a little dangerous but fun.
I also enjoyed Houston Jones character and his relationship with Zac's character, "Patrick". It reminded me of my relationship with my granddad.The parents were good too, and the girl that plays Jill, is hot! My mother liked the film too, and said she would recommend it to her friends to buy for their kids because its a family movie that she enjoyed watching with me. There are some surprises in it that I won't tell you. Randy's character is a good bad guy. I think you will like it as much as I did!
I also enjoyed Houston Jones character and his relationship with Zac's character, "Patrick". It reminded me of my relationship with my granddad.The parents were good too, and the girl that plays Jill, is hot! My mother liked the film too, and said she would recommend it to her friends to buy for their kids because its a family movie that she enjoyed watching with me. There are some surprises in it that I won't tell you. Randy's character is a good bad guy. I think you will like it as much as I did!
Good for a group of 10 year old girls-not good for a sense of Justice
cottonbrad31 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
OK, lets get the obvious out of the way, Zack Efron is in this movie. That said, there's really not much positive to say about this boy coming of age film. The acting is OK, the camera work is OK, the continuity leaves a lot to be desired as previously mentioned, the story is painfully predicable (spoiler alert, watch the opening menu long enough and you know he races)...
Probably the most disappointing thing about the film is it's lack of justice. A good sense of justice and good prevailing completely is essential in a family movie. That does not happen in this film. The two "bad guys" (Michael Nardelli and Colton James) really tear it up and should have been arrested following the race (lets add a little drama), but we don't even see Nardelli when he loses, so there isn't even a chance to rub it in a bit. It's unfortunate, but I can't recommend this movie....unless you absolutely must see Zac Efron.
Probably the most disappointing thing about the film is it's lack of justice. A good sense of justice and good prevailing completely is essential in a family movie. That does not happen in this film. The two "bad guys" (Michael Nardelli and Colton James) really tear it up and should have been arrested following the race (lets add a little drama), but we don't even see Nardelli when he loses, so there isn't even a chance to rub it in a bit. It's unfortunate, but I can't recommend this movie....unless you absolutely must see Zac Efron.
Greatest Platonic Parental Movie
God_is_with_us27 January 2019
This movie exemplifies the American dream of the familial bond. The movie depicts the dream of the reality of how life is, where the parent controls the child and believes that the child wants to do a certain hobby because it is what the parent did, or wished to do.
The child then doesn't want to do what the parent forces the child to do, and then decides to go against the family and do what they want. Then the child becomes great at the hobby and the parents have a turn around after disagreeing and not supporting the child because of the whole disconnect that occurs when a child decides to do what they want for their own life.
The Parent then becomes involved in the Childs life, and they bond over the "death" of the broken dream of the parent, and apologizes for the disrespect and the mistreatment of the child, and begins to support the child in what they want to do. The parent becomes very remorseful to the child to ensure that the child is still apart of the parents life.
The reality life reality and the film, are completely opposite. The film depicts the dream of how life is to be with a family, and their children. It's the typical cliche "prophecy" or "calling" for a lack of better way to describe it. And this calling, is a straight up reality check for the parent because of how distant the child would be, and how much involvement the parent would have their child in their life, and how much involvement, control, and influence the parent will have in their Childs life. The parent doesn't want to be a stranger and be kicked out of the child's life because it will evidently hurt the parent, and the parent will have a spiral down turn, and eventually become very sickly; more so sickly, abusive, and/or psychotic
Great movie. Need more of these types of movies. Not the whole Prostitution of Hollywood films.
The child then doesn't want to do what the parent forces the child to do, and then decides to go against the family and do what they want. Then the child becomes great at the hobby and the parents have a turn around after disagreeing and not supporting the child because of the whole disconnect that occurs when a child decides to do what they want for their own life.
The Parent then becomes involved in the Childs life, and they bond over the "death" of the broken dream of the parent, and apologizes for the disrespect and the mistreatment of the child, and begins to support the child in what they want to do. The parent becomes very remorseful to the child to ensure that the child is still apart of the parents life.
The reality life reality and the film, are completely opposite. The film depicts the dream of how life is to be with a family, and their children. It's the typical cliche "prophecy" or "calling" for a lack of better way to describe it. And this calling, is a straight up reality check for the parent because of how distant the child would be, and how much involvement the parent would have their child in their life, and how much involvement, control, and influence the parent will have in their Childs life. The parent doesn't want to be a stranger and be kicked out of the child's life because it will evidently hurt the parent, and the parent will have a spiral down turn, and eventually become very sickly; more so sickly, abusive, and/or psychotic
Great movie. Need more of these types of movies. Not the whole Prostitution of Hollywood films.
Not Getting Off the Beaten Track with Zac
wes-connors18 January 2010
Cute fifteen-year-old Zac Efron (as Patrick McCardle) doesn't have friends his own age. He skips baseball practice to spend time with boozing horse enthusiast mentor Bill Cobbs (as Houston Jones). In flashbacks, Mr. Cobbs recounts his love for a wealthy white woman, and a passion for horses; his doomed romance led Cobbs to alcoholism. Parents William R. Moses and Tonja Walker (as Jim and Linda) don't like Mr. Efron's close relationship with the older man; especially, Mr. Moses wants his son to play baseball like his dad. Efron doesn't know much, but "I know horses like me." He decides to join the horse races, with Cobbs as trainer.
Be advised, there is heartbreak ahead for Efron!
Efron is less affected (and made-up) than in "High School Musical" performances, which is a plus. He passes for a mature fifteen, but doesn't show much prowess as an actor. The prerequisite bully and pretty girl roles are adequately filled by coolly-coiffed Michael Nardelli (as Randy Adams) and lightly-tressed Crystal Hunt (as Jill Overton). Cobbs adroitly makes the most of his predictable character role. And, ailing musician Billy Preston has one of his last gigs. "The Derby Stallion" gallops with missteps and continuity problems, obviously enhanced by budget restrictions. Filmmakers found a great semi-circular tree for a background shot.
*** The Derby Stallion (7/4/05) Craig Clyde ~ Zac Efron, Bill Cobbs, Crystal Hunt, William R. Moses
Be advised, there is heartbreak ahead for Efron!
Efron is less affected (and made-up) than in "High School Musical" performances, which is a plus. He passes for a mature fifteen, but doesn't show much prowess as an actor. The prerequisite bully and pretty girl roles are adequately filled by coolly-coiffed Michael Nardelli (as Randy Adams) and lightly-tressed Crystal Hunt (as Jill Overton). Cobbs adroitly makes the most of his predictable character role. And, ailing musician Billy Preston has one of his last gigs. "The Derby Stallion" gallops with missteps and continuity problems, obviously enhanced by budget restrictions. Filmmakers found a great semi-circular tree for a background shot.
*** The Derby Stallion (7/4/05) Craig Clyde ~ Zac Efron, Bill Cobbs, Crystal Hunt, William R. Moses
Authentic locations / Realistic ambiance / Heartwarming story
angelapete10 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
A disillusioned old horse trainer befriends a teenage boy struggling to form his own identity. The old man has trouble with alcohol; the boy with bullies. His father is pushing his love--baseball--on the boy, who does not have interest.
I was struck by the beauty of the authentic filming location and the realistic ambiance that pervades the scenes, particularly through the sounds of nature. Heartwarming musical scores complete the effect of a "feel good" movie experience, which is the type I prefer. The closing credits roll as Billy Preston sings "Winner," wrapping up another good-triumphs-over-evil movie.
I was struck by the beauty of the authentic filming location and the realistic ambiance that pervades the scenes, particularly through the sounds of nature. Heartwarming musical scores complete the effect of a "feel good" movie experience, which is the type I prefer. The closing credits roll as Billy Preston sings "Winner," wrapping up another good-triumphs-over-evil movie.
Don't pay attention to the bad reviews
jewelch26 November 2020
Bill Cobbs Zac Efron Crystal Hunt were awesome in this movie. It is about a young boy who does not want to follow in his dads footsteps and play baseball but is scared to tell him, but with the help of a very good friend a very old and misunderstood ex horse trainer he gets the courage to tell him. Don't want to spoil anything so leaving it there. I would recommend this movie to any one at any age it was a great FAMILY movie. Crystal hunt is really good in this movie I believe you will be seeing a lot more of her. James E. Welch Henderson Arkansas 11/20/2005
ZAC EFRON STARS IN PONY MOVIE 🤣
lagueros-7446822 April 2022
Omg when i discovered this from tiktok i was shook shock shaken. SO i decided to look for the movie.... Zac Efron tried everything in his power to destroy the history of him being in this movie... Zac efron's haircut is horrible ðŸ˜im scared by it...
the film is as hot as Zack
chicken_amie28 November 2006
i love this film so much it has a great story line and the actors are amazing.it helped that the film had Zack Efron in because he is a talented actor who recently the lead in high school musical i gave this film 10/10 because it was amazing and i dint want 2 blink because i did not want 2 miss a second of it i also thought that the film was heart warming and it made me see a whole new side of Zack's acting skills i no that i cant wait to see him in his new film hairspray because if it is as good as this it will be at the top of the charts the only downside to this film is that Crystal Hunt who plays Jill Overton got 2 kiss Zack i was so Jealous if only i lived in America i would of auditioned for that part but i live in england for now
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