The Power of the Horse–Human Bond Shines at the 2025 EQUUS International Film Festival

Photo by GBeroza

By Dr. Gregory A. Beroza, aka HorseDoc®

The 2025 EQUUS International Film Festival (EIFF) took place September 11–14 in colorful, historic Missoula, Montana, drawing equestrians, filmmakers, and advocates from around the world to celebrate the powerful partnership between horses and humans.

Throughout the four-day event, skilled clinicians, renowned filmmakers, and thought leaders explored how horses heal, teach, and connect us. Special guests Dr. Temple Grandin and Rupert Isaacson headlined the festival, engaging attendees in heartfelt discussions about the benefits of equine therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum. The festival’s panels and film screenings bridged understanding between science, empathy, and the equine spirit—underscoring the profound impact horses have on human lives.

Festival President Janet Rose warmly welcomed sponsors and guests, including Brandy Tomhave, CEO of the Native American Humane Society, whose participation highlighted EIFF’s commitment to promoting equine welfare and recognizing Native American contributions to horsemanship and animal care.

Janet Rose-Founder/Director & Brandy Tomhave, CEO Native American Humane Society. Photo by GBeroza.

Award-Winning Films Take Center Stage

Three award-winning films captivated audiences at Missoula’s historic Roxy Theater, each exploring the horse–human bond through a distinct lens.

“Horses and the Science of Harmony” — Presented by Dr. Sue Dyson, this 80-minute feature delves deep into the biomechanics and emotional nuances of harmony between horse and rider. Through the journey of British three-day event rider Bubby Upton, the film weaves together sports science and personal resilience as Upton fights to reclaim her passion for riding after a devastating spinal injury. Watch the trailer:

“Blue Zeus” — This riveting documentary tells the story of a wild mustang stallion captured in a U.S. government roundup and later rescued by advocate Clare Staples of Skydog Sanctuary. Narrated by Gerard Butler, the film exposes the challenges facing America’s wild horses and follows Staples’ determined efforts to reunite Blue Zeus with his family herd. With sweeping footage of the Red Desert and Skydog’s sanctuaries in Malibu, California, and Bend, Oregon, Blue Zeus is both a love letter to the wild and an indictment of flawed bureaucracy. Watch the trailer:

“Heart of Compton” — Directed by Isabel Soloaga, this 17-minute short spotlights the Compton Cowboys, a collective of riders who use horsemanship to mentor inner-city youth and challenge stereotypes about Black equestrians. The documentary shines a light on their vibrant culture at Richland Farms in Compton, California—where community and compassion ride hand-in-hand. The group’s growing influence even earned them a feature in the 2024 NFL halftime show alongside Beyoncé. Watch the trailer:

Keynote Guests: Dr. Temple Grandin and Rupert Isaacson

A highlight of the festival was the appearance of Dr. Temple Grandin, celebrated author, inventor, and animal-welfare advocate. A professor at Colorado State University, Dr. Grandin is best known for her pioneering work in humane livestock handling and her groundbreaking insights into autism, shared in books such as Thinking in Pictures and The Autistic Brain. Her lifetime of research has transformed how humans understand and manage animal behavior—especially by recognizing the shared sensory experiences between animals and individuals on the autism spectrum.

Temple Grandin. Photo by GBeroza.

Dr. Grandin presented her film and later joined Rupert Isaacson, founder of The Horse Boy Method, for a live equestrian demonstration and discussion on equine-assisted therapy. Isaacson’s creation of this method was inspired by his journey with his autistic son, Rowan, whose story took them from Texas to Mongolia in search of healing through horses and nature. Together, Grandin and Isaacson shared insights into the transformative role of horses in helping individuals with autism and ADHD build confidence, communication, and connection.

Films of Healing and Hope

Among other festival highlights were several powerful films exploring equine-assisted healing:

“Rescued Hearts” – Directed by Krisanna Sexton and produced by Dana Croschere, this film examines the miracles, mystery, and science of healing with horses. Watch the trailer:

“BraveHearts: Trail to Zero” – Produced by Dr. Gregory Beroza, this documentary follows veterans working with horses to overcome PTSD. Watch on YouTube:

“Warrior” – Produced by Eileen Shanahan and Danielle Altebrando of the Warrior Ranch Foundation, this film highlights the powerful therapeutic bond between horses and veterans confronting trauma.

Many of these filmmakers and clinicians were featured in interviews with HorseDoc® on his WuzUpDoc® Talking Horses® YouTube channel, offering further insights into their creative processes and the real-world impact of their work. You can see the full coverage here:

A Global Celebration of the Equine–Human Bond

Though headquartered in the heart of the American West, the EQUUS International Film Festival reaches far beyond Montana. Through film, education, and community, it inspires a global audience to appreciate, protect, and understand the deep emotional and physical connection between horses and humans.

By celebrating the artistry and advocacy of filmmakers, researchers, and riders alike, EIFF continues to elevate awareness of equine welfare and highlight the horse as both teacher and partner—a being whose bond with humankind is as timeless as it is transformative.

Dr. Gregory A. Beroza, DVM, DACVS, DABVP has been a practicing veterinarian and consultant for 42 years; and HorseDoc® ‘Talking Horses’® media host, author, and consultant since 2007. Dr. Beroza is a multimedia host and broadcasts his productions, including a new Podcast, via his WuzUpDoc Media website: www.WuzUpDoc.com. He can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and other social media sources.

Thanks to ‘HorseDoc’ Sponsors:  Alex Nichols Agency; BMB IT Solutions, Chestnut Vale Feed, Cosequin Joint Health Supplement, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Great American Insurance-Equine Division; Hopscotch Air Taxi; Jaguar; JSR Farriers-Equine Transport; Land Rover; Nutrena; Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate; Ramard Nutraceuticals; Range Rover; Supporting Strategies; Ultravet Medical Devices; Dan’s Papers