10. George Strait in Pure Country
In this movie, George plays a country western singer looking to get back to his roots after abandoning a hectic tour. The character finds his way to a bankrupt family with a good looking daughter. Hmmm … I wonder where this is going to lead?
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Swoon Alert: When he sings “I cross my heart and promise to give all that I’ve got to give to make all your dreams come true.”
9. Colin Farrell in Winter’s Tale.
Colin plays a thief who breaks into a rich mansion where he finds a manic pixie dream girl who is dying of some incurable disease that makes her see “light everywhere.” Her heart also races too fast, so you can imagine what happens when she sees Colin ride up on his white stallion.
Swoon Alert: Basically this whole movie is one giant swoon fest. It’s cheesy and almost too sweet, but it works.
8. The men of the Lord of the Rings trilogy
With Karl Urban, Viggo Mortensen, and Orlando Bloom in the mix, it’s hard not to enjoy the view Peter Jackson dreamed up in the epic fantasy adventure.
Swoon Alert: Aragorn and Arwen 4EVA! “I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.”
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7 ½. Karl Urban in Xena: Warrior Princess and as Woodrow Call in the TV miniseries, Comanche Moon
This Kiwi was made to sit atop a horse. More please.
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7. Henry Cavill from The Tudors and Tristan and Isolde
Henry’s horseback roles are minimal, but he made the list because he has a history of dating equestrian women in real life. He was engaged to showjumper Ellen Whitaker until 2012 and was rumored to be dating Big Bang Theory star and horse lover Kaley Cuoco shortly thereafter.
Swoon Alert: Pretty much anytime he looks at the camera.
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6. Russell Crowe in Hammers Over the Anvil
This little known flick is the bastard child of The Man from Snowy River and Fifty Shades of Grey. Producers should rename it Fifty Shades of Hay. This film felt almost voyeuristic. In fact, the story is told from the perspective of a kid who has a man crush on Crowe’s character, East, and a schoolboy crush on East’s lover, the wealthy landowner’s wife. As you can guess, by the end of the movie all hell breaks loose.
Swoon Alert: None really, but still #russellcrowebum
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5. Hugh Jackman in Australia
Hugh is “the drover” who helps an aristocrat, played by Nicole Kidman, protect her newly inherited cattle and land. They take down some baddies and save Aboriginal children along the way.
Swoon Alert: When he wears a white tuxedo and the fantastic camp shower scene. All hail the Wolverine thunder from down under.
4. Tom Burlinson in the The Man from Snowy River
The character Jim Craig has stole many an equestrian girl’s heart. The story is about a poor boy that falls in love with a rich man’s daughter. It’s a tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme…
Swoon Alert: Riding at sunset in the Australian high country and when he returns like a damned hero and says, “Hello darlin.”
3. Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall
I think we all remember the first time we saw Tristan enter screen left on that Chestnut horse.
Swoon Alert: Every time he smirks and tips the front of his hat in greeting. #pantydropper
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2. Heath Ledger in A Knight’s Tale
It was difficult to decide which character to pick for Heath. Having learned to ride when he was young, movie directors took full advantage of his skills in The Patriot, Four Feathers, Casanova, Brokeback Mountain, The Brothers Grimm, and Ned Kelly. However, it was his portrayal of all-around good looking, big hearted Sir William Thatcher in A Knight’s Tale that won me over.
Swoon Alert: After William takes a beating to prove he values love over vanity and pride, his lady nurses him back to health. Watching the character attempt to write romantic poetry was also quite good. I give him bonus points for comparing her to his “horse’s flanks.”
Finally… drum roll please.
1. TN sweetheart Sam Heughan as JAMMF in Starz’ Outlander
Never have a man’s bared knees looked so damn sexy.
Swoon Alert: It must be uncomfortable as hell for Claire – all saddles have a “pommel” or raised area in front that would be right up Claire’s hoo-haa without TV magic – but riding double has never looked so good. In Jamie’s words he loves galloping “with that lovely broad arse wedged between my thighs.” Yes, Claire, he married you for love, but also your bum.
Save a horse, ride a Scotsman.
Of course we missed some of your favorite hunks on horses. Who should have been included? Share your fave hot guys on horses in the comments!
