VisionTV is getting on its high horse Oct. 1st, launching a week of programming that celebrates the noble equine spirit.

In addition to the previously announced Canadian premiere of the BBC drama series Rough Diamond and a broadcast of the feature films The Black Stallion and The Black Stallion Returns (see below), the network has lined up two special documentary presentations:

Spirit of the Mustang

Wednesday, Oct. 3, 10 p.m. ET, 30 mins.

When horses were reintroduced to North America four centuries ago, some were allowed to run free. Now these Mustangs are true wild horses, forced to fend for themselves in the harsh, unforgiving wilderness of Nevada and Montana. While they have their freedom, life is difficult and dangerous for these wild horses of North America. Sir David Attenborough narrates this documentary from his renowned BBC series David Attenborough’s Natural World.

Northern Dancer

Wednesday, Oct. 3, 10:30 p.m. ET, 60 mins.

He was the little horse with a big heart. When Northern Dancer was a yearling in 1962, no one wanted to buy him. It took beer baron E.P. Taylor to see the champion in him. Two years later, Northern Dancer became the first Canadian born and bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby. After an untimely injury forced his retirement, he became the greatest stud horse in history, fathering more than 150 stake race winners. The first animal ever inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, Northern Dancer – who died in 1990 – has made a greater impact on racing bloodlines than any other horse in the world. This Gemini Award-nominated documentary from the acclaimed Life and Times biography series tells the true story of a four-legged Canadian legend.

Previously Announced:

Canadian Premiere Drama Series: Rough Diamond

Mondays, starting Oct. 1, 9 p.m. and midnight ET/6 p.m. and 9 p.m. PT, 60 mins.

Aidan Docherty (Conor Mullen) is about to take the biggest gamble of his life. A cash-strapped horse trainer in Ireland> ‘> s County Kildare, Aidan is ready to sell off the rundown family stables at a tidy profit and begin a new life. But the startling appearance of a young newcomer (Ben Davies) changes everything. Stanley Townsend, Lorraine Pilkington and Muireann Bird also star in this handsome new BBC drama series, set in the world of high-stakes horse racing.

Movie: The Black Stallion

Tuesday, Oct. 2, 9 p.m. and midnight ET/6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

PT Director Carroll Ballard ‘s acclaimed 1979 adaptation of the Walter Farley novel tells the moving story of a young boy (Kelly Reno) and an Arabian stallion who bond after being shipwrecked on a deserted island. Rescued and returned safely home, the boy seeks the help of a retired horseman (Mickey Rooney) to train the stallion as a racer. Teri Garr also stars. Francis Ford Coppola executive produced.

Movie: The Black Stallion Returns

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 9 p.m. and midnight ET/6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

In this action-packed sequel to the 1979 family classic, young Alec (Kelly Reno) pursues thieves who have stolen his beloved black stallion and spirited him away to the Sahara for a crucial race between rival desert tribes. Vincent Spano, Allen Goorwitz, Woody Strode and Teri Garr also star. Executive produced by Francis Ford Coppola. Robert Dalva directed.

For more on VisionTV’s documentary, drama and movie programming, please visit www.visiontv.ca

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