Horseplay: All About Horses takes us on an unbridled ride with CGI characters Axle (a jovial airplane) and Scout (his inquiring passenger) expressing their excitement about everything horses. During a long, long sightseeing flight Axle answers many questions Scout has about his own kind. Axle ‘recites’ a slew of facts covering different subjects of Scout’s interest such as the history of the horse, anatomy of the horse, breeds, horse racing, health, diet, show jumping, equipment and habitats of the horse. While there are many interesting facts, the definition of a sorrel horse is incorrect in the video. Likewise, two different beginning times are given regarding the domestication of the horse: 5,000 years ago and 5,000 B.C. This lends itself to questioning if thorough fact-checking had been done by each writer.
Meanwhile, Axle and his inquisitive student continue to glide aimlessly through odd CGI environments. To pique our interest, Scout introduces us to a sub-plot involving Reg, his long-lost uncle who is still on the run for stampeding and rushing a circus tent. He’s afraid he might run into him in an awkward moment. Unfortunately, this is a dangling cinch and we never meet Uncle Reg.
A distinct problem Dove families may have with Horseplay: All About Horses is the aspect of species evolution, stated as fact. According to the writers, the horse began evolving 55 million years ago. Without getting too drawn out, evolution, which has no attached purpose, precludes creation and vice versa. Christians are fully aware God created us with a purpose, as He said. This is a great reminder of the need to continue discussion of the veracity of God’s Word with our families and research the ever-expanding creation sciences.
The score is catchy and fun. Gorgeous stock footage, both horse and landscape, draw us into watching more. Armed with the educational aspect and interesting horse facts, Horseplay: All About Horses can be a useful tool in amateur horse study. Even though Axle and Scout appeal to the small child, the bulk of the narrated content is directed toward much older kids. Appealing to responsibility and compassion, the video encourages taking care of and protecting animals. However, the claims of species evolution, although not too detailed, are stated as fact and antithetical to Christian teaching, preventing Dove from awarding approval.
The Dove Take:
Although Horseplay: All About Horses is narrated by fun, colorful CGI characters, and bursting with horse facts, its narration is aimed at students older than kindergarten age, and includes content teaching evolution.
