![[2026] Western songs about horses: A roundup of famous tracks featuring horses](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/D1Xr-JFLxik/sddefault.jpg)
[2026] Western songs about horses: A roundup of famous tracks featuring horses
The sight of a powerful gallop, a symbol of freedom, or the wildness within—the horse has long been a recurring motif in the world of Western music.
From adrenaline-charged rock tracks to bittersweet ballads, songs that feature horses in their titles or lyrics are surprisingly diverse.
Some depict horses directly, while others weave them in as metaphors or rhetorical devices, revealing a striking breadth of expression.
This time, we’ve gathered Western songs related to horses.
You might even find that a familiar tune secretly hides a horse within it.
Enjoy the discoveries, and be sure to check them out!
[2026] Western songs about horses: A roundup of classic tracks featuring horses (1–10)
White HorseTaylor Swift
Taylor Swift is a superstar who continues to captivate fans around the world, achieving success across a wide range of genres from country to pop.
This song, featured on her iconic album Fearless, represents her early work.
Using the fairy-tale motif of a “white horse,” it’s a bittersweet ballad about realizing that the person she idealized wasn’t a prince after all.
Although released in 2008, the track proved its strength by winning two awards at the 52nd Grammys, including Best Country Song, and it’s also known for being used in the popular TV drama Grey’s Anatomy.
It blends the ache of waking from a fantasy with the strength to take a step forward, making it a perfect classic for quieting the heart at night or for anyone ready to put a past romance to rest.
Old Town Road (ft. Billy Ray Cyrus)Lil Nas X
Bursting out of internet meme culture and rocketing to stardom in no time, Atlanta-born rapper Lil Nas X became a global sensation with this track, featuring country legend Billy Ray Cyrus.
The 2019 remix set a historic record by holding the No.
1 spot on the U.S.
Billboard chart for 19 consecutive weeks.
With banjo tones intertwined with a heavy bass, it captures the melancholy and romance of a cowboy riding his horse down the long road.
After going viral on TikTok, it also received high recognition at the Grammy Awards.
Its catchy, genre-blending melody is sure to amp up a drive or a party.
Be sure to check it out!
Wild HorsesThe Rolling Stones
This is a song by the legendary British rock band, The Rolling Stones.
It’s included on the classic album Sticky Fingers, released in April 1971.
With a sound that incorporates elements of country rock and a distinctive tack piano tone, it’s a ballad that truly resonates.
Using wild horses as its motif, the theme expresses uncontrollable emotions and a sense of distance, and is said to reflect the loneliness of life on tour at the time.
There’s also a famous anecdote that The Flying Burrito Brothers—featuring Gram Parsons, who was close to the Stones—released their own version on an album in 1970, ahead of the Stones’ release.
In 1996, an acoustic re-recording was issued as a single from the album Stripped.
It’s a track you’ll want to savor alone on a quiet night.
Wildflowers and Wild HorsesLainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson, a singer-songwriter from Louisiana, USA, has been drawing attention with her distinctive “Bell Bottom Country” style.
She’s an artist whose sound blends the vibe of ’70s rock with modern country in a compelling way.
The track here is from her 2022 album Bell Bottom Country.
It layers images of wildflowers blooming in barren land with wild horses running free, singing of a strong will to forge a path even in harsh conditions.
The song was also featured in a Wrangler jeans commercial and won Music Video of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards.
It’s a powerful anthem that gives you a push forward while taking pride in your roots.
Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)Big&Rich
Big & Rich are a duo that gained popularity by transcending the boundaries of country music and boldly incorporating elements of rock and hip-hop.
Featured on their 2004 album “Horse of a Different Color,” “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” blends lively banjo tones with a rap-like vocal style, making it a humorous party anthem loved by many.
The track is also well-known for its appearances in various media, including ESPN’s World Series of Poker commercials and the film “Magic Mike.” The phrase “save a horse” is said to be a sexual metaphor, and while the lyrics may seem like a straightforward cowboy-themed song, there’s a playful twist beneath the surface.
It’s a perfect pick when you want to have fun without overthinking, or as energetic background music for a lively drive with friends.
Black Horse and the Cherry TreeKT Tunstall
A signature song by Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall.
It’s a track from her debut album, Eye to the Telescope, released in 2004.
This piece is famous for live performances where she layers sounds solo using a loop pedal.
Inspired by a large black horse she saw while traveling in Greece, it features a distinctive rhythm and a slightly bluesy vibe.
After its single release in February 2005, a TV performance helped it become a huge hit in the United States, and it was also nominated for a Grammy.
It has been used in openings such as for the CBC drama Wild Roses.
It’s a foot-stomping track that conveys the strength to follow the voice of your own heart.
The HorsesDaryl Braithwaite
Daryl Braithwaite is an indispensable singer when discussing the history of Australian pop rock.
This classic track, included on his 1990 album “Rise” and released as a single in January 1991, is a standout.
The original was co-written by Rickie Lee Jones and Walter Becker, but Braithwaite’s soaring vocals turned it into an anthem that transcends generations.
In the lyrics, the image of running free in the sky, unbound by gravity, is layered onto horses, lifting the listener’s spirits.
In Australia, it has become a staple sung at weddings, sporting events, and other gatherings.
Wrapped in a warm, uplifting feeling that makes you want to throw your arms around friends and sing along, this song is perfect for when you want to feel positive.