by Ruth Floresca

Created on: December 03, 2010

A Story of Heart

When I received an invite to watch the press screening of the movie Secretariat, I wondered what the film is all about. I had thoughts of a big office and lots of uniformed employees. Just shows how little I know about famous horses.

I finally figured out what, or should I say, who, Secretariat is when I checked out the movie trailer on YouTube. I may not be a big fan of horses, (I was scared I’d fall off the only time I tried riding on one many years ago), but I do respect and admire the strength and dignity of these noble beasts.

I am so glad I went to the screening. Secretariat is the tale of one of the greatest thoroughbreds that ever lived. It is based on a true story that chronicles the life of one chestnut-colored horse and his charming, but very determined, owner named Penny Chenery Tweedy (played by Diane Lane).

Here, Penny, a housewife and mother, takes over her father’s stables despite a lack of horse-racing experience. However, what she did have was a great love for horses, guts, grit, and sound instincts. Despite the odds, and with the help of veteran horse trainer Lucien Laurin (played by John Malkovich), Penny was able to stand her ground firmly in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Ultimately, her unwavering faith in Secretariat, led to the horse being the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years.

In the film’s production notes, director Randall Wallace, of the Braveheart fame, was quoted, “The story is about heart – Secretariat’s and the heart of the woman who owned him. Both were greater than anyone imagined. I believe that when Secretariat was running the last of his races, he was no longer running against other horses; he was running for the joy in becoming who he was meant to be.”

I found the movie very inspiring because it leaves one with a sense of purpose. There’s that encouraging thought that we can achieve many of our goals if we don’t lose hope and keep on persevering no matter how huge the obstacles could be. I’m sure a lot of people, women especially, would feel empowered by seeing a simple housewife become an astute business owner through sheer courage and the unwillingness to give up. This is one unforgettable movie that I hope families would watch together.

 I left the movie theater feeling lighthearted and motivated to take the lessons I learned from a remarkable woman and her horse and make them my own. When my next sets of trials come, I hope I’ll always remember to also stop doubting my abilities, pray and have faith, and start believing in myself and in all the things I am meant to do.  

Simply put, Secretariat is a powerful reminder that people and animals can do things no one may initially believe could be done.

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