10 Best Country Songs About Horses

Looking for the perfect music to listen to while at the barn? These catchy country songs about riding horses will make a great addition to your playlist. From treasured old-time classics to modern-day hits, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Also read our 25 best horse songs list afterwards!

Here are the best country songs about riding a horse.

1. If Heartaches Were Horses – George Strait

The song “If Heartaches Were Horses” is about a woman leaving her man as he goes out to rope cattle, as she can no longer tolerate his lifestyle. As he rides away, he imagines how things could be different if she still loved him.

Throughout the song, there are plenty of cowboy terms that are used as metaphors for his heartbreak. The song is all more fitting since Georg Strait is a real-life cowboy who competes in roping competitions.

2. Ride Me Back Home – Wille Nelson

The song “Ride Me Back Home” represents horses as a symbol of freedom. It pays homage to the 70 horses that Nelson rescued from going to slaughter.

Nelson has long been a longtime horse lover. The horses he rescued now live a happy life on his 700-acre ranch in Texas.

“My horses are probably the luckiest horses in the world. They get hand-fed twice a day, and they were just ready to go to slaughter is probably the last thing they remembered, so they’re happy horses,” said Nelson.

3. Save A Horse [Ride A Cowboy] – Big & Rich

Many people, whether country music fans or not, have heard the song “Save A Horse [Ride A Cowboy]”. It has become a classic in modern country music and you will likely hear it playing at any country event.

Though it is quite a catchy song, it is geared towards adult audiences. So, if there are children around, this is not exactly an appropriate song to listen to.

4. Beer For My Horses – Toby Keith

“Beer For My Horses” was Toby Keith’s first big hit that kicked off his career. Though it is a fun song, it has a deep meaning.

The song is about corruption in the justice system, as well as the law of the Old West. Featuring legend Willie Nelson, it has become a favorite among many country music fans.

5. No Reins – Rascall Flatts

This classic country song about horseback riding comes from beloved artist, Rascall Flats. “No Reins” compares a woman’s journey of leaving an unhealthy relationship to the beauty of wild horses running free with no reins.

This uplifting song makes for a wonderful addition to any playlist. It is a great song for anyone who is going through a tough breakup and needs their spirit lifted.

6. Cowgirls Don’t Cry – Brooks & Dunn

“Cowgirls Don’t Cry” is a quintessential country song that features the vocals of the wonderful Reba McEntire. It is an emotional, heartwarming song with a music video that will make you tear up.

The song is about a father teaching his daughter how to ride and teaching her to stay strong even when life gets hard. It covers a father and daughter’s relationship all through her life, from her first time on a horse to her wedding day.

7. Tennessee Stud – Johnny Cash

From the legendary Johnny Cash, “Tennessee Stud” is the epitome of classic country music. It is a song that people both young and old will enjoy.

The song is about the relationship between a man and his trusty horse during the 1800s. The horse is a stunning, sun-colored, green-eyed stallion nicknamed the “Tennessee Stud.” Together the pair faces many adventures, including falling in love with a girl and her “Tennesse Mare.”

8. Should’ve Been A Cowboy – Toby Keith

Another hit by Toby Keith, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” is a favorite among many cowgirls and cowboys. It is a song about a man regretting the choices he made in life.

In the song, the man wishes that he would’ve become a cowboy rather than being at where he is in life today. He wishes he would’ve learned to ride, rope, and work cattle.

9. Wild Horses – Garth Brooks

“Wild Horses” is one of Garth Brooks’s best songs. This catchy song is great to listen to while spending a day at the barn.

The song is about a man who struggles between his love for rodeo life and loving a woman. He keeps breaking the promise that he will quit rodeo to be with her, but “wild horses keep dragging [him] away.”

10. High Horse – Kacey Musgraves

Relatively new to the country world, Kacey Musgraves has already made a name for herself. She has come out with several hit songs, including “High Horse.”

The song is about an arrogant, conceited person who needs to get on his high horse and leave. Musgrave uses many horsey terms throughout the song including telling the individual to “giddy-up” and “ride straight out of this town.”