Triumphs of a Man Called Horse (1983)

The following AHA film review was compiled from archival information and documentation and may not reflect AHA’s current criteria for animal action review and rating procedures.

AHA was denied monitoring access to Triumphs of a Man called Horse because it was a non-union film and not contractually obligated to comply with AHA. As a result, horses were tripped and buffalo were killed during filming, earning it an Unacceptable rating and a national boycott of the film. As a result, USA TODAY published an article expressing AHA’s concerns and informing the public of the film’s animal cruelty.

The ongoing expansion of the AHA Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media has raised the standard of care for animal actors worldwide. In addition, technological advancements have created safe alternatives to risky action, enabling filmmakers to maintain their creative vision without compromising the welfare of animal actors. AHA continues to be a vigilant watchdog for animals in film and television and acknowledges the groundbreaking history of this program while expanding and refining procedures to reflect increased knowledge and new challenges.