FINAL FOUR: National Velvet versus Black Beauty

Here's our second matchup of the Final Four, another really tough choice.

National Velvet handily beat out Hidalgo in its previous match.

Black Beauty just baaaarely edged by Seabiscuit.

Here's a nice collection of clips from National Velvet - it hits all the highlights, including all those gorgeous shots of Elizabeth Taylor galloping the (chestnut) Pie.

Here's the trailer for Black Beauty.

So...who advances?

FINAL FOUR: The Black Stallion versus Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken

Here, I'll set the mood.

Okay!

Here's what our bracket looks like now.

We're down to the Final Four. Every movie that made it to this round should hold its head high, because some really great movies went down in the previous rounds. That said, this can only get harder now, and this match in particular is a real heartbreaker.

The Black Stallion edged by The Man from Snowy River by one measly vote, proving that every single vote counts.

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken only cleared Secretariat by two votes. 

For this round, I'll find some iconic scenes from the movies in question to get you inspired and make you think about your vote. So here, take a few minutes to watch these. I'll wait.

Now make your tough decision.

Round 2, Match 4: Black Beauty versus Seabiscuit

Black Beauty versus Seabiscuit

The Battle of the Tearjerkers ended in tears for Phar Lap, with Black Beauty in a convincing victory.

I was also sad to see a personal favorite go down hard when Seabiscuit trounced International Velvet. 

Only one can keep going, though.

Weekly Blog Roundup

A few great posts from the horse blogging world this week!

Tips to Organize Your Equestrian Life from Fly on Over
I am a fairly obsessive paperwork organizer. I love this. Good tips, and a very soothing look into another equestrian's way of organizing.

So You Want to Blog Part 2 from She Moved to Texas
I am not at all a graphic designer, so I loved this post in particular about the design of your blog and how you can work with it. Lots to think about there.

The Unsung Plight of the Show Photographer from Zen and the Art of Baby Horse Management
My last trainer's wife was a horse show photographer, and I thought of myself as fairly savvy when it came to the challenges facing show photographers...but I hadn't thought of any of these!

Professionals as Role Models from The $900 Facebook Pony
WEAR YOUR DAMN HELMET, ALREADY.

Because You Asked: Lucy's Tack from The 7MSN Ranch
Donkey tack, you guys. Donkey. Tack. Awesome.

Moms + Horses = ? from What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
I admit: one of the biggest reasons I get nervous about the idea of having kids is because I'm certain it would destroy my horse life. This gives me some hope, but it also leaves me in awe - no way could I be that present and aware.

Midwives on Horseback: Saddlebags and Science from O Say Can You See? (Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Oh my God this is awesome. Wow. Women rock.

Round 2, Match 3: National Velvet versus Hidalgo

National Velvet versus Hidalgo

Here's where it really starts to hit the fan.

National Velvet had an easy win over The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit, which might be the first time one of my own personal picks had such a resounding loss. Apparently no one else chants "Aspercel, Aspercel, when you're sick it'll make you well!" after opening their medicine cabinet.

Hidalgo eked out a really close win over Return to Snowy River - which I have to say, I was not expecting! Quite a bit of consternation in the comments on that one, too.

So: who gets to keep going, and who has to stay behind?