Saddle up and get ready for the Season 3 premiere of "Heartland," the series that’s galloping its way into your hearts this summer. "Heartland" is about two sisters who’ve taken on their late mother’s calling to run a horse ranch. The new season debuts Wednesdays beginning August 1 at 9 pm et, exclusively on gmc.

Man just may have found a new best friend (sorry, Lassie). Horses take center stage in all sorts of stories, ranging from mysteries to comedies and everything in between. In recognition of gmc’s hit family drama and for the horse lover in all of us, here’s a list of top films, television series, and novels that give horses a starring role.

#1 Heartland
Of course we're biased, but sometimes it really is tough to find a wholesome series that appeals to adults and adolescents alike. With “Heartland,” you won’t have to sacrifice the quality of the show for the content of the material. This drama gets more and more compelling with every season, as sisters Amy (Amber Marshall) and Lou (Michelle Morgan) take on the responsibilities of nurturing horses after their mother passes away, facing the challenges of love and life along the way.

Next: #2: Seabiscuit