Since when did horses learn to track scents or sit on command like that horse did in this movie?
shareYou know, there's a common internet phrase for post like this, now what was it? Oh yes...not sure if serious.
"If life is getting you down and needs uplifting, then please come dance with me!"
Disney animators have almost always given their horses a certain amount of personality--mostly in their facial expression and how they react to other characters. Otherwise they are usually pretty realistic. Maximus is one of the few to behave as broadly as he does. But I think the first Disney horse to actually sit on command is Achilles from Hunchback of Notre Dame. Phoebus pulls Achilles in front of some soldiers who were chasing Esmerelda. The soldiers fall to the ground, and Phoebus then commands Achilles to sit on top of one of them--which he promptly does.
Glancing at the internet, horses in real life can be trained to sit. They can also be trained to track scents although they may be better at tracking airborne scents than ground ones.
They personify the horse on purpose. It's a cartoon. They give the horse dog-like characteristics to add comedy and silliness. It's not meant to be realistic.
shareHave you ever seen a magical flower that can give you eternal youth?
shareSince when did girls have magical hair???
It's fantasy... And comedy when he behaves like a dog!