why don't they?
Just watched a John Wayne western on ch 4.
Heroes were being chased by men on horseback. JW and his mate were shooting at the riders with some effect, but it would be much more effective and easier to shoot the horses which are a much bigger target, if I was in the situation I know I would shoot the horse from under the rider. Why don't they do it?
Maybe the horses were worth more alive.
Maybe it's make-believe. 
It would make no difference, most people couldn't hit a barn door whilst escaping on a horse. Unless, of course, his saddle was made of Black Ravioli and then aim would be perfect. 
Maybe it's make-believe.
It would make no difference, most people couldn't hit a barn door whilst escaping on a horse. Unless, of course, his saddle was made of Black Ravioli and then aim would be perfect.
Most probably it was because the horses weren't particularly bothered by what you'd been up to and were simply facilitating the chase. Those Cowpoke's atop the said beast would stop at nothing to gun you down. Hence, if you shot their horse, they might well be waiting in the saloon the next time you rode into Dodge!
Indians..... now thats a different matter. The social status of many tribal native Americans was measured by the number of horses they owned (which was usually a representation of their prowess in batle as the more horses = more enemies defeated). Historians would also have you believe that posession of horses reflected power, stamina and freedom. Therefore, they would be less likely to exterminate the spoils of battle. Add to that they didn't really have many guns anyway as their weapons of choice were the spear, knife and tomahawk.
Hope that clears it up 
They were shooting at the horses - but missed.
Have you ever tried shooting a pistol? Hard enough on solid ground with a target 10 feet away.
And that bit where they reload their Winchester with a single-handed flick of the wrist - more likely to shoot up through their own chins 
They were shooting at the horses - but missed.
Have you ever tried shooting a pistol? Hard enough on solid ground with a target 10 feet away.
And that bit where they reload their Winchester with a single-handed flick of the wrist - more likely to shoot up through their own chins
i'm not havin that DC, (puts reins in teeth)... Fill your hands you son of a EDITED 
Maybe its because (assuming that they have a good aim) if they shoot the horses the thrilling, chase sequence is over. The film falls flat.
Imagine, Bullitt without the car chase (a puncture at the start) pretty boring eh ??
Maybe the horses were innocent & didn't deserve to die.
formerly known as slewis ---
simon's system