Continuity mistake: In the final leg of the race, after Frank has taken the saddle off of Hidalgo, there are many shots of Frank riding Hidalgo. In one of the slightly wider shots that shows Frank, Hidalgo's back, and Hidalgo's neck, you can see the back of an English saddle under Frank's butt, even though he's supposed to be riding bareback.
Hidalgo (2004)
Ending / spoiler
Directed by: Joe Johnston
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Omar Sharif, Louise Lombard, Zuleikha Robinson
So Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) wins the race, but doesn't get the girl. Different. He figures out that he belongs with the Native Americans cause that's the flag he holds up when he wins the race. He buys all the Mustangs and sets them free. Then he lets Hildalgo free and Hildalgo rides off with the heard.
Rin
More mistakes in Hidalgo
Frank T. Hopkins: Nobody hurts my horse.
Trivia: Viggo Mortensen liked the horse that was used in the movie so much that he bought it.
Answer: They take the camel roads, which are easier (and faster) to navigate.
Xofer