[1] It started as a TV series in 1981,[2] before it was adapted into a feature film directed by Manuel García Ferré and written by Ines Geldstein.
Ico is a wild colt who lives in the forest with his mother and friends, including Jaba the boar whom he saves once from the Black Duke's hunt.
The next day, walking in the castle, Ico meets Preciosa, the daughter of the King's horse, whilst running after her, the Black Duke catches him.
Ico tells him that he wants to be the king's horse, so the Black Duke promises to train him to become a royal steed.
He melted the gold and cast a giant bell, whose tolling would remind the realm of his unlimited power.
Ico sets off up the hill, to the ruins of the old castle, where he again meets Preciosa, who tells him her father – the king's horse – has gone missing.
The Black Duke is clinging onto the swinging stone and rushing the horses to pull the ropes before Ico escapes.