Flame of Araby (1951)

In a mythical, medieval North Africa (looking a lot like California) a Bedouin chief named Tamerlane is seeking to capture the magnificent wild stallion Shazada when he meets tomboyish Princess Tanya of Tunis. When the two meet again in Tunis, Tamerlane has run afoul of the barbaric Corsair Lords, one of whom Tanya's wicked cousin is forcing her to marry. To avoid this dire fate, Tanya must arrange for a "dark horse" to win the forthcoming great race...which means a battle of wits between Tanya and Tamerlane, taking romantic overtones...