Wild Horse, Wild Ride (2012)

Well first of all mustangs are not wild horses, but are feral horses, it is a pet peeve of mine. This film overall is well put together. The reason for such a low rating is because it not educational at all, as a documentary, and has a somewhat dangerous message...I started riding 20 years ago, and have since owned 3 horses, and seen all manners of irresponsible, and abusive horse ownership, riding, and training. This film just does not give a responsible message, and would have you believe that you can responsibly train a horse from I handled to well trained in 100 days. The truth is that truly training a horse competently takes much longer than 100 days, more like a few years at least. The amount of stress put on these horses just isn't a good thing in the long run. There is no reason to stand on a horse in boots, horses are not playground equipment. Too many people would look at stuff like this and think that this is realistic horse training, and some of these people aren't even that great at riding.I know the BLM does this to promote adoption, but holding a 100-day training competition really isn't that responsible. Too many people own horses that shouldn't. So don't think that you will get any education, or any view into realistic competent horse training. It would be better if the BLM nixed the competition and just had some sort of program for people to train these horses. Less stress on the horse, and people can benefit too.

The title of this film could be better but as soon as you can get pass that it's really an excellent film. As a documentary it does its job of promoting its cause while never making you feel like you are force-fed information. In part this is due to the amazing cinematography and ease of watching. The movie has a very relaxed element, you can sit back and kick up your feet, and before you know it you forget you're in the theater until you hear laughter. At first glance the movie seems very vague and leaves you wondering where the storyline is going but it evolves quickly and has many subtleties making it a very moving piece. By the end of the film you feel connected to all the characters and even animals on a personal level. It leaves you yearning for more.

The countryside that was once so prominent in American culture has taken somewhat of a backseat to the craziness of urban life. The horse riders of the wild west have either been forgotten or thrown aside as typical rednecks. Wild Horse, Wild Ride is a film that reminds us that not all is lost, and not only is there a prominent number of riders scattered across the country, many stand for good causes. Wild Horse, Wild Ride is a documentary revolving around the Mustang Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works towards taming mustangs, or wild horses, to be bought. One program in the organization is the Extreme Mustang Makeover, which sends 100 horses to 100 trainers, who will have to tame them within 100 days and present them to a competition.The documentary covers a vast amount of trainers, from a quiet old couple to a Navajo Indian and his son, from a daring single mother to a physics teacher. Each trainer has his or her own story and purpose, giving everyone a colorful distinction through the narration. The movie remains relatively low key throughout. The calm acoustics and low lighting may come off as boring, but attentive viewers will find the excitement behind taking in a wild horse, the bond developing behind the animal and the human, endearing. Wild Horse, Wild Ride is not for everyone, but anyone that can appreciate one of the older American traditions of horse taming, or simply needs a break from the daily grind, will find the film a relaxing, two hour journey.

The best people / horse film I have ever seen. The most amazing characters more than any documentary maker could ever ask for..I wanted them all to win both horse and trainer! Each story's was so unique and challenging. The variety of people willing to take and meet this challenge was extraordinary. The gentling and bonding between man and horse and woman and horse was beautiful to watch their unique connection was incredible. The fact that it was done in 100 days with wild hoses, was a lesson to all of us about the spirit of these stunning creatures. Each horse was a character of its own and was as equally unique as their human counterpart in the story.