Watch The Wild Horse Redemption

The Wild Horse Redemption is a compelling documentary released in 2007, directed by John Zaritsky. It tells the story of a unique rehabilitation program for prison inmates, who train wild mustangs for adoption. The film provides an in-depth look at the lives of both the men and the horses involved in the project, exploring themes of redemption, mutual trust, and the power of second chances.

The documentary follows a small group of inmates at the Sheridan Correctional Center in Illinois, who participate in a program that involves training wild mustangs. The horses are initially captured by the Bureau of Land Management, which considers them to be a nuisance and a threat to the ecosystem. Instead of rounding them up and selling them for slaughter, the Bureau has established a program that allows citizens to adopt them for a small fee. The program has been successful, but there are still thousands of horses that need to be trained and adopted.

The documentary introduces us to several of the inmates involved in the program, including a few who have serious criminal histories. The camera follows them as they interact with the horses, attempting to establish relationships and earn their trust. The men are patient and gentle with the animals, using techniques that are based on natural horsemanship. They also receive instruction and guidance from a professional trainer, whose goal is to help them develop skills that will be useful when they are released from prison.

As we see the inmates working with the horses, we start to see the parallels between the two groups. Both have been through difficult experiences, and both are looking for a chance to start anew. The horses, like the prisoners, have been taken from their homes and stripped of their freedom. They are wary of the humans who approach them, but they also sense that these humans are different from the ones who captured them. Over time, the horses begin to trust their trainers, and the bond that develops between them is heartwarming to witness.

The film also takes us behind the scenes of the program, showing us the challenges that the staff and volunteers face on a daily basis. There are moments of tension and frustration as the inmates and the horses try to communicate with each other, and there are moments of joy and triumph as they make progress. We also see the obstacles that the program faces in terms of funding and public support. The fact that these wild horses are being saved from slaughter is not always appreciated by everyone, and the program is often in danger of being shut down.

Throughout the film, we are reminded of the transformative power of animals and the ways in which they can help us heal from trauma and hardship. The program is not just about training horses – it is about creating a space where men who have been rejected by society can feel useful and needed. By working with the animals, the inmates are able to develop a sense of purpose and responsibility. They learn to communicate effectively and to trust others. And they are able to experience the unconditional love and acceptance that comes from bonding with an animal.

In conclusion, The Wild Horse Redemption is a moving and inspiring documentary that sheds light on a little-known program that has the power to change lives. By focusing on the relationship between humans and animals, the film shows us the potential for redemption and transformation in even the most difficult circumstances. The program is a shining example of how we can find hope and healing even in the face of great adversity.

The Wild Horse Redemption is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.