Wild Horse, Wild Ride (2011) User Reviews

A look to the past, and the present

[parfyonovaleksey · 8/10 · 9 July 2012]

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.

I laughed, I cried, I loved it...

[bentoncowgirl · 10/10 · 4 December 2011]

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.

Every Lady Needs A Stallion

[anastasia1053 · 10/10 · 16 July 2012]

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.

Beautiful, touching and inspiring:)

[evangeline-o-day · 10/10 · 22 July 2012]

OK, I confess. I am an extreme horse lover and advocate who has been involved in equine activity for most of my life. So it's not a surprise that I absolutely loved this documentary. However, I sat next to a group that weren't fellow horse lovers and they felt the same way! The documentary not only shows the bond the trainers and horses develop, but it takes you on the journey with the trainers that fall in love with these amazing animals. Wylene, the most animated trainer, kept the documentary light when it became intense and heart-wrenching as did the cynical friends of Melissa. A beautifully shot and inspiring documentary about an incredible foundation saving America's wild mustangs! This is a documentary that I hope to see again!

If you have a heart, watch this film.

[avlc-424-547189 · 10/10 · 16 July 2012]

This film is so heartwarming and powerful. The bonds between the horses and the trainers are incredibly moving - I had no idea that training a horse could be so difficult! Each of the trainers has their own set of trials and tribulations to get over with each of the horses. Watching them get through to the horses is such a moving experience. This movie changed the way I see and think about horses and trainers for the rest of my life. In fact, because of this movie, I'm now saving up to try and get horse lessons. These creatures, these horses deserve our affection and this movie brought that to my attention. I highly recommend this film to anyone who has ever had a beloved pet, or known someone who has loved a pet because if you care about animals at all, you should totally watch this movie.

Mustangs Aren't So Scary

[trebligacissej · 10/10 · 9 July 2012]

While I do not think of myself as much of a horse person, I found this documentary incredibly enjoyable from start to finish. Directors Dawson and Gricus present the Extreme Mustang Makeover in a positive and uplifting light that transcends many other equine films out there. My favorite part of the documentary was its focus on the journey of the relationships between the trainers and their mustangs from Day 1 to Day 100. As someone who has had various pets, to see the bond between horse and human was definitely worth cherishing. Overall, I really loved this movie and I can't wait to get a chance to see it again. A definite recommendation to all!

Not terrible, but not a responsible film

[younngl · 4/10 · 10 June 2014]

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.

Awesome movie

[dabeatlesrocks · 10/10 · 5 July 2013]

I have to say when I first picked it up I was reluctant to watch it. "Another documentary" I said to myself, but to my surprise I was wrong. I have to admit the beginning is a bit boring and you wonder when it's going to pick up or if it will pick up at all, but it all changes quickly,

This amazing film about the relationships between one hundred wild mustangs and one hundred trainers. This film shows a few of these people's stories trying to tame their wild horse. Each of the stories are so unique with a variety of people from all backgrounds. And at the ending I cried. I cried like a baby actually. It was beautiful. As some stated before, you don't have to like horses to like this movie, but it will surely change your thinking once you see it. I hope you all watch this movie, it's life changing and a good movie for all ages.

Wonderful! Wonderful!! Wonderful!!!

[bikerhiker46 · 10/10 · 26 October 2016]

I misspent my younger years working as an assistant horse trainer and managed to work with two mustangs during that time. Thus I have a pretty good idea of how challenging the job can be. To say that I found the incredible accomplishments documented in this movie amazing would be to understate my reaction by more than a little. And for the results to be obtained in 100 days, more than amazing. Astounding would be the term I'd use. But the makers of this movie accomplished much more than a simple showcasing of competence on the part of the trainers portrayed. Although wild horses were the main focus the sensitive portrayal of human spirit is what I will never forget. In the future every time I get disillusioned with human misbehavior I will watch this movie again for a refresher course in the great things we are capable of achieving.