Wild Horse Wild Ride

Wild Horse Wild Ride, a masterpiece directed by Alex Dawson and Greg Gricus, released in 2011, starres a host of characterful performers led by Carlos Chee. The movie offers a documentary-style exploration of humankind's harmonious, yet complex relationship with the wild nature, specifically focussing on interaction with wild horses. This independent spectacle presents heartwarming moments alongside thrilling instances of horse training and riding, keeping the viewers engaged till the end.

The crux of the movie revolves around the Extreme Mustang Makeover Challenge, an annual event adored by horse enthusiasts across America. During this event, 100 trainers are chosen and assigned 100 wild mustang horses that have been rounded up by the US Bureau of Land Management, and are given an intricate task. Their mission is to domesticate and train these horses for 100 days. At the end of the 100 days, they return to the competition, where their work's merit is on the line. They must present their horses, now transformed into docile and trainable animals, where they are put through their paces in a series of events designed to showcase their newfound skills.

Each trainer creates a unique, enduring bond with their wild horse, woven through multiple layers of emotional struggles and triumphs. The narrative of the movie is built upon the stories of these trainers, including Carlos Chee, highlighting their different backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and the various approaches they use to train their horses.

Carlos Chee, the standout character of the film, stands as a symbol of kindness and patience. A native American of Navajo origin, he brings his unique perspective and wisdom into the process of taming his wild charge, seeing the challenge not as a mission to conquer the animal but as a journey where both trainer and trainee learn from one another. The audience is drawn into his gentle, empathetic approach, which contrasts starkly against some of the other trainer’s more forceful methods, become emotionally engrossed in Carlos’ journey of preparing his once wild stallion for the competition.

With a beautiful assortment of wide scenic shots, the film captures the rugged beauty of the American West, the horse's natural habitat, and the vast expanse over which they roam freely. Several sequences are specifically designed to emphasize the raw elegance of these creatures, with the vivid frame-by-frame renditions of the horses' subtle movements being a strong testament to the film's technical prowess.

Wild Horse Wild Ride is not just a simple tale of taming wild horses. It encapsulates the transformative journey each trainer embarks upon, offering touching insights into human resilience, determination, passion, and the unfathomable bonds that can form between human beings and animals. The movie moves beyond the specifics of the competition to delve into the complex dynamics involved in taming a wild creature, giving viewers a look at the trainers' various philosophies and strategies and how these affect their relationships with their horses.

While the competition aspect of the story provides a thrilling edge, the foundation rests firmly on the emotional connections formed. The rollercoaster ride of victories, setbacks, personal struggles, joyous breakthroughs, and poignant moments creates an engaging narrative that leaves the audience rooting for not only the trainers but the horses as well.

From an aesthetic standpoint, Wild Horse Wild Ride takes us on a journey not just through the arid plains and winding canyons of America's wilderness but down a path that reflects on humanity itself. The real star is perhaps, the connection that bubbles over in the form of gentle wisdom, communion with nature, compassion, understanding, and the undying spirit of the wild mustangs.

In conclusion, Wild Horse Wild Ride is a sparkling gem in the world of independent cinema, a heartfelt and spellbinding exploration of the beautiful relationship between humans and horses. It's a must-watch for not just equestrians and animal enthusiasts, but for anyone who appreciates the delightful storytelling that delves into the heart and soul of its characters, whether they're human or horse.