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Wild Horse, Wild Ride

Name: Wild Horse, Wild Ride
Director: Alex Dawson, Greg Gricus
Released: 2012
Duration: 106 min

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

2012

Director

Alex Dawson, Greg Gricus

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Wild Horse, Wild Ride is a traditional observational documentary centered on the Extreme Mustang Makeover. It emphasizes the emotional and technical connections between humans and mustangs, focusing more on the subject matter than on social commentary. The film tracks the efforts of trainers working to tame wild horses for adoption. While it showcases a range of participants, it does not aim to challenge systemic power structures or promote narratives that reflect diverse human identities. Overall, the work adheres to conventional Western themes, concentrating on the specialized world of equine training rather than exploring diverse human identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Wild Horse, Wild Ride have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or storylines. The focus remains on the relationships between trainers and animals, providing little visibility for queer identities.

How does Wild Horse, Wild Ride portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers around various trainers, but the equestrian setting often emphasizes traditional masculine roles. There is no clear indication of women challenging established gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Wild Horse, Wild Ride?

Fair

Representation seems to occur incidentally within the competition context rather than being a central theme. The film does not show a concerted effort towards featuring a predominantly non-white cast.

How does Wild Horse, Wild Ride represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story highlights American traditions of animal husbandry and stewardship in the West. It upholds conventional themes of individual determination and competitive spirit.

Does Wild Horse, Wild Ride include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no specific mention of individuals with physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Provides an intimate look at the strong bonds that develop between humans and animals.
Offers a realistic, observational perspective on the challenges of equine training and competition.

Limited or Absent

Lacks intentionality in representing diverse human identities or challenging social hierarchies.
Focuses on traditional Western archetypes rather than exploring multi-layered or non-traditional narratives.

Official Synopsis

100 Days. 100 gritty souls. 100 wild mustangs. That's the premise of the annual Extreme Mustang Makeover, a competition that challenges horse trainers - both pros and amateurs - to each tame a totally wild horse in order to get it adopted into a better life beyond U.S. Government corrals. Intimately following a handful of participants in the 2009 event from their first uneasy meeting with their horses and up through the competition and adoption, the film documents the deep and profound bonds that can develop between man and beast.

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