Wild Horse Redemption

Wild Horse Redemption, a feature length film by the Oscar-winning Canadian documentary maker John Zaritsky debuted on CBC Thursday evening.

The film paints an intimate portrait of the lives of Colorado prison inmates given the opportunity to rehabilitate themselves while learning how to break and train wild horses via the Wild Horse Inmate Program (WHIP). This U.S Government venture sends 40 pre-selected inmates on a three-month long program geared at preparing free-range mustangs for a new career. Many of the successful horses in this program go on to work with the U.S. Border Patrol.

Amidst breathtaking landscapes, the prisoners and horses teach each other respect, discipline and love. The lead character, Jon Peterson, bucking the natural system ,has spent nearly half of his 42 years in jail. In Samson, he finds a temperamental horse that refuses to run clockwise and be trained for a job in society. The parallels are evident, but the screenplay is compelling. Peterson has no shortage of confidence and the willpower displayed in training his new friend is relentless. In this horse, he has found kin to his own life experience and by refusing to give up on Samson, Peterson is demonstrating that he has not yet given up on himself.

Zaritsky explains part of the inspiration for the film in this excerpt from his Director's Statement:

"As a Canadian filmmaker, I feel I have always been more interested in, and ready to tell, stories that might go against the political climate of the times. Canadian governments are increasingly taking the U.S. example in matters of law and order as a template for changes to our own system. That example is seen to be one of harsher punishment: more frequent incarceration, longer sentences, less 'coddling' of prisoners. And yet here is an example of a program - in a southern U.S. state, currently Republican - that is taking the opposite approach and finding success."

The majority of inmates volunteering for the WHIP program have never worked with horses before. Many of the inmates are doing time for drug related offences, swallowed up by the meth epidemic and have lost their drive and purpose. The change seen in these men upon entering the program is startling. It's nearly impossible to watch a hardened criminal speak in hushed tender voices to his scared mustang and not tear up. Compassionate and endearing, the film tugs heartstrings but doesn't fail in making the point that people can change and rehabilitation is possible.

Here is a short introduction of the film:


* * *

You can purchase a copy of Wild Horse Redemption from the National Film Board of Canada website.

Those of you inspired by this excellent film should consider entering Alex Brown's YouTube Anti-Horse Slaughter Contest. The winner of the contest will have $1,000 donated to the rescue foundation of their choice.


The film reminds me that there is great work being done locally by our friends at the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society and the Longrun Thoroughbred Retirement Society. Why not click on the links above and get involved.

Have a great weekend everyone...