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Discover the Mustangs: America's Wild Horses

The documentary titled The Mustangs: America's Wild Horses is set to premiere on March 2, 2025, making it available for free streaming on both PBS.org and the PBS App. This feature-length film delves into the captivating world of wild horses in America, offering audiences an opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of these animals and understand their significant role in American culture.

Produced by Steven Latham Productions, with esteemed figures such as Robert Redford, musician Patti Scialfa Springsteen, and Olympic equestrian Jessica Springsteen serving as executive producers, the film runs for a powerful 90 minutes. It coincides with Wild Horse and Burro Week (March 2-8), a time when the plight and conservation of these remarkable creatures is brought into focus.

The film opens with words from David Philipps, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, who states that wild horses symbolize "fierce independence" and "unbridled freedom"—qualities that resonate deeply within the American identity. Despite their iconic status, the future of the mustangs is currently under threat, entangled in a web of controversy and regulatory challenges that necessitates urgent attention.

Throughout the documentary, viewers are taken on a journey across various public lands where the wild horses roam, unveiling the crisis that surrounds them. This visual odyssey is complemented by captivating photography paired with a soundtrack featuring renowned artists like Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris, and Willie Nelson, along with an original composition by Diane Warren, an acclaimed Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy winner.

Viewers will learn about groundbreaking advocates who have been championing the cause of wild horses for decades, including Velma Johnston, lovingly dubbed “Wild Horse Annie.” Her legacy includes mobilizing communities, especially children, to raise awareness and advocate for the passing of the pivotal 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. This act was designed to ensure the protection of mustangs on public lands.

Yet, despite efforts made since the 1970s, the crisis persists. The film not only highlights the challenges but also introduces new heroes dedicated to safeguarding the mustangs. For instance, the audience is invited to witness volunteers in Colorado providing fertility control for mares, a competition in Texas where trainers have a limited timeframe to prepare untouched mustangs for adoption, and initiatives in Illinois pairing military veterans with PTSD with these majestic horses for mutual support.

The documentary culminates in a heartfelt reunion of horses that were separated during various captures but have found sanctuary at Return to Freedom's American Wild Horse Sanctuary in California. This sanctuary plays a crucial role in the lives of over 460 wild horses and burros, emblematic of the conservation efforts being made to secure a future where mustangs can thrive once again.

In summary, The Mustangs: America's Wild Horses serves as an enlightening exploration of America's wild horse population, advocating for change and highlighting poignant efforts toward their conservation. Set to debut during Wild Horse and Burro Week, this film presents a hopeful perspective, showing that wild horses can continue to be a vital element of America's cultural landscape. For more details, visit the Return to Freedom website at https://returntofreedom.org/themustangsfilm/.

This documentary is yet another significant offering from Steven Latham, a celebrated filmmaker known for his impactful work, including the acclaimed series Shelter Me now in its second season on public television. Latham’s contributions to public media have consistently amplified important issues surrounding wildlife and conservation, making this a must-watch for nature enthusiasts and advocates alike.