Von Männern und Mustangs (360° - GEO Reportage)

Mustang horses symbolize freedom and adventure in the USA. With flowing manes and flying hooves, they gallop across the prairies of the American West. When the herds grow too large, some of the wild horses must be captured, broken, and sold. No easy task! Mike Buchanan works at the Honor Farm correctional facility in Wyoming. Over 30 years ago, he recognized parallels between his inmates' desire for freedom and the mustangs'. He brought the horses into the prison so that humans and animals could tame each other. 360° - The GEO report follows wild horses and wild animals on their journey out of prison. A film by Jörg Daniel Hissen © 2006, Licensed by MedienKontor / ARTE Season 8 - Episode 6 Subscribe to wocomoTRAVEL: https://goo.gl/tIk2Qc Follow us on Facebook:   / wocomo   Press Release: The American prison "Honor Farm" is located in the remote expanse of Wyoming. On a farm-like grounds, approximately 220 male prisoners serve the remainder of their often lengthy sentences. Mike Buchanan grew up with horses and was able to study their behavior – as well as that of the inmates during his time as a prison guard. He realized that wild horses can be very helpful in the rehabilitation and resocialization of inmates. While the hierarchy of inmates is often determined by violence, wild horses demand honesty, poise, and patience. He developed a four-stage training program for mustangs and inmates. Step by step, the horses are gradually accustomed to contact with humans. Close relationships often develop between the suspicious, tough men and their headstrong charges. This makes saying goodbye all the more difficult. Twice a year, the inmates present their horses for sale at a large auction. 26-year-old Travis Wagner will be there for the first time. He was an alcoholic and is serving time for check fraud. For months, he has been practicing with a beautiful brown mustang he calls Chaos. The name says it all; only gradually do man and horse bond. Travis invited his mother to the auction so she can be proud of him again – and maybe she'll even win Chaos. Fellow inmate Steve Jordan has already successfully completed the wild horse program. Steve spent ten years behind bars for a sex offense. As the so-called "leadman," he now serves as the link between the 22 volunteer participants in the program and its director, Mike Buchanan. These are his last days in prison, and he wants to lead his fellow inmates to a successful auction for the last time. After the wild horse auction, Steve Jordan will leave prison – he hopes together with his favorite horse, Choco.