The Farmer and the Horse

The Farmer and the Horse is an engrossing documentary film directed by Jared Flesher. Revealed through the unique perspective of its director, the film tells an extraordinary story of a three-year journey of three young men. It encapsulates the passion and persistent hard work these men put towards realizing their dreams of farming the land and raising horses, a poignant representation of the new dream of the American pastoral way of life.

The film's protagonists, Tom, Matt, and Aubrey, are emblematic representations of a new generation of farmers. They are not born into farming families but rather are driven by a strong desire to reconnect with nature and to live sustainably. Their journey raises critical questions about the contemporary farming industry, highlighting the daunting struggles of small-scale and sustainable farming and the roadblocks to the revitalization of rural communities.

Tom, Matt, and Aubrey's narrative is layered further by their choice to farm using draft horses instead of modern machinery. These accomplished professionals, a former bicycle mechanic, a Princeton graduate, and a builder, come together, inspired by their shared vision of returning to traditional farming practices, driven by a love of horses and an intention to reduce carbon emissions. Hence, the documentary appropriately gets its name, The Farmer and the Horse.

The Farmer and the Horse is not just a tale of three men, it is also an ode to the draft horses that work alongside them. The documentary captures the symbiotic relationship between the farmer and their horses, and how the bonds forged reflect the idealized interdependence between humans and the natural world. The film does an excellent job of illustrating not only the benefits of using horses for farming work but also the challenges involved in training and working with these magnificent animals.

The narrative is punctuated with footage that includes scenes of bucking horses, split tractor tires, felled trees perilously close to the horse team, frozen earth, and stormy weather. It shows the reality of their farming experiments, their failures, and learning experiences. Yet, there is an underlying theme of perseverance that threads itself throughout the narrative. It demonstrates the joy of a successful harvest and the satisfaction of producing and selling their organic goods locally.

For armchair environmentalists and individuals with the same desire for a self-sustaining lifestyle, director Jared Flesher presents a worthwhile experience with The Farmer and the Horse. The documentary scrutinizes not only small-scale farming but also the broader issues our planet presently grapples with, such as global warming, carbon footprints, food sovereignty, and community resilience. Through its multi-dimensional canvas, the film subtly generates awareness about the carbon-footprints associated with farming and the ways towards greener and sustainable farming methods.

Yet, at its heart, The Farmer and the Horse is a story about dreams and the courage it takes to chase them. The story of the three protagonists is deeply intimate and vulnerable, revealing their joys and frustrations, their successes and failures. The message becomes powerfully relatable not just for those interested in farming but for any individual who has ever dared to dream and to challenge themselves.

The documentary also puts a spotlight on the local farming community, their supportive spirit, and the incredible effort needed to maintain such a lifestyle in the modern world. It shows how these farmers are not merely individual dreamers but contribute to a broader community of like-minded individuals, adding to the rekindling of traditional farming methods.

In conclusion, The Farmer and the Horse is a poignant and eye-opening journey into the world of farming, sustainability, and environmental consciousness within the framework of modern living. It is a vivid reminder of humanity's varying paths that diverge from the oft-chosen road. Utilizing its on-the-ground storytelling technique, the film captures the grit, determination, heartbreak, and satisfaction that define the lives of these young farmers.

Director Jared Flesher has crafted a moving story of resilience, innovation, and a deep-felt passion for preserving our Planet. This documentary leaves its audience with a renewed appreciation of the endeavor to return to a lifestyle guided by sustainability, tradition, and a bond with the natural world. Whether you're an environmentalist, an animal lover, or just someone who appreciates a good human interest story, The Farmer and the Horse has something to offer for everyone.