Ascencion (2017)

The union of horse and man can create a third and greater force. This film is about one such man. In the winter of 1969, 13-year-old Ascencion Banuelos leaves his 13 siblings and his home in Lobatos, Mexico, risking his young life to cross the river into the U.S., where he believes all things are possible. The dangerous crossing is a story in itself, but what happens next is the real story. Against all odds and defying the limitations placed on Mexicans, Ascencion will become one of the greatest horsemen of his time. His hope was to work with horses - magnificent creatures he had grown to love and understand - and to send money home to his parents and siblings. Through years of sacrifice, hard work, and proving himself to be extraordinary in a world of ordinary, Ascencion has gained world renown as a champion cutting horse competitor, earning nearly $2.5 million and is the first Mexican American to be inducted into the National Cutting Horse Assoc. Hall of Fame. Ascencion's story has never been told before. Like a WW II veteran, he's never talked about it. This is the story of guts, grit, and the triumph of one man who broke through racial and economic barriers to set a new precedent in the competitive cutting horse world - a world where Mexicans were only found cleaning stalls, washing, and saddling horses, but never among the respected competitors. This is Ascencion...the story of one man who refused to take no for an answer while following his dream.