Simply due to one horse getting so skittish, and injuring a prisoner at the auction? Just seemed like all involved were rather tough folk, and the type to have had to learn to do the best with what they had.
I got confused about why Dern's character was packing up and I think he said he was now done.
I had the same question. It was the only thing I really didn't like about the film. I mean, these things have to happen sometimes, yes? Why cancel the program? Didn't make a lot of sense to me.
shareThere is a postscript right before the credits. Says the program still exists in many states, including Nevada. It's possible the program remained, or was brought back, or something.
Yeah, it's presumed they canceled it because Roman got hurt. You hear the audience collectively gasp as he falls down off the horse. Remember that he got dragged along on the ground for a while before he fell on the ground, and the horse hit him on the face. Roman survived, but you could easily see how that incident could have been worse. And again - there is an audience there, so word about the incident can spread, bring bad press, put pressure on the officials in charge etc.
At least they have to stop the program for a couple of months and kick out Bruce Derns Character and find someone reliable to replace him. Also if its not his fault, it happened under his watch and he deemed the horse to be ready to sold off. So the only chance to rescue the program and get trust back from the buyer (police departments!), they have to show, that they have full control over the program. They can blame all on the old man and restart fresh.
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