ex rachorses to go to prisoners

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Ozzie Overo
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ex rachorses to go to prisoners

Postby Ozzie Overo » Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:06 pm

Thoroughbred and Inmate Rehabilitation Program
By Ben Flores

An innovative racehorse and inmate program will give purpose to ex-racehorses and inmates, two groups that are otherwise at odds for reformation.

An Australian first, the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Program will see retired racehorses retrained for new duties that include leisure, police work and equestrian riding.

A similar program began in the US 25 years ago for the protection of wild American mustangs. The Wild Horse Inmate Program uses inmates in selected Correctional Institutions to train the mustangs for border patrol duties.

The program launched by Racing NSW and the State Government aims to achieve similar goals of rehabilitation, inclusion in the workforce and society and qualifying inmates for work and life after prison.

The program will operate over three levels of rehabilitation.

The first level of the program is aimed at developing the horses for the general public, whereby after the completion of the first level of training, the horse may be sold as a leisure animal.

Upon completion of the first two levels, animals that have shown great capability are re-educated to a specialist career in police work, dressage or show jumping.

Racing NSW Chief Executive, Peter V’landys believes the outcomes for the participants in this program could be life changing.

“This partnership between the NSW Government and Racing NSW has enormous potential and the outcomes could have far reaching effects.

“Not only does it enable racehorses to have a life after racing but it also provides a new life opportunity for the prisoner.”

Life after prison is often fraught with difficulties for inmates and re-entering the workforce with a criminal record is a daunting prospect.

Corrective Services Commissioner, Ron Woodham hopes this program will change that.

“This is a unique program which provides inmates with personal development opportunities they would otherwise miss out on by making them responsible for the care, management, training and hygiene of these horses,” he said.

“Having the skills to hold down a job is a major factor in reducing re-offending and that’s what this program will offer by helping with the integration to the workforce and society upon release.”

The Racing Minister, Mr George Souris said the “partnership is a win-win situation providing new opportunities for both retired racehorses and prison inmates while supporting the broader equestrian and horse riding industries.”

Mr Souris also believes the program is a progressive move for the industry in terms of animal welfare.

“This is a welcome step in strengthening animal welfare in the racing industry and providing a realistic option for owners to give their horses a new life after racing.”

For the inmates who have participated in the WHIP training, the program offers the chance “for a little piece of freedom every day,” according to James Hershey who has been serving four years for drugs.

“It is very relaxing and rewarding,” he said.

“You can see a change in their eye… to the point where they trust you. Then you can see a softness in their eye.”
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bdw0617
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Postby bdw0617 » Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:17 pm

someone has been watching luck
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Ozzie Overo
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Postby Ozzie Overo » Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:41 pm

Breeding Rare & Unique Coloured Thoroughbreds & Australian Stock Horses

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Mahubah
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Postby Mahubah » Wed Mar 14, 2012 4:00 pm

They have had somewhat similar programs at Marion Correctional Institution (for men) and Lowell Correctional Institution (for women) in Florida for some time, getting horses ready for adoption and allowing the inmates to earn certification as grooms -- they get both hands-on experience and classroom training in equine care and health. I believe both are run under the auspices of the TRA. A win-win situation for both man and beast.
"A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher...You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse." C. S. Lewis