Photo Credit: Anita Motion
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s (TRF) Second Chances Programs presents an opportunity to visit their seven facilities. With webinars scheduled Friday, April 24, Tuesday, April 26 and Friday, May 1, participants will get a unique look inside the program with “Behind the Scenes” & Virtual Tour: Saving Horses, Saving Lives. A special discussion will be held Friday, April 24 at 2pm (EST) on the topic of “Supporting the Juvenile Program in Ocala.”
This one-hour webinar will provide an overview of the public-private partnership model that underlies each of the TRF’s Second Chances Programs across the country. Starting with our flagship program at Wallkill Correctional Facility in Wallkill, NY, the TRF now has seven programs in seven states (including the program at Lowell Correction Institution in Ocala, FL) and plans to launch two new programs later this year.
With this lively and interactive presentation, delivered via Zoom videoconference, we’ll share the evolution of the program since it began 35 years ago and introduce each of the programs and their unique features, reflecting the different correctional facilities we partner with in each state.
The presentation runs about 40-45 minutes, then a line will be opened for Q & A.
RSVP required, hosted on Zoom. No cost to attend. RSVP below.
Second Chances Maryland: The Farm
On May 14, 2009 the TRF Second Chances Farm at Central Maryland Correctional Facility opened their barn doors to receive its first three retired/rescued thoroughbred race horses. This unique program is possible because of a partnership between DPSCS and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF).
The farm is the first program of its kind to be taught in the state of Maryland. Secretary Gary D. Maynard spearheaded similar programs in other states throughout his various careers within corrections. The partnership not only benefits the horses, but also the offenders who work at the site. There are infinite opportunities for program expansion to include things such as therapeutic and community outreach initiatives
The Program
As a Public Safety Works program, Second Chances Farm is a restorative justice tool that DPSCS hopes to utilize to give our offender population work skills while also teaching compassion through the care of a living animal. The project began in 2008 with the resurrection of a dilapidated barn and surrounding grounds near our Central Maryland Correctional Facility in Sykesville, MD by offenders in our pre-release system and Maryland Correctional Enterprises
“I was invited to visit the TRF Second Chances program in Sykesville in December 2018. I left that day with a great respect for what the TRF has created there. They provide two things. A place that gives an abundance of care and attention for retired Thoroughbred racehorses. A unique education that will enrich the lives of a group of men while also teaching a skill that can be used in a positive way.”
-Anita Motion, Herringswell Stables
TRF Maryland Ambassadors
– Derek Brown
– Ramon and Sharon Dominguez
– Charlie and Sherry Fenwick
– Dan Kramer
– Graham and Anita Motion
– Lawrence Holmes
– Sagamore Racing
– Natalie and Abby Sherman
The TRF Team is hoping to make the most of this challenging time of uncertainty to spend some of our newfound time connecting – at least remotely – with each of our cherished friends, ambassadors, supporters, volunteers and donors who make the work of the TRF possible. Without the confidence and commitment of an extraordinary community of individuals like you our team could not do our work – providing lifelong sanctuary to the 550 horses in our TRF Herd and providing life-changing vocational training to men in women in seven Correctional Facilities across the US.
You are the reason we can do what we do for the horses that we love. We appreciate you! For more information and always welcome donations for the horses, http://www.trfinc.org
Past The Wire Staff
