Have you ever asked yourself, what happens to race horses after their career on the track is over?  Or, what kinds of programs exist to help inmates reenter the work force?

  Contrary to popular belief, thousands of retired racehorses face dubious futures, which include abandonment, neglect, abuse, and slaughter even though these magnificent animals still have plenty of life to live and give.  Likewise, what is to become of the prison inmate in whose eyes society has practically written off? 

  Without a doubt, both groups are in need of saving.

  Fortunately, those concerns are addressed through the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), a national program that celebrated its 25th anniversary last January.  Those involved are committed to finding peaceful pastures for retired racehorses, where they can live out the rest of their days either being ridden, or serving as docile companions.

  It is perhaps poetic that TRF has partnered with correctional facilities across the nation to effect real change and give direction for inmates who, otherwise, despondently count the days until their release.  Now these men face each new day with anticipation and purpose. 

  Ann Tucker, an avid Goochland horse enthusiast and horse breeder, is one of many TRF volunteers and currently serves on the executive board of the James River Chapter.  Her quiet demeanor in conversation can’t hide her passion and deep commitment to see that these horses and men both find brighter futures.
  In September of 2007, in partnership with the VA Department of Corrections, Tucker was involved at the outset of a Goochland County TRF program known as Greener Pastures. At the James River Work Center, offenders are given a second chance in an intensive six month work and instructional program in the care and training of these horses. 

  A visit to Farm #4 of the correctional facility is an eye-opening experience.  Were it not for the barbed wire in the distance, the guard, and the orange and blue prison uniforms, it would seem like any other farm.  The atmosphere is relaxed; the men and staff are happy, smiling, and easy going.  The offenders genuinely love working with their horses where each is assigned two or three and given complete responsibility for their care and well-being.

  “These horses can definitely have other careers,” Tucker said.  “Some of them are show hunters.  They can be eventers; they can be just pleasure horses.  Some have been very, very successful in other careers, even when they have finished racing.”

  Of the 18 horses stalled at Barn #4, including Secretariat’s 14-year-old great grandsire, Covert Action, many are still relatively young and currently ranging from 4-17 years old.  A few boast career earnings that exceed a half a million dollars. 

  As an inmate in his fourth month with the program, Eric McMillan cares for Billy Bully, Wild Eyed Dreamer, and Tobey, who he calls “the boss,” because he’s the herd leader and “likes the girls.”  When McMillan heard of the program a year and a half ago he was reluctant to get involved.  But after interviewing with Brandy Nixon, the Institutional Coordinator with the Department of Corrections, his concerns about being used just for manual labor were put to rest. 

  “They want you and expect you to learn horse care inside and out,” McMillan said. “We study anything from anatomy and physiology to feeding, to horse behavior.  It’s something that I couldn’t even put a dollar amount on it.” 

  Candidates for the program are carefully screened to make sure it’s to be a good match for all involved.  Inmate Timao Holmes, who had been in the system over a decade on drug charges, got involved with the program when it began.  Holmes saw flyers up in the dormitories, and with gentle prodding from his friend decided to submit his request form.  Of the one hundred applicants, over one third of the facility population, Timao was one of seven that qualified.  He has since graduated and stayed on as a teaching assistant, lending valuable insight and skills to those currently in the Groom Elite course. 

  Although he grew up around horses, Holmes has continued to build upon that knowledge to new levels.  “Back then, I didn’t know what I know now,” he said.  “Back then, their hooves were growing all over the place.  I didn’t know anything about trimming horses’ hooves.  Our horses never had shoes on them in the country; but now I’m actually training to be a Ferrier.” 

  Holmes’ anticipation to learn from the Ferrier is readily apparent to his fellow inmates.  “Every time the Ferrier comes here, [Holmes] lights up like a Christmas tree,” McMillan said.

  Correctional officers Jesse Barker and Michael Clarke have not only been tasked with the oversight of the men at Farm #4, but have the added benefit of participating in the program along with the offenders.

  As part of his duties, Clarke sits in on the classes along with the inmates. “I’ve gone through the chapters along with them; and I’ve learned a great deal since I’ve been down here,” he said. “So, I’m actually looking forward to taking the test with them.” 

  Being around the inmates on a daily basis, Clarke has also recognized a dramatic change come over the men from the time they enter the program, especially Holmes.  “I would say this is going to be his lifesaver,” Clarke said. “I would say at this point that these horses are his high; and I hope it continues to stay that way; and I believe it will.”

  For Clarke the horses provide the inmates with something they cannot get from normal human interaction. “Sometimes you have offenders that aren’t so much people persons; but they get along great with the animals,” he said. “It’s giving them a sense of accomplishment and responsibility.  Our motto is: ‘People helping horses; horses helping people,’ and there’s a lot to be said for that.”

  Beneath the peaceful exterior of the TRF staff, correctional officers, and program graduates who have stayed on to further their education, there is a commitment, a mission, a cause, that is almost palpable, where each has decided to effect the greatest transformation available for horses and men alike. 

  “They’re always there to talk to us even if we’re going through something that is not even involved in the horse program,” McMillan said.  “So, I can’t say enough.  I get more from this program than I could have ever imagined.  When I was sentenced to time, I never expected to actually benefit from the time; and that’s what this program has done for me.”

  For McMillan working with the horses is often like looking into a mirror. “One of the best experiences for me is to see a horse come in and not be socialized, hard to get along with, or he’s been malnourished, or that kind of thing,” he said. “And to see him progress into what some of them are now.  It’s almost like we’re getting a second chance vicariously through them because we see them come back; and it’s an amazing thing to watch.”