An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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debby
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An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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"People helping Horses, Horses Helping People"

The James River Correctional Facility, Goochland, Virginia. This is the home of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's James River Chapter. They were starting in 2007 when I was looking for a way to give back to the thoroughbreds that were such a big part of my professional life. This "Second Chances" program rescues at risk Thoroughbreds, rehabilitating, retraining, adopting or retiring as many of these deserving ex race horses as finances allow. Here prisoners care for the horses and take part in the "Groom Elite" program learning in depth about horse care, including diet and nutrition, physiology, and routine medical care.

Thoroughbreds give so much of themselves often to the point of injury. I realized the horses at James River were still giving. Here the inmates often change. The horses enlighten compassion, bonding, responsibility and the ability to open oneself to others.

Wonderful life lessons.

Truly "People Helping Horses, Horses Helping People".
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debby
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Re: An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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Hundred of acres of beautiful farmland at the prison where the Thoroughbreds can relax, repair and rebound in body and spirit.
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Re: An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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Inmates learn all aspects of horse care.
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Re: An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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One of the first horses and men in the program.
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Re: An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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Lovely mare retrained and adopted.
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Re: An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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The men truly enjoy helping in every way with the horses.
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Re: An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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"Ace of Hearts" and David talking things over.
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Re: An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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A previous poster demonstrates the feelings involved with the program.
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Re: An Unusual Rescue Facility....

Post by Kevang »

Marvelous job Debby! My favourite is the image of Ace & David!

We are in the initial stages of starting a similar program here in British Columbia, but for disadvantaged teens who have found themeselves in the correctional system. Some powerful, healing medicine there!
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Re: An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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Beautiful, Debby. I'm so glad this program exists...what a wonderful model for everyone involved!
Thank you,
Michelle
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Re: An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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Great images Debby. Now thats a good rehab program!
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Re: An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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love!
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debby
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Re: An Unusual Rescue Facility....

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Thank you all. It really is wonderful seeing the changes in both hoorses and men. The horses are so relaxed and happy.
Kevan it sounds like a great program you are working on. I hope you keep us updated.
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