TRF RELEASE — Tomorrow, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) will celebrate the twentieth year of the national organization’s internationally acclaimed Second Chances Program implementation at the program.
The TRF-Blackburn 20th Anniversary Horse Show will shine the spotlight on the extraordinary two-decade long partnership between the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) and the Blackburn Correctional Complex (BCC) in Lexington, Kentucky.
Since its launch in 1999, this public-private partnership has provided lifelong sanctuary to hundreds of retired Thoroughbred racehorses after their racing careers have ended, while instilling vocational and life-skills in hundreds of men seeking a Second Chance in society after completing their terms at Blackburn.
At the event hosted on the grounds of the Blackburn Correctional Complex, guests will enjoy a unique behind the scenes introduction to the work taking place, every day, within the TRF Second Chances Program.
Guests will visit the TRF Second Chances barn, classroom, paddocks and will meet the horses, the TRF Second Chances Program Manager, Blackburn Correctional Complex leadership and the incarcerated men who are working together to create healthy, successful Second Chances for all participants.
The men in the program will “show” their horses by demonstrating grooming, ground handling and general anatomy knowledge to the audience.
Speaking on behalf of the Blackburn Correctional Facility, Warden Amy Robey said “We look forward to celebrating this significant milestone in our partnership with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation on November 6th and welcome this opportunity to showcase the meaningful impact that the retired racehorses enable us to make on the lives of the men here at Blackburn.”
Warden Robey continued, “Not only is this program beneficial for the retired thoroughbreds, it benefits our staff, the community, and the offenders working in the program. The offenders learn patience, a sense of empathy, trust, and responsibility, which they take with them when they return to the community.”
