The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation invites the public to attend an open house at its Central Maryland Correctional Facility-based Second Chances Farm in Sykesville. The free event takes place on Oct. 5 from noon to 3 p.m.
The TRF is the largest organization in the world dedicated to the rescue, retirement, and adoption of Thoroughbred racehorses.
"We want to offer our supporters and anyone who is interested in our work a chance to see our programs up close," said Lisa Craig, TRF's annual fund director.
Second Chances is currently home to six ex-racehorses and plans are underway to expand. All horses receive supervised care from non-violent offenders who participate in a nationally accredited vocational training program in equine care and stable management. After their release, many graduates of the program have used their new skills to help acquire jobs within the equine industry and beyond. They are often quick to credit their equine teachers with helping turn their lives around.
The open house will include a meet-and-greet with the horses, equine care demonstrations by current inmate-students, and the program’s first graduate will return to discuss his experiences since rejoining society. Maryland Department of Corrections Secretary Gary Maynard will also address attendees. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free but an RSVP is requested. Please visit www.trfinc.org for details.