Fifteen inmates incarcerated at the Lowell Correctional Institute share personal testimonies about learning how to rehabilitate off-the-track racehorses, how to rehabilitate themselves, and how to plan for their futures – thanks to the Florida Division of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
Founded in 2001, the Florida division of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is located on 100 acres in Lowell, Fla., and is operated in conjunction with the Florida Department of Corrections and the Marion Correctional Institution. All the horses on the farm – approximately 50 off-the-track thoroughbreds – are cared for by female inmates from the Lowell Correctional Institute. The women, all non-violent offenders, spend their days learning barn management skills, including grooming, feeding, doctoring, and physical therapy as they help teach the horses new disciplines. Ideally, the horses will soon be adopted out to new homes where they will pursue new careers.
The female inmates hope to graduate to new careers, too. At the conclusion of their year-long program in the prison equine program, having successfully passed 22 written tests covering all aspects of horse care, inmates graduate with a vocational certificate in equine care technology. Upon their release, some of the graduates have gone on to work in the industry as grooms and stable managers.
The Florida TRF is supported though the concentrated efforts of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company, Gulfstream Park, Calder Race Course, Tampa Bay Downs, the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the national Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, as well as by many individuals who contribute through donations and fundraising efforts.
The program is managed by John Evans, a lifelong horseman who keeps the entire program on track while teaching students as many skills as possible during their incarceration. Evans’ official title is Vocational Teacher of Equine Care Technology within the Florida Department of Corrections.
“It’s amazing to see the change come over the students as they go through the program,” Evans said. “This is great rehabilitation. The students’ work ethics grow strong, and they learn all about horses and how to care for them.”
But don’t take it from us. Here’s what the students have to say.
Stephanie Plummer
“I have been in the thoroughbred retirement program since April of 2010. My entire life I have owned and shown horses. For 28 years I had Quarter Horses. I never thought that learning about other breeds such as the thoroughbreds would be so different. I have learned so much more from this program than I ever would have learned continuing what I was doing. Every day I’m so excited to come to the barn and be able to take care of my horses who depend on me. It has given me a sense of fulfillment to know that these horses benefit so much because of the care I have given them. The joy I have from knowing I was part of the reason these horses go on to have the best life they could possibly have. The gratitude I have to the department of corrections and Mr. Evans for giving me this opportunity. This program, I believe, is all about giving “hope” to me and the horses for our futures. Truly, what a relief this program is when I began to comprehend that it is within our hardships that truth is elevated from our hearts to our heads. I really thank TRF for giving me a chance to be a part of this program. A big thanks to Mr. Evans for being the best teacher I have ever had. My possibilities are unlimited and I have a greater chance of success because of TRF. I sincerely thank you, TRF!”
Denise Sheehan
“Being a part of the Equine Program at Lowell Correctional Institution is truly one of my greatest accomplishments,” Sheehan said. “Each day I learn something new. The bond that grows between yourself and the horses is heartwarming. All that I learn and do at Equine will be a great attribute for my future.”
Linda Marter
“From day one, I have been told to sit down, shut-up, don’t laugh, don’t cry, don’t touch, and don’t feel. All human emotions are supposed to vanish and we are to exist in this warehouse for women. We are women who have made mistakes, our punishment is to be discarded and warehoused away from society.
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, what a wonderful program. TRF thought it would be a good idea to allow inmates a second chance at life and work with these beautiful creatures. This program has given myself and the other girls so very much. Most of the women here have never applied themselves to anything their whole lives. But here at Equine, the women work harder and learn more in one year than they ever have. We muck stalls, feed, hay, tote water, groom our horses, clean and wrap wounds, hydrotherapy swollen legs, then there’s weed eating and mowing grass and that’s just the morning chores. After lunch, we do it all over again. Now in between all of that, there’s the bookwork. The dreaded weekly chapter test (ugh!). But, Mr. Evans, our boss, is big on bookwork. His theory is if you don’t know the horses inside and out, you can’t help them. So we’ve got to know bones, organs, tissues, cells, digestive tracts, fetlocks, withers and so much more. But the girls approach this with a willingness to learn. Our first rule is the welfare of the horses and inmate safety. But what the whole thing boils down to is this. I talk to my horses all the time. I cry when one is hurt. I laugh when I see one play like a foal. I touch them, hug them and kiss their noses. I feel their spirit and inner strength, their joy, their pain, the strength and power of one of God’s most beautiful creatures. I’m learning patience, dedication, and responsibility. These are factors I can carry with me the rest of my life. At the end of the day when it’s time to return to prison, I look around and see well-cared for horses that are content with their retirement. I leave Equine dog-tired but filled with self-accomplishment, pride and an inner peace that I haven’t felt in 14 years. I’m still human after all.”
Monika Foster
“I’ve been doing time off and on since 2006. I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Evans a few times in 2007 while working on a squad that did some weed-eating around the farm. The first time I ever walked on the property I felt the peace that I’ve been longing for, especially in the prison system. I then knew that this is something I would love to do. But a few months later I was released never to think about it again. I grew up around family and friends that have owned horses. I used to go trail riding a lot and a few times I have tried barrel racing but life threw me in a different direction that I never intended on experiencing. With a seven-year sentence, my very first thought was, I’m going to get an education in something that I can build my life on. Equine was my first wish. This now is my third time in prison but for the first time I finally feel I have something to live for. I have struggled with who I am and my destiny for over 12 years now. I have never felt as comfortable in my path for a future as I feel getting an education from TRF. Even though I’m in prison I truly enjoy waking up every day knowing I’m going to get to take care of one of the most beautiful animals on the planet. This is a point in your life where you realize God has shown you the meaning of true living. I’m learning an extreme amount of patience and the ability to have a peace of mind. A lot of this actually comes from the heart of Mr. Evans. I’ve never met a man on this earth that I respect more. He has the patience and knowledge that I adore, and I learn so much from him every day. I strive to the full extent of my work ethic to earn trust and respect from my now mentor.” 
Kimberly McGivern
“I was absolutely devastated when I received a three-year sentence to prison. My world literally came crashing down around me. I thought ‘I can’t do this.’ I thought my life was over with. I was a drug addict and I hit rock bottom. I came to prison with no self worth and a very low self esteem. I was embarrassed and ashamed of myself because of the things I had done. I hurt everyone in my life, especially those closest to me. I spent my first 6 months in prison depressed and isolated. I went through the motions just to get through the day. Time stood still. I received a blessing when I was placed into the equine program here at Lowell Correctional Institutional work camp. Working in the program is phenomenal! It has helped me become motivated again and has helped heal the bruises I’ve inflicted upon myself mentally. Working with any type of animal is very healing to a human whether it is a 5-lb. Chihuahua or a 2,000-lb. thoroughbred horse. It just so happens we work with very powerful and strong thoroughbreds. Even with all their strength, they are some of the kindest, gentlest creatures. They have hearts and souls made of gold. They need attention, medical care, and most of all they need a lot of love. We are able to give it to them and they give it back to us in more ways than one. We work hard every day to make sure our horses are cared for properly. This program helps us become a better person, a better woman. We are learning work ethics, dedication, teamwork and patience. We are gaining strength within ourselves and passing it to our horses. Most of all the qualities we are gaining we are able to take with us when we get released. Being involved in this program has given me a sense of self gratification and accomplishment. I’m proud to have been given this opportunity to be a part of that.”
Shannon Reiger
“I have been incarcerated in the department of corrections in Ocala, Florida, for the past 11 years. I have struggled through this prison sentence with nothing to show for but wasted time. Until 2 ½ years ago I entered the Equine program sponsored by TRF. I can remember my first day coming to the farm and touching the horses, as tears rolled down my face. I was back doing what I love, working with horses. I’ve always been an animal lover but my love and passion for horses runs very deep. Mr. John Evans, our instructor, teaches the women here the proper care, responsibility and dedication that it takes to run a successful farm. He is a very knowledgeable man that we have grown to care, respect and very much appreciate and is definitely my mentor. Without him and his experience in the equine industry I know I wouldn’t be in the place I am today. The women here in this program I have grown to love and respect for all of the hard work and dedication they have for the horses and this program. We work hard to give the best care and love for each and every one of these horses because they mean so much to us. Just knowing that these women and myself can walk out these prison gates with all the knowledge we have and the opportunity to find a job in the equine industry is such a blessing, thanks to Mr. Evans and the TRF program. I have had the pleasure of caring and loving multiple horses through this program. One horse in particular is named Shake You Down. He is the public face at our fundraisers and has won $1.4 million. I am honored to have had the opportunity to care for such a loving horse for the past 2 ½ years. We know each other very well and when I’m having a bad day I can always go talk to him and cry on his shoulder and he seems to understand. I will miss him tremendously when I leave here in May of 2012 and I know he will miss me too. I can’t wait to get out and meet my goal and establish my own program for autistic children involving horses and maybe Shake You Down can be a part of loving those children with me. Thank you to Mr. Evans and the TRF program.”
Rebecca Merillo
“What did I have…friends, family, those special bonds. I had a house, car, beauty and intelligence. My story might not be the same as everyone else’s but my actions led me to the same place…prison. Nov. 23, 2009, was the day I got sentenced to prison. When the judge dropped the gavel my fate was sealed, beginning my stay at the Lowell Correctional Institution. How I felt…anger, how can these people dictate my life? Shame, you can’t control me! Resentment. Hurt. What changed? I bumped my head and woke up realizing that I need to get myself together. Life is not standing still while I’m gone and it’s time to pick me up, put a smile on my face, and figure out how to use my time wisely. I reminded myself that I do hold myself to a higher standard. While I was looking outside the box for something new, I stumbled into the Equine program. Working with horses every day, why not? Never expecting that this program would help me find my passion, more importantly find myself. How can one instructor, 15 women and 50 something horses change someone’s life so much? You would have to experience it to know. The Equine program is all that you would expect: hard work, responsibility for something, teamwork, commitment and dedication. That just scratches the surface. I’ve found a deeper meaning for it all. The Equine program has me re-thinking lifestyle, future, possibilities, never giving up on hope, new dreams and being able to confidently analyze the “what ifs.” We all need a second chance. This program has taught me how to take an animal that is broke down and hurt and rebuild it into something amazing and new again. All of the attention, love and care given, not only helps heal these magnificent creatures, it heals me as well. Mr. Evans and TRF have given me something no one else has…a second chance.”
Tammy Harvester
“I had a fairly normal childhood, loving, nurturing parents. I can’t actually say when I took a wrong turn but for most of my adult life I was unhappy and always looking to fill a missing void. I turned to drugs in my mid thirties, not knowing why because I had a beautiful life with my kids and career but still no love for self. This being my third time incarcerated is different. I learned the love for self and life but with my record, no hopes now for a career at least one I love so much. When I came here this time, I prayed to get into the Equine program, which I had heard about my last go around. I wanted in more than anything, in hopes of a future after incarceration. I’m so grateful for this program – it is everything and more of what I could have ever dreamed. I thank God and smile each morning I wake that I can come out to give some of myself back to such a rewarding purpose. I love coming out each day, as do all the girls. We work together and have fun. And the day is so rewarding. We do things together as a team and I see the love and care that goes into the work we all do. I’m very grateful for Mr. Evans. He’s very good to us and he has patience and enjoys teaching us. I have learned so much about these horses. I have come to love each and every one of them. I put my all into every day and will carry what I’ve learned upon my release to a new start on life. I’m very happy and hopeful finally for a new, productive life. I have clean time prior to incarceration and now a new career to look forward to. I wish there were more programs for us like this one. If I had done this my first time around I might not have come back. This program is teaching me that I do matter, I’m somebody, and I’m worth a chance. It teaches me responsibility and that I can still make a difference. I’m very grateful and I will not be back.”
Heather Ewald
“On July 15, 2010, I thought my life was over. I was sentenced to two years here at Lowell Correctional Institute. Little did I know that a whole new world of opportunity had just been handed to me. Since I’ve been involved in the equine program I have learned a lot about myself and others as individuals as well. This program takes a lot of patience and dedication, motivation on a daily basis. I am paying the ultimate price behind my incarceration with the loss of my freedom and valuable time with my children. I have learned that in order to succeed at anything in life requires effort and good decision-making skills. I’ve learned a lot about my character, who I was, who I am, and who I want to become. My strengths, not only physically but also mentally to work with these animals brings back a sense of hope and self gratification seeing your hard work paying off. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I reach the goal I have set out to succeed. This is my last shot in life to provide a better life for myself and my children. I will teach them that even though we all make mistakes, only we have the power to change the outcome of the situation. To always strive for what you want, never give in or give up. I plan to take what I’ve learned here home and broaden my horizons to give my children the life they deserve to be the best mother I can possibly be.”
Angela Cooper
“When I had first arrived at Lowell Correctional Institution, I felt like my whole world had collapsed around me. Just 6 months prior to my arrival, I had received my sentence for 48 months, 4 years! Within that short period of time I had lost everything, a house, car, job, money. I even thought that I had ruined my relationship with my family. Thank God that did not happen. My kids have remained by my side through this whole ordeal. But there is only so much that they can do when I’m behind razor wire and concrete. Depression had become a daily visitor to me during my first few months. I met with my classifications officer for the first time and I found out that Equine Science was one of the programs offered along with several others. So I asked to be put on the list. I was told that the waiting list was long and not to get my hopes up. I never thought that I had a chance. I was wrong! God blessed me after 5 months with acceptance into equine. I was ecstatic! For the first time in many months I had a light at the end of the tunnel, something that I could look forward to. From my first day, I knew that this program was meant for me. My love for the horses grows with every day that I spend with them. I have been assigned to care for two horses of my own. I’ve grown to truly care about each one. It’s a great responsibility to care for these animals, one that I take very seriously. I believe that in their own way that these horses love us too. In doing this program I’ve also gained a second family. The women that are in equine are such unique individuals and I’m sincerely proud to be a part of this group. We all watch out for each other as only a family can do. So what does the equine program mean to me? It gives me joy and happiness. Just seeing the horses every day puts a smile back on my face again. It has been hard work but well worth the effort. I know that when I complete my sentence and leave for home that I will be losing part of my great joy to these animals. After all, they are helping me to look forward to my future with hope again. Hope… for the future…. Sure sounds great, doesn’t it!”
Johanna Harris
“I’m an inmate at Lowell Correctional and I’m a proud member of the Equine program. When I wake up in the morning I now have something to look forward to. I have been blessed with the opportunity that my boss Mr. Evans has given me. That Equine is not only a second chance for the horses but also the inmates. Mr. Evans is finding it in his heart to teach us a trade that in turn helps to change and fulfill the life of a horse. Mr. Evans makes sure that all of his students have the book smarts as well as the hands on. Being in the program makes me feel that I am useful. I’m now using the time I have to be educated in a program that can benefit me and my horse. To have a living creature stand and wait to see you in the mornings and shake their heads up and down excited and ready for your attention that they well deserve. I don’t know where I would be or what I would do without the program. I’m very proud of myself for actually finding, accomplishing and achieving something in my life for a change. At the end of the day I rest my head knowing I’m a part of a program that is offering stability and a chance for beautiful horses. When I look at it we have both been given a second chance.”
Amaris Stokes
“The TRF is a place where you can find peace, love and happiness. We have horses that are no longer rideable and ones that are in great health. The equine ladies all work as a group. They give each horse the love and attention that they need. I’m 22 years old and it’s my first time in prison. I’ve never been around large animals including horses, and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t enjoy my horses. I’ve learned how to really care for a sick animal that needs love. I never thought that the horses would be as loving and caring as they are. As humans do, they have their good days and bad days. But we still manage to keep it going. The horses at TRF are no longer good in the racing business but are great for kids and pleasure. My first days out at TRF were totally different from today. I don’t think there’s one thing you can ask me that I don’t know or can’t look up quick. I’ve never seen myself picking up poop and brushing down horses but I love it. If there were a farm that would hire me I would not hesitate. I still have more to learn and I’m ready for it every day.”
Amanda Moody
“I never thought my life would turn out this way. I as an individual have made numerous mistakes and plenty of bad decisions throughout the course of my life. At first I thought that being incarcerated was the worst possible thing that could have happened to me. Now I realize that my life is just beginning. Since I’ve been enrolled in the equine program I’ve learned a lot of life’s valuable lessons – ones that I can take home and put to good use in the future. Not only have I learned a lot from others, but I’ve also learned more about myself than I’ve ever known. I have learned who I am and who I want to become, a better person for everyone including myself. We all make mistakes and everyone deserves a second chance, well this is mine. To care for these magnificent creatures as if they were your own children, nurture and comfort them in their time of need. This program takes a lot of hard work, patience, and dedication. In the end all of this will have paid off for the best. The equine program has shown me that anything is possible as long as you work for it, that whatever goals I have set can be reached, the sky is the limit.”
Shaidaliz Valentin
When I was sentenced to two years in prison I was offered two choices of educational programs – one being small gas engines and the other being equine. Without hesitation I chose equine because I have always had a love for animals and thought it would be a great opportunity so I accepted. After finally starting my time at the TRF, my time started to fly. It was the hardest I’ve ever worked, but the best job I’ve ever had and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I was a little intimidated at first because of how big these animals were, but I stuck with it and I’m so glad I did. This program means a lot to me and these ladies. Mr. Evans is a great mentor and has taught us so much and cares about our safety and the safety of our horses. This program has taught me patience, guidance and to be confident in myself. Not only do I get a second chance, but so do the horses. I have gotten so close with all of my horses and they all have cool personalities that I love. There is one horse in particular that I have a special bond with and his name is Jefferson. He is the oldest horse we have. He is 29 and is the sweetest horse you will ever meet. Mr. Evans and this program have made a big impact in my life here in prison and I thank God every day for this wonderful program. 
Lena R. White
I have been in the Equine program for the last 8 to 9 months. During that time I have learned a great deal about horses and the care involved. I have also learned that horses are very smart animals. I have found that as long as you’re giving them the proper care and time they love you unconditionally. This program has also taught me that I am capable of more than I ever thought. This program has given me something productive to do while I am incarcerated, and the skills to do something productive when I go home.
Famous Residents
Two famous Florida-bred champions permanently reside at the farm: Carterista, the 1993 Florida Champion Turf Horse and winner of eight stakes races, and Shake You Down, the 2003 Florida Champion Sprinter and winner of nearly $1.5 million.
The Florida TRF currently has a waiting list for incoming thoroug
hbreds. In order to join the list, the horse should be a Florida-bred thoroughbred, coming straight from the track. The horse should be retired due to age or physical condition. Contact Florida Thoroughbred Charities for more information at 352-629-2160. A donation is requested along with each horse accepted into the program.
For more information on adopting a retired Florida-bred racehorse, please contact the FTBOA offices at 352-629-2160.
– Compiled By Summer Best
– Photos by Cookie Serletic
