More and more, animal therapy is proving an incredible
outlet for the psychological and physiological betterment of people from
diverse walks of life.
For instance, we recently reported a story about a
documentary called Castaways that chronicles the rehabilitation program of
unwanted dogs who are paired with prison inmates. There’s no question of the
lasting effect that that two have on each other by the end of their program —
but similar programs with different animals are also successful. The ranch
below is one such example.
Much like the dogs of the aforementioned program, the
horses at Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation are castaways of their own — former
racing horses from many different backgrounds who, for any number of reasons,
were no longer of use to their breeders. ABC News reports that a program called
The TRF Second Chances Program is pairing inmates with horses at correctional
facilities in nine states. Equine therapy has long been proven effective for
victims of trauma and PTSD, as well as for people with unique physical therapy
needs. But it’s benefits at Second Chances yield something else entirely.
“While TRF Second Chances began as a vocational program,” says its website, “it
wasn’t long before other benefits of the program were realized; inmates not
only learned a viable skill but also gained confidence and a sense of empathy.
Studies have shown a reduction in recidivism rates at facilities that host the
program.”
“It taught me patience,” says Jose Sotomayor from the
Bronx, NY. “Now I look at things differently. I’m more calm. I think things
through. It keeps me out of trouble.”
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