James River Horse Foundation

The first class of inmates with a few of the James River horses.

Services: Sanctuary, Rehabilitation, Adoption, Equine-Assisted

Location: Oilville, Virginia

Founded: 2019

Website: jamesriverhorses.org

Social:

Average Number of Thoroughbreds: 25

Twenty-four rescued Thoroughbreds graze on the banks of the James River, near State Farm, VA, secure in their retirement. These horses are cared for by inmates at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women under a partnership between the James River Horse Foundation and the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Not only do the horses receive excellent care, but they give so much back to their caretakers in terms of job and life skills. It is truly a win-win situation where people help horses and horses help people.

It is one thing that these horses have a beautiful sanctuary in which to live out their lives, but the larger side of this program is the impact the horses have on the lives of those who care for them.

One of the current inmates had this to say about the program: “I have a new respect for horses, hard work, and life in general. I am so grateful to be blessed with this opportunity.”

Said another inmate, “Creek Bay has taught me that patience and persistence really do pay off. I just want to say thank you for this program.”