Inmates.qxd:Florida Horse_template
In Their Own Words
6/10/11
10:40 AM
Page 134
tribute 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
Stephanie Plummer with Bet On Me (above) Linda Marter with Mountain Gold (center) and Denise Sheehan with Jimmi Jinx (below)
“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
134 THE FLORIDA HORSE • JUNE/JULY 2011
“Being a part of the Equine Program at Lowell Correctional Institution is truly one of my greatest accom-
plishments,” 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 dogtired but filled with self-accomplishment, pride and an inner peace that I haven’t felt in 14 years. I’m still human after all.”