James River Horse Foundation

To provide for the prevention of cruelty to animals through an educational program of humane care, safe sanctuary & when possible a second career for Thoroughbred racehorses who no longer compete at the track & are at risk of abuse, neglect or slaughter. These horses are rehabilitated from prior racing injuries, are retrained for other disciplines or to be companion animals for other horses and are part of an educational program conducted at a Virginia Correctional Institution. The program allows non-violent female offenders to participate in an established, well-supervised curriculum of physical & emotional rehabilitation & life-skills education created in cooperation with the VA Dept of Corrections. While learning to care for & interact with the horses, they learn to work as a team, take on responsibilities & complete goals toward a certification that can aid in obtaining employment after incarceration. The program's success is recognized as a valuable public-private partnership.