Lexington, KY– The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is pleased to announce the establishment of a new fund dedicated to the care of the horses that reside at the TRF Second Chances Program at Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington, KY, currently home to 58 rescued and retired Thoroughbred racehorses. The “Blackburn Fund” is named after , to celebrate the extraordinary service of Ms. Linda Dyer to the horses and inmates in the TRF Second Chances Program at Blackburn. Ms. Dyer will retire from her role as director as of May 30, 2019 after 14 years of service. The TRF Second Chances Program is a nationally accredited inmate vocational training program in equine care and stable management, providing an opportunity for inmates to learn marketable job skills while reaping the emotional benefits of working closely with ex-racehorses.
Linda’s knowledge and demeanor have had a profound effect on the horses in TRF’s care and the men who learn from her. Linda grew up riding horses in Lexington and has always been horse crazy. “I was born that way,” she says. “I was an A Circuit Show Groom. My father died when I was 15 so have worked pretty much since. I broke yearlings, galloped, prepped, brought back lay-ups, handled stallions, foaled over a 1,000 Mares, bred mares, and managed Thoroughbred farms my whole life.”
Mr. John R. Murrell, a longtime racing owner and supporter of the TRF, shared, “Linda is truly an exceptional person. Her knowledge and dedication to the horses combined with her powerful impact on the men she has taught over these years cannot be understated.” Mr. Murrell and his wife, Kelley, have made the inaugural gift to launch the “Blackburn Fund” in honor of the horses Linda has cared for over many years. “I challenge and invite every horseman who knows Linda to join me in this effort to establish a lasting legacy for her service, through a fund dedicated to the horses who have been her highest priority for so many years.”
Details about The Blackburn Fund may be found on the TRF website. All dollars will be directed toward the ongoing operational needs of the TRF Second Chances Program at Blackburn Correctional Complex. Learn more at https://www.trfinc.org/dyer-blackburn/
The posting of the TRF Second Chances Program Manager by the Kentucky Department of Corrections is also available for review on the TRF website, https://www.trfinc.org/farms-and-facilities/blackburn-correctional-complex/
About the Kentucky Department of Corrections: Blackburn Correctional Complex serves as the Kentucky Department of Corrections largest adult all male minimum–security institution housing 594 offenders. The institution is located on 456 acres of land at 3111 Spurr Road, Lexington, Kentucky. https://corrections.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx