Central Maryland Correctional Facility, Sykesville
About the Farm
On May 14, 2009 the TRF Second Chances Farm at Central Maryland Correctional Facility opened their barn doors to receive its first three retired/rescued thoroughbred race horses. This unique program is possible because of a partnership between DPSCS and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF).
The farm is the first program of its kind to be taught in the state of Maryland. Secretary Gary D. Maynard spearheaded similar programs in other states throughout his various careers within corrections. The partnership not only benefits the horses, but also the offenders who work at the site. There are infinite opportunities for program expansion to include things such as therapeutic and community outreach initiatives.
“I was invited to visit the TRF Second Chances program in Sykesville in December 2018. I left that day with a great respect for what the TRF has created there. They provide two things. A place that gives an abundance of care and attention for retired Thoroughbred racehorses. A unique education that will enrich the lives of a group of men while also teaching a skill that can be used in a positive way.”
-Anita Motion, Herringswell Stables
With thanks to our TRF Maryland Ambassadors
- Derek Brown
- Ramon and Sharon Dominguez
- Charlie and Sherry Fenwick
- Dan Kramer
- Graham and Anita Motion
- Lawrence Holmes
- Sagamore Racing
- Natalie and Abby Sherman
About the Program
As a Public Safety Works program, Second Chances Farm is a restorative justice tool that DPSCS hopes to utilize to give our offender population work skills while also teaching compassion through the care of a living animal. The project began in 2008 with the resurrection of a dilapidated barn and surrounding grounds near our Central Maryland Correctional Facility in Sykesville, MD by offenders in our pre-release system and Maryland Correctional Enterprises.
In their own words: Letter From Peter
In their own words: Letter from Tyler “Heroes with Hooves”
All aspects of this program have been funded by the generosity of private donations to TRF.
Meet the Herd
Recent media coverage of the TRF Second Chances Program in Maryland:
July 30: Daily Gazette, Mike MacAdam, A Convicted Felon, an Old Racehorse, and a Second Chance for Both
National Geographic: These Horses Give Prisoners a Second Chance
Former Inmate Becomes Horse Groom Thanks To Second Chance Program
The US farm where prisoners and horses are given a second chance at life.
Horse farm program gives Maryland inmates a second chance
Second Chances horse rescue teaches inmates work skills
Second Chance Farms called a place of redemption for horses and caretakers
Horses and prisoners get ‘Second Chances” at MD farm