Central Maryland Correctional Facility, Sykesville

  • Central Maryland Correctional Facility (Sykesville, MD)

  • Year Established: 2009

  • Acreage: 15

  • Capacity: 6

  • Partner: Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

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

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.