In their own words….
About the Program
The Pleasant Valley Equine Rehab Program is the first California manifestation of TRF’s Second Chances program. It provides vocational training for incarcerated men. During a rigorous 18-week training program, inmates learn anatomy, injury treatment, nutrition and other aspects of care. After their release from prison, graduates of the TRF Second Chances Program in other states have gone on to careers as farriers, veterinary assistants and caretakers.
In Coalinga, the curriculum is sanctioned by West Hill College, which offers Equine Science classes and degrees. It includes natural horsemanship-based desensitization methods, learning to tack up a horse for various disciplines and basic farrier work to safely trim a hoof after a lost shoe or other minor incident.
PVSP In the News
California Prison’s Equine Care Program Finishes One Year (October 2020 – The Horse)
Prison Program Prepares Grooms (December 2019 – Riding Magazine)
A Second Chance: Pleasant Valley State Prison Equine Care Program Gives Inmates and Horses a Second Shot at New Life (December 2019 -West Hills College)
Ribbon Cutting: October 16, 2019
