A newly built equine centre has been officially opened by Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, at Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon.
Horses for Hope is a ten-bay facility aimed at providing prisoners with practical skills in animal welfare, as well as helping them seek work in the industry post release.
The programme nurtures empathy and compassion through caring for the rescued horses.
The facility is located on land adjacent to Castlerea Prison and will be run in collaboration with the Irish Horse Welfare trust. Funding of over €100,000 was raised by the horse racing industry.
An American style barn has been built on the grounds with stables, tack room, fodder and general storage area.
Minister McEntee said: "A key objective of the programme is to provide offenders with practical skills, while also teaching compassion through the care of a living animal.
"I understand that to date, in excess of €120,000 has been raised from the horse racing industry and this funding covers costs associated with the day to day operation of the programme.
"The horse care programme can offer preparation for employment and ultimately help make our communities safer through a reduction in reoffending.
"It can also have a very positive impact on physical and mental health and wellbeing."
John has served over six years in prison and will be released later this year.
"This is the best thing that has ever happened in the Irish Prison Service. I grew up with horses and I love leaving the cell and coming out here with the horses and grooming and feeding and watering them.
"They'll keep me on the straight and narrow. Horses are a bit like yourself. They’ve good and bad days but they keep you up when you’re down. I’m looking forward to working with these great animals when I walk down the driveway from this prison at the end of the year."
Paul Kelly is Groom Instructor at the equine centre.
"It’s a bonus for prisoners hoping to work in the equine industry. They will receive a certificate in stable management and grooming upon completion of the course."
The programme is a joint initiative between the Irish Prison Service and the horse racing industry.
Fergal Black is Director of Care and Rehabilitation in the Irish Prison Service.
"This is an exciting new venture for Castlerea Prison and the Irish Prison Service and will have many positive benefits for the participants and ultimately for our communities, which will be safer by the reduction in reoffending.
"Robert Hall, RTÉ racing's front man, has been involved with the project since its inception in 2016 and Jonathan Irwin - from the Jack and Jill Foundation - has championed the idea for a long time and helped fundraising efforts within the racing industry," he said.
The Irish Prison Service says skills acquired at the equine centre will be aimed at overcoming employment hurdles post-release and also improving the mental health of the prisoners.
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Horse welfare programmes have worked well in America and Australia and this is the first time that horses have been introduced into the prison rehab system in Ireland.
It’s hoped the initiative will bring physical and mental benefits to all who take part and who hope to turn their lives around after their release.
