Inmates and retired thoroughbreds getting a second chance for a new life

For 18 years, the Blackburn Correctional Complex has teamed up with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation to hold a special program for inmates and horses.

Inmates that participate in the program get to learn about stable management, horse care, and much more during a six-month period.

"They seem to be more enthusiastic about getting up and starting their day and coming to a job. They also realize that it's providing them with a skill", stated Tiffany Ratliff, Warden at Blackburn Correctional Complex.

Inmates involved in the program say it's a great learning experience that's impacted their lives.

"It's taught me a lot of things that I never really did know and that I never did think I would know because I never did mess with horses much and I really thinks it's impacted a whole lot. Even though we're trapped in here and everything like that still, I come down here and a feel like I can get away and I can be myself like I used to be", said Matt Hew, an inmate at the complex.