Inmates are learning to care for large animals through a unique program on the grounds of the Okanagan Correctional Centre (OCC) near Oliver.
Through a partnership with the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), trained handlers are on hand each morning to guide up to six participating inmates in the care, feeding, grooming and washing of two horses: Roanie, a red-roan, nine-year-old mustang, and Gypsy, a gold-brown, 18-year-old quarter mustang.
"This program represents another great partnership with the Osoyoos Indian Band, on whose land the Okanagan Correctional Centre stands," said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "Working with horses has been proven to help people overcome mental-health issues, trauma and other challenges, and this program is designed to foster a love of this work that may continue post-release."
While participants won't be riding the range, the horse program is designed to put them back in the saddle with new job skills when they're released from custody. Warden Steve DiCastri says "They're learning some trades, if they choose to go apply at a ranch, for example, they're going to have some experience that we hope to give them through this program, that they could get a job."
Recently, the program invited a number of inmates with more complex needs to learn new skills and spend time with the horses for therapeutic purposes. Horses have long been used to help enhance emotional, behavioural and cognitive skills for people who have experienced trauma and the hope is this program will provide a calming, holistic environment.
"This horse program is a great example of how a little can go a long way," said DiCastri. "For under $40,000, we have been able to establish a unique partnership with the Osoyoos Indian Band that we are incredibly grateful for. I believe working with horses has the power to really help some of the men in our care, and I am thrilled to see this program up and running."