Men and Their Horses
Photo by RickC, Flickr
I finally got around to watching the Primetime segment titled “The Outsiders” that aired on August 25. I initially recorded the show because I thought it would provide some information on the controversial mustang round ups that have taken place recently. (If you haven’t heard about this yet and are interested in learning more, please visit Baba Yaga’s Mirror, Grey Horse Matters, or Equine Ink. These are just a few of the many sites providing background information and updated reports on the round up and the controversy surrounding it). While I didn’t find the show to be particularly informative regarding the round up (other than a somewhat disturbing quip about how chasing horses through the desert with a helicopter is humane), I did enjoy the segment a great deal as it discussed the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse Inmate Program (WHIP). The theory is relatively simple – take a wild horse that is used to living freely and without structure, place it under the supervision of an inmate in the Colorado federal prison system, and let the magic happen. Actually, it’s not as much magic as it is watching both souls blossom as they realize that structure, kindness, and trust are important concepts.
Programs like this one bring a tear to my eye, because they so clearly demonstrate the endless possibilities that result from a relationship with horses. Men who never learned patience or forgiveness quickly learn how to deal softly and kindly when they’re dealing with a thousand pound animal. Likewise, trained cowboys supervise the inmates to ensure that the horses receive the utmost respect and care. In addition, the men gain practical skills that they can use upon their release from prison. This program is such a positive result of the horrific roundups I’ve read about. Similar programs exist to aid youths with emotional or physical disabilities or at risk teens that need guidance. It is well documented that troubled children often respond better to animals than they do to other people. Perhaps it is the non-judgemental nature of the horse, or maybe it is simply those liquid brown eyes that encourage one to trust. Either way, I’m glad that at least some of these captured mustangs are finding a niche and bringing much needed attention to the plight of their still wild counterparts.
Photo by J. Harwood
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Paint Girl - September 15, 2009 at 2:03 am
I also watched this episode. I texted my sister to turn her t.v. on to that channel. I have heard of the prison program before in magazines, but it was neat to see it on t.v. Even though these prisoners are in prison for serious crimes, they do seem to react to the horses. I think it is a great program. It actually brought tears to my eyes. Mustangs are given a chance at a good life and hopefully the prisoners are learning some compassion. Thank you for bringing this up.
I would also like to thank you for stopping by my blog!
michelle - September 15, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Thanks for visiting, Paint Girl! I have recently started visiting your blog and have quickly become addicted! It is so amazing how people of all backgrounds and personalities can have such a powerful response to horses. I think it’s that moment that you realize that you have achieved a partnership with an animal that is only tolerating your presence nearby because he wants to…..it’s a powerful thing and it makes you realize pretty quickly how little in life you control.
Lisa - September 17, 2009 at 7:07 am
I agree with you here. I didn’t see this on TV (I’m a bit far away for that), but I have heard and read about this program. What a great deal for both sides. Horses have such an unbelievable therapeutic effect. I can imagine that it must be wonderful for the inmates to have something to look forward to, seeing as their days are filled with dull walls and a total lack of freedom. I can’t imagine that there is much in the way of ‘correction’ otherwise going on – although it’s called a ‘correctional facility’. The one thing most of them (and most of us) are lacking is plain and simple connection, love, respect and trust. And as we horse people know – there’s no better place to find those qualitites than standing by the side of a horse. And also for the horses, who by nature look for connection and interaction – it’s a wonderful concept indeed.
Thanks for posting about it.
michelle - September 17, 2009 at 4:46 pm
I agree, Lisa. Horses are absolutely amazing in the way that they can heal people from the inside out. I have watched my handicapped sister evolve over her lifetime and really blossom due to her horseback riding pursuits. I think everyone should have a horse to heal anything: mental, physical, emotional, social, whatever kind of disabilities one has! But, I guess I’m a bit biased, right?