The Wyoming Honor Farm’s Wild Horse Training Program, established in early 1988, offers a unique avenue for inmate rehabilitation by fostering respect for both animals and people. This program provides inmates with a vital life skill – respect – which many need to develop during their incarceration. Through daily challenges and teamwork, participants learn to value the opinions and goals of others. By working with wild horses, inmates discover that hard work, coupled with respect, effective communication, and patience, can yield positive responses even from wild animals. The success of this program hinges on the seamless cooperation of various departments, including Administration, Security, Case Management, Maintenance, Ag Crews, and other support staff.
The training methodology employed by the Wyoming Honor Farm is designed to be mutually beneficial for both the horses and the inmate trainers. The program progresses horses systematically, starting with round pen work, moving to halter training, and culminating in saddle and rider acceptance. This structured approach ensures that horses are not subjected to saddling or riding until the essential groundwork has been thoroughly completed. The techniques utilized draw inspiration from established trainers like Ray Hunt, Bryan Neubert, John Lyons, Pat Parelli, and Clinton Anderson, all of whom have demonstrated considerable success in their methods.
Upon assignment to the Wild Horse Training Program, inmates initially serve on the feed or utility crew, responsible for feeding animals and maintaining pen cleanliness. A significant portion of their day is dedicated to assisting others with horse training, providing an invaluable opportunity to observe techniques and familiarize themselves with the animals. When a supervisor deems an inmate ready for handling and gentling, they are introduced to the initial stages of the training process.
From the outset, horses undergo desensitization through feeding and pen cleaning routines. They are also accustomed to pressure by being moved between pens or worked in the large arena, which can be done from horseback or the ground. Exposure to handling during veterinary care, vaccinations, or identification checks further aids in their acclimation. Horses are then sorted by age, sex, or training progression into appropriate pens. Once an individual horse demonstrates readiness, it engages in extensive round pen work before advancing to halter training.
As horses progress to the halter stage, their training becomes more refined, with a strong emphasis on handling their feet and encouraging willing trailer loading. Subsequently, they are introduced to saddle acceptance, followed by a gradual transition to rider acceptance, always prioritizing baby steps. The core focus remains on building a robust foundation through consistent groundwork.
The Honor Farm hosts two on-site adoption events annually, one in the spring and one in the fall, supplemented by several satellite adoptions across the state in collaboration with other Bureau of Land Management (BLM) events. Adoptions utilize a competitive bid process, with the highest bidder acquiring the horse, starting at $125.00. For the initial year, the horses remain the property of the BLM. Following this period, a veterinarian or brand inspector verifies the animal’s health, after which the adopter receives clear title to the horse.
From a correctional perspective, the program instills in inmates the importance of communication and cooperation. Similar to their interactions with horses, inmates must build and maintain relationships through both positive and negative communication. The program emphasizes positive reinforcement, underscoring that it is not merely about horse training but about life itself. The ability to apply lessons learned from working with horses and each other significantly enhances their prospects of becoming productive citizens upon release. The Wyoming Honor Farm is deeply committed to fostering a strong, positive work ethic among its inmates.
A fundamental belief within the program is that horses are incapable of deception, thereby holding inmates accountable. Failure to gain a horse’s trust impedes progress, and any attempt at dishonesty or deceit with the animal will be met with resistance. Inmates also experience the rewarding feeling of caring for a being that responds to their efforts. Treating both horses and coworkers with dignity and respect can lead to life-changing rewards.
For the public, this program represents a win-win scenario. It fosters cooperation with the BLM in managing wild horse populations and provides the public with access to horses that have been gentled and trained.
