An inmate at Blackburn Correctional Complex haltering one of those horses. | Photo provided by TRF

We all know how big the horse industry is in Lexington. What you might not know is the positive mental and emotional impact it has on those at Blackburn Correction Complex (BCC).

Today, we’re sharing with you the story of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Second Chances Farm and how the special bond between humans and horses is helping provide a new lease on life for both.

What is the TRF Second Chances Farm? 🐴

The farm at BCC is one of eight created by the equine nonprofit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF). The program allows inmates to build life skills through industry-specific training while learning about and providing supervised care to retired racehorses.

Inmates must apply to be in the program, which lasts about six months. During this time they work hands-on every day gaining trust with their horses. They also spend time in the classroom learning about anatomy, nutrition, and injury awareness through the Groom Elite Program, which provides them with credentials that are recognized and accepted around the industry.

Mission and next steps 💼

Part of the mission is to reduce the recidivism rate (the likelihood to recommit a crime) and teach the inmates a trade and skills that they can take on with them in their next phase of life.

The TRF Second Chances Farm at BCC has partner facilities, like Spycoast Farm, that are open to providing employment to graduates — a win-win that helps bridge the gap for former inmates and an industry that needs skilled employees.

How you can support 🤝

The TRF Second Chances Program does not receive government grants, so it relies on the gifts of dedicated supporters. Here are some ways you can be involved:

Get inspired by watching this special bond in action
Participate in the Tee off for Thoroughbreds golf tournament
Sponsor a horse
Volunteer

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EVENTS

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Tuesday, Jan. 24

Modern Western Square Dance Lessons | Tuesday, Jan. 24 | Times vary | Southern Heights Baptist Church, 3408 Clays Mill Rd., Lexington | $60 | Bring a friend or come solo and learn how to square dance from the experienced team at Do Si Dos Lexington in this 24-session series.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Equine and Endophytes Workshop | Wednesday, Jan. 25 | 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Spy Coast Farm, Equine Education Center, 3487 Newtown Pike, Lexington | $20-$40 | This workshop aims to educate breeders on tall fescue and its risks to broodmares.

Thursday, Jan. 26

New Year’s Dance Class | Thursday, Jan. 26 | 6-6:50 p.m. | The Salsa Center, 817 Lane Allen Rd., Lexington | Free | Dance your way into a new hobby and skill with Kizomba lessons — no partner or experience needed.

Friday, Jan. 27

Planetarium Show: Exoplanets | Friday, Jan. 27 | 4 p.m. | Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lexington | $5 | Examine the many unique and extraordinary worlds outside of our solar system in a special showing at the Farish Planetarium.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

FINANCE

7 secrets to know about hiring a financial advisor 👀

A friendly-looking older man wearing a green cotton shirt smiles into the camera.

SmartAsset is a hassle-free way to find vetted financial advisers in your area. | Photo by SmartAsset

Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.

Check out these seven secrets comfortable retirees know about hiring one, so you can get back to the balance that matters most.

Pro tip: For simplicity, try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*

GET YOUR FREE MATCHES

NEWS NOTES

Weather

47º | Partly cloudy | 8% chance of rain

Civic

Tune in today, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. for Mayor Linda Gorton’s State of the City Address. This is when Mayor Gorton will share the strengths and weaknesses of Lexington, as well as potential opportunities for growth and improvement. Watch it online. 🎤

List

Lexington was recently listed on a Reader’s Digest list of “14 Most Underrated U.S. Travel Destinations to Visit Now.” The publication noted our city’s “easy access to the great outdoors” and our numerous locally-owned restaurants. (Reader’s Digest)

Asked

We love seeing our city on lists like that. So, help us build an itinerary for out-of-town guests. Share with us your top three must-dos for visitors + your answers might appear in an upcoming newsletter.

Concert

Well, My Maria, the band is back. Brooks & Dunn is coming to Rupp Arena on Thursday, May 11 for a stop on the REBOOT 2023 TOUR. The show will feature special guest Scotty McCreery. Tickets will be available for purchase at 10 a.m. this Friday, Jan. 27.

Edu

All Fayette County seniors — public, private, or homeschooled — are encouraged to apply for Independence Bank’s scholarships to assist with college tuition. There are two scholarships available + applications are being accepted until Monday, Feb. 13. 🎓

Eat

To help you work smarter, not harder in 2023, here’s a list of go-to, easy-to-make, healthy recipes from Kroger. Pro tip: Read now and bookmark for later. 💡*

Trending

The internet’s most popular cup is back in stock. The Stanley Quencher is beloved for its comfortable handle, large straw, ability to fit in your car’s cup holder, and how it keeps water cold for 11 hours. Plus, the popular 40 ounce size means all day hydration. 💧*

Learn

Meet Morning Brew, a free daily newsletter that covers the latest news across business, finance, and tech, written in a fun and witty tone that makes reading the news actually enjoyable. Four million people are already subscribed — it’s 100% free and takes just five minutes to read.*

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Molly.

Editor’s pick: If you’re a sucker for an animal-human bonding story, scroll back up and watch the linked video or check out this one. Be sure to grab the tissues though, because this work is so inspiring.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See Galentine’s and Valentine’s date ideas, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Molly Thompson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Marin Fiske | Advertise with us.

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