Back in June, members of the Yard Team at the National Horseracing Museum, took two of the resident horses for a visit to HMP Peterborough. Ex-racehorse Royal Raise, aka George, along with Harry, one of the museum’s much-loved mini-Shetlands visited as part of a new careers and well-being initiative to educate prisoners and young offenders on the horseracing industry and the job opportunities available.
HMP Peterborough, managed by Sodexo Justice Service is the only dual purpose-built prison holding both males and females in the UK. Ralph Lubkowski, Director of HMP Peterborough said: “The arrival of George and Harry was a first for the Prison and we are very grateful to the Museum for working with us to arrange the visit. The day was a great success and has established a new partnership which we hope to build on.”
The impact on the prisoners were clear. ‘Hayley’, who worked in a yard before coming to prison, said: “Meeting the horses renewed my desire to get back to the horse industry when I get out. Meeting Frances and her team reassured me there is hope for my future, that they are prepared to work with ex-offenders.”
The Hon Frances Stanley DL, Chair of the National Horseracing Museum, who proposed the idea following a visit as part of her High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire duties said: “It was emotional to see how contact with the horses uplifted and enlightened some of the prisoners, many of whom had never been that close to a thoroughbred before. We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with HMP Peterborough and providing career opportunities within the wider horseracing industry.”
