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| Martin selected as Horse Trainer of the Year |
| By Wyoming Department of Corrections |
| Published: 09/12/2011 |
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Cheyenne – Jeff Martin, with the Wyoming Honor Farm (WHF) in Riverton, has been selected as Wyoming’s Contract Horse Trainer of the Year by the Bureau of Land Management. Martin competed against five other trainers at BLM’s 2nd annual Mustang Days competition and adoption, held Aug. 19 and 20 at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas. In addition, following the competition, all of the horses used in the competition were adopted with 15 others for a total of 20 horses. The BLM will be hosting the competition and adoption event again next year. Martin began his career in corrections at the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins in 1989 as a Security Officer. In 1993, he moved to WHF in Riverton and worked his way up the ranks to sergeant. After nine years as the Warehouse / Canteen Supervisor, he was selected as Wild Horse Supervisor in 2008, the position he holds today. Working with horses was a progressive move, much like his career in corrections. “My wife was born and raised on a cattle ranch in Douglas. So, I figured out real quick that as long as we were married, we would always have horses,” Martin said “ I knew that in order for me to survive the horse end of it, I better learn as much as I can about them. I began reading books, magazines, and other materials about horses and horse training.” After attending clinics and other training opportunities, Martin said the hobby turned into a passion. “I always say, corrections has helped me with horses, and horses have helped me with corrections,” he said. “I now get to put both together and do something I love.” Martin has 24 inmates that work for him in the horse program. He supervises them in the feeding and herd health of the horses. They currently have 265 horses on site and about 60 of those horses are in the training program. Inmates receive instruction and training on how to gentle and train the horses every day to prepare the horses for the two adoptions per year at WHF. In turn, the inmates learn valuable life skills of communication, cooperation, patience and respect. On being selected as the trainer of the year, Martin said he was humbled and blessed to receive this award. “I did not do it alone. It takes support from everyone in all departments to make the Wild Horse Program work,” he said. “If we didn't have support from the director, administration, security, case management, and all the other support staff that help out, the program would not continue on.” “I would also like to thank the rest of the agriculture staff and my supervisor, Joe Crofts, for all the support and help,” Martin added. “Plus the support and commitment of the inmates that are trying to make positive changes in their lives. They are in this program so they can be productive citizens when they get out and that is why we work in corrections.” |
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He certainly is an amazing horse trainer and I have read a lot about it. I got to know about his training sessions in Ohio as well and the experiences I got to read were quite good actually. I am glad that he is selected for this position.