The California Institution for Women (CIW) at Corona recently welcomed Rebel Ranch and their equine therapy program.
This equine-assisted therapy is a structured, trauma-informed intervention in which participants interact with horses through activities such as grooming, leading and ground-based exercises. These are all conducted under the supervision of trained and certified equine professionals.
Because horses are highly responsive to human emotions and behavior, they provide immediate, nonjudgmental feedback. This helps participants develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, effective communication and healthy relationship skills.
For incarcerated women, equine therapy can enhance self-esteem, reduce anxiety and stress, improve coping skills, build trust and empathy, and strengthen resilience.
“It is particularly beneficial for individuals with histories of trauma, mental illness, or substance use disorders by promoting recovery, treatment engagement and personal growth,” said organizers. “As part of a comprehensive mental health program, equine therapy complements traditional treatment while fostering hope, responsibility, and skills to support successful reintegration into the community.”
According to Rebel Ranch and CIW, the pilot program is eight weeks, one hour per week. There are 10 participants per group with four groups total. These 40 participants were chosen out of a lottery of nearly 200 applicants.
“Many people were integral to this success including Associate Warden Delinia Lewis, Heath Care CEO Jim Elliot, Isaac Loera for finding funding while getting headquarters approval, and custody staff,” said organizers.
Learn more about the Rebel Ranch organization on their website.
Submitted by Lt. A. Avina
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).
Read more rehabilitation stories.
Related content
Valley State Prison hosts wellness fair
Valley State Prison in Chowchilla recently hosted a health and wellness fair. The event brought together 13 information booths designed…
Read More
CALCTRA celebrates 56 graduates at CCWF
A milestone achievement was celebrated at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla as 56 graduates completed the California Correctional…
Read More
Painting Over It: Healing Through Arts at CIM
Damian Reyes has converted incarceration into rehabilitation, thanks to Healing Through Arts, a program started at California State Prison, Los Angeles County.…
Read More