Tamed By Wild Horses
Donation protected
My name is Doug Slabbekorn and I train wild mustangs. Ironically while taming these powerful animals, my wild heart has changed. Somewhere along the trail they harnessed the goodness within me. With help they will shape my future. I am serving two years at RCCC for drug offenses with a scheduled release date of September 11, 2017. Because I am a non-violent offender, I was given the opportunity to join the wild mustang program here.
The wild mustang program takes wild mustangs penned up by the BLM and cared for by taxpayer money, and brings them to RCCC to be tamed for adoption. They then are adopted by people who show they can truly care for them. This program helps the horses, relieves the burden to taxpayers, and helps inmates - all at the same time. The horse training is done by inmates who learn through six different levels to take a mustang from completely wild and unapproachable, to rider trained. We learn these skill from famed “mustang makeover” champion Joe Misner (Mr. Joe).
In addition to providing good homes to these awesome animals, we as inmates are benefitting in so many ways. I have learned to be patient and control my emotions (you can’t approach a wild horse if you aren’t calm). I have learned self control and to think through problems. I have completed my level five and can train wild mustangs. Unfortunately there is probably not enough work to keep me gainfully employed as a trainer. The good news is I can attend an eight week farrier (horseshoeing) course at Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in Plymouth CA. This is a field with lots of need and opportunity where I can earn a decent living doing things the right way. It would also allow me to keep working with these beautiful animals. It’s a trade I want to teach my son, Dougie, who has never had many opportunities. It’s a chance for me to change my life and his.
This is where the Gofundme comes in. Farrier school costs $5,500 plus room and board. I obviously haven’t been earning anything for the past two years. I have made arrangements to work for my board at the school until the next school session starts at the end of October. There’s also the tools I will need when I’m done, but I can probably work for someone else when I get done with the classes to pay for those. My family has agreed to help with some of the tuition, but it is a huge burden for them to pay all of it. I do not wish to be a burden to anyone. I want to (and plan to) take care of myself, but need just a little help getting started. If anyone would like to make a small donation to help, or knows of a trainer job in September, anything you can do would be greatly appreciated. The account is set up for funds to go directly to Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School. If you could share my story that would also help me, and bring awareness to the mustang adoption program. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and thanks in advance for any way you might be able to help.
The wild mustang program takes wild mustangs penned up by the BLM and cared for by taxpayer money, and brings them to RCCC to be tamed for adoption. They then are adopted by people who show they can truly care for them. This program helps the horses, relieves the burden to taxpayers, and helps inmates - all at the same time. The horse training is done by inmates who learn through six different levels to take a mustang from completely wild and unapproachable, to rider trained. We learn these skill from famed “mustang makeover” champion Joe Misner (Mr. Joe).
In addition to providing good homes to these awesome animals, we as inmates are benefitting in so many ways. I have learned to be patient and control my emotions (you can’t approach a wild horse if you aren’t calm). I have learned self control and to think through problems. I have completed my level five and can train wild mustangs. Unfortunately there is probably not enough work to keep me gainfully employed as a trainer. The good news is I can attend an eight week farrier (horseshoeing) course at Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in Plymouth CA. This is a field with lots of need and opportunity where I can earn a decent living doing things the right way. It would also allow me to keep working with these beautiful animals. It’s a trade I want to teach my son, Dougie, who has never had many opportunities. It’s a chance for me to change my life and his.
This is where the Gofundme comes in. Farrier school costs $5,500 plus room and board. I obviously haven’t been earning anything for the past two years. I have made arrangements to work for my board at the school until the next school session starts at the end of October. There’s also the tools I will need when I’m done, but I can probably work for someone else when I get done with the classes to pay for those. My family has agreed to help with some of the tuition, but it is a huge burden for them to pay all of it. I do not wish to be a burden to anyone. I want to (and plan to) take care of myself, but need just a little help getting started. If anyone would like to make a small donation to help, or knows of a trainer job in September, anything you can do would be greatly appreciated. The account is set up for funds to go directly to Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School. If you could share my story that would also help me, and bring awareness to the mustang adoption program. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and thanks in advance for any way you might be able to help.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kim Curtis
Organizer
Elk Grove, CA
Bob Smith
Beneficiary
