CIW equine therapy pilot program making strides
The California Institution for Women in Corona has launched a new equine therapy pilot program. This initiative brings Rebel Ranch onto the prison grounds to provide structured, trauma-informed sessions for incarcerated women. Participants engage in grooming, leading, and ground-based exercises under the watch of certified professionals.
Horses are naturally sensitive to human behavior, providing immediate and objective feedback to those interacting with them. This process assists participants in building emotional regulation, communication, and self-awareness. These skills are critical for long-term recovery and eventual reintegration into the community.
The eight-week program involves four groups of ten participants each. Demand for the program is high, with nearly 200 applicants competing for the 40 spots. Organizers highlight this as a key addition to existing mental health efforts within the facility, offering participants a path toward personal growth and responsibility.
The success of this pilot is attributed to the cooperation of custody staff and leadership, including Associate Warden Delinia Lewis and Health Care CEO Jim Elliot. Isaac Loera played a significant role in securing necessary funding and administrative approvals to get the program running on-site.