On May 7, 2007 Boys' Haven celebrated the completion of its new horse

stables (see video of the barn building).  As of August 15th, we have 8

horses residing in the stable which can house up to 12 horses.

The goals of the Boys' Haven Equine Program are:



To provide employment training to at-risk youth who have previously been

unemployable and have little prospect for post-secondary studies.



To offer training in an industry that pays above minimum wage salaries,

offers opportunities for advancement, includes health and other

benefits, and offers housing.



To offer equine therapy to a group that numerous studies show benefit

from this particular type of therapy, namely abused children.



To educate the community about the value of the equine industry in

Kentucky.

Jay Wilkinson is the Equine Program Director.  Jay has 26 years of

experience in the horse industry and holds a current license with the

Kentucky State Racing Commission to train both thoroughbreds and

standardbreds.  He trained Derby nominee Papa Hank, who also was entered

and started in Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland.  Mr. Wilkinson has trained

and raced hundreds of horses throughout his career.