The path to recovery is often winding and difficult, but for many individuals battling addiction, the combination of hard work, a structured environment, and the calming presence of horses has proven to be a life-changing solution. This is the philosophy behind Stable Recovery, a unique program located in the heart of Kentucky’s horse country that combines horsemanship and sobriety for men seeking a second chance.
A Unique Recovery Program
Started by Frank Taylor, the Stable Recovery program operates on the family-owned Taylor Made Farm, an 1,100-acre property in Nicholasville, Kentucky. This farm, which has foaled some of racing’s biggest stars, was the ideal setting for a program that blends hard physical labor, therapeutic activities, and a peaceful atmosphere to help men struggling with addiction. The idea for this program was inspired by Taylor’s own struggles with alcohol, and his desire to help others who are going through similar challenges.
Taylor, a former alcoholic, says that he was drawn to the racing industry, where alcohol was often involved. But after witnessing its effects on his family, he decided to turn his life around. “If a horse won, I drank a lot; if a horse lost, I drank a lot,” Taylor admitted. Now, he has been sober for five years and dedicates his time to providing others with the same opportunity to rebuild their lives.
The Power of Horsemanship
The Stable Recovery program is based on the premise that working with horses offers therapeutic value to individuals in recovery. For Jaron Kohari, a 36-year-old former underground coal miner, horses were initially intimidating, but they soon became a source of healing and stability. “You’re not used to caring for anything,” Kohari said. “These horses require your attention 24/7, so it teaches you to love something and care for it again.”
In the program, participants are required to be sober for at least 30 days before beginning. From there, they spend a year working with the horses, gaining confidence, learning responsibility, and rebuilding their lives. The physical labor involved in caring for the horses, along with the daily structure, fosters a sense of discipline and responsibility that is vital for long-term recovery.
A Structured Environment for Success
Unlike many traditional recovery programs that last 30, 60, or 90 days, Stable Recovery emphasizes a one-year program, which allows participants time to build bonds with their peers and truly start healing. The schedule is rigorous: participants wake up at 4:30 a.m. for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and work long hours in the barn. The program also offers therapy sessions, visits to doctors, and a chance to learn new skills in the horsemanship industry. Participants work with horses, attend to their health, and ensure the farm operates smoothly.
This extended time frame allows men to form lasting bonds with their peers, who become a support system for each other during the difficult process of recovery.
Success Stories and the Racing Industry
Since its inception, Stable Recovery has helped 110 men successfully complete the program. Many of these men go on to work in the horse racing industry, where they can apply the skills they’ve learned to advance in their careers. A few of the success stories include Will Walden, who beat a 12-year heroin addiction and became a trainer for Brad Cox, and Blane Servis, who works as an assistant trainer for John Servis, the father of the Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones.
In fact, the success of Stable Recovery has led to some men being hired by WinStar Farm, and others, like Tyler Maxwell and Mike Lowery, continue to work in the industry. One of the program’s major investments included purchasing 10 horses for training. Although the farm lost some money, the venture allowed individuals like Will Walden to prove that recovery can lead to financial and professional success.
The Long-Term Impact
The results of Stable Recovery are clear: it has helped many men rebuild their lives and succeed in the horse racing industry. Taylor Made Farm’s commitment to the program has proven that with hard work, discipline, and the support of peers, recovery can be a success. The combination of horsemanship and structured recovery offers a unique and effective way to help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their futures.
As the program grows, it continues to offer hope and inspiration to men who are ready to leave their past behind and build a better future—one horse at a time.
