High resolution images are below

Pressroom

• Media Contacts
• Press Releases
• ETV Management Team
• Logo Farm
• ETV Style Guidelines
• Stock Photos

South Carolina ETV

• About ETV
• History of ETV
• Testimonials
• Annual Reports
• Schedule a Tour
• Weather Center
• Contact Us

Stay Connected

ETV’s National Presentation of “Homestretch: Racehorse Rescue”
to Premiere on May 3 in the Palmetto State

National Distribution by NETA

For Immediate Release
April 3, 2009

Columbia, SC…On Sunday, May 3 at 6 p.m., just one day after the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby, ETV presents the Palmetto State premiere of Homestretch: Racehorse Rescue. Directed and produced by Sheri Bylander, an encore presentation of the documentary airs on Thursday, May 14 at 9 p.m.

The documentary is distributed nationally by the National Educational Television Association (NETA), and viewers outside of South Carolina should check their local listings for dates and times.

While the excitement of horse races attracts thousands of fans and brings in billions of dollars each year, what happens to racehorses which are past their prime and are no longer winning? Homestretch reveals the often tragic fate of retired racehorses, but also tells the redemptive story of how these horses are rescued from slaughter and then rehabilitated by a most unlikely group of saviors: prison inmates.

Through innovative prison-based programs across the country, Homestretch reveals how prisoners and former racehorses are given a new lease on life. These lush and expansive prison-owned farms provide a stunning backdrop for the imprisoned men who are taught how to care for the retired horses. Over time, the men master practical skills which can be readily applied in equine and other industries upon their release.

One such farm featured in the film is at Wateree River Correctional Institution near Camden, South Carolina. It is here that viewers see the heartwarming finale to the story of King’s Honor, a prominently pedigreed racehorse who was rescued from the grueling Oregon racing circuit by the film’s Executive Producer John Rainey.

Alluding to his staunch belief in the transformative power of redemption, Rainey explained the deep connection he witnessed between men and animals in the documentary. “Where there had been a loss of humanity, humanity was restored. And where indeed there may have been no humanity, humanity was in fact kindled by this relationship between horse and man.”

The hour-long documentary takes a sympathetic look at the bond between two groups that society seems to have given up on – aging horses and convicted criminals. From abuse and neglect to inhumane slaughter auctions where these stately creatures are sold, this program offers an eye-opening glimpse behind the scenes of the world of end-of-term racehorses. Juxtaposed to the shocking reality of the animals is the life-changing respite that the incarcerated men experience through their unique relationship as caregivers for these animals.

Throughout this poignant story of healing and renewal, Homestretch: Racehorse Rescue explores the power of kindness and courageousness through contemporary racing footage and interviews with prisoners, horse owners, trainers and jockeys.

Homestretch: Racehorse Rescue DVDs can be purchased by calling 1-800-553-7752 or by visiting the ETV Store at www.etvstore.org.

Homestretch: Racehorse Rescue is a film by Homestretch Productions and Dreamfly Productions.

About the director:
Homestretch is director/producer Sheri Bylander’s directorial debut. Hailing from Texas originally, Bylander stands a full “five-foot-twelve,” an asset that came in handy when facing inmates who don’t see women or video cameras very often. Once, while on a soul-searching hike in the Nepalese Himalayas, she stopped and asked herself, “Is filmmaking really my calling?” Moments later, a string of yaks laden with Kodak film boxes and camera tripods tramped slowly by her on the steep, snowy trail. She took the unusual caravan as a sign, and hasn’t looked back since.

Bylander is a film and television editor who has worked on films by Woody Allen, Sidney Lumet and Albert Maysles, and TV shows such as Sex and the City for HBO and The Philanthropist, premiering on NBC in June.

About South Carolina ETV (SCETV):
South Carolina ETV brings non-commercial, inspiring public television not only to the citizens of South Carolina, but through its national productions, to the rest of the United States and the world. Recent presentations include Journey to Planet Earth: The State of the Planet’s Oceans, hosted by Matt Damon (the only continuing environmental series on PBS), The Powder and the Glory, The Power of Forgiveness, Germans in America, and Uncorked! Wine Made Simple. Past productions include Making Schools Work with Hedrick Smith, and Global Warming: The Signs and the Science, hosted by Alanis Morisette. SCETV Radio produces Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz, NPR’s longest running performance program.

South Carolina ETV is the state's public educational broadcasting network with 11 television and eight radio transmitters, and a multi-media educational system in more than 2,500 schools, colleges, businesses and government agencies. Using television, radio and the web, SCETV's mission is to enrich lives by educating children, informing and connecting citizens, celebrating our culture and environment and instilling the joy of learning.

###

For more information, contact Rob Schaller at (803) 737-6556 or rschaller@scetv.org.

Efrain Silva works an inmate at the Wallkill Correctional Facility in Wallkill, NY, says that the horses he works with have helped him serve his time. Photo Credit: Mim Adkins.