Prison board approves $383,250 Gateway Horseworks contract for equine-assisted therapy

The Chester County Prison Board on June 25 approved a $383,250 contract with Gateway Horseworks to provide equine-assisted therapy for residents of the county correctional center.

Procurement senior buyer Lori Jean Netty told the board the contract term runs from July 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027, and that the contract is budgeted in the county’s general fund. Netty said the county intends to shift the expense to the MA fund if available. She described the contract value as roughly $150,000 to $170,000 per year based on the county’s current spend-down and fund structure.

Board members asked how many residents participate in the program. Netty said that in the most recent month 12 male residents and 3 female residents participated. The buyer said the program is open only to residents at the correctional center; she confirmed the program occurs weekly.

A public commenter recounted hearing from someone who credited equine-assisted therapy with helping them change and learn to trust people again. The commenter urged support for the programming as worthwhile for residents.

Netty and the Warden said the program operator seeks grant funding and community support to offset costs; Netty cited possible sources including bar-association funds and Rotary contributions and said the operator transports horses from a farm in Malvern. The county staff said it could apply for grants but would need raw data from the program operator to support an application.

After the procurement presentation and questions, the board moved and passed a motion to approve the contract. The motion passed; the transcript does not record a roll-call vote or tally.

The contract approval was taken as an item of ordinary business; board members did not modify the scope of services on the record during the meeting.