Living a Life's Motto.

Julie Calzone is talking here. A motto I live by is "Trust God. Clean House. Help Others." It is inspired by a painted sign I found at Festival International de Louisiane (a Festival I helped found). That I found the sign at an event that I have poured by heart, soul and resources into was not lost on me.

Someone once told me that you can try to deflect what's going to happen to you, but you are going to end up where you are supposed to be. That's the story of my life and career. I go down a path and watch doors shut and people exit. I learn from it. I know that it's about trusting the process, cleaning out whatever you need to (or it gets done for you) and helping others even when you don't feel like you can or want to.

It's much too long story for this blog, but one of my horses led me to some people who led me to Angola Prison that led me to their horse program. I learned that redemption comes in many forms and that everyone is redeemable - everyone. Warden Burl Cain had a dream that his horses would make excellent show horses - jumpers, dressage horses and great sport and recreation horses. He and the public system just couldn't find a way to do it and keep within the confines of the state bid process. But, it was exactly what I knew how to do and it is done. And, now it's time for the second annual sale. Making a vision a reality.

The 2011 Angola Prison Horse Sale is set for October 15, 2011. Some of the finest horses bred and raised at Angola Prison will be offered for sale.

Holiday Spirit is in the Air

We are gearing up for the holidays here at Calzone. Our wonderful intern Kayla did a fantastic job decorating our tree this past week, and we are enjoying the air of Christmas that it brings to the office.

Each year at Calzone, we like to make a donation to a worthy cause in the name of our wonderful clients. This year, we are happy to say that we will be making a donation of supplies to the Angola Prison Horse Program. The Angola Prison Horse Program provides so much to the community and is a healthy and encouraged activity for inmate reform.

First Time Public Auction of Angola Prison Horses

(Angola, La.) - The 2010 Angola Prison Horse Sale is the first time that some of the finest horses bred and raised at Angola Prison will be offered for sale at Angola Prison at public auction. The horse sale is set for October 16, 2010 with a preview afternoon set for October 15, 2010.

Angola Prison horses combine the best of quarter horse, thoroughbred, Dutch Warmblood and draft lines to produce all-around performance or pleasure horses. Many of these amazing horses are service horses working with police officers as mounted patrols throughout the United States.

The Angola Prison Horse Sale is part of the third weekend of the Angola Rodeo. The Angola Rodeo, the longest running prison rodeo in the nation, got its start in 1965.

“This sale has been a long time dream of Warden Burl Cain,” said Julie Calzone. “I connected with the Warden through my work with the Louisiana Juvenile Justice Advisory Board and board member, Dr. Debra DePrato. What started as a phone conversation with fellow horse lovers has turned into a mission to connect horses and people to improve each others’ lives.”

Most of the horses that will be sold on October 16 are listed on the sale website: www.angolaprisonhorsesale.com. There are horses that are already under saddle along with many younger prospects that are ready to start under saddle. They come from lineage that has proven to be good work and performance horses.

“Our horse program really reflects something that Winston Churchill is known for saying,” stated Warden Burl Cain. ”’There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.’”

The horse sale was timed to be part of the October rodeo program. Many of the hobby craft exhibits will be open on sale day to provide spectators and buyers with something for the whole family to do. Admission to the horse sale is free, but buyers need to review the conditions of sale and complete a buyer registration prior to participating in the sale. Both are available online on the website.

“The horses are amazing,” said long time horsewoman and sales manager, Charlotte Stemmans Clavier. “I come from a family with generations in the thoroughbred horse racing industry. Horses are a way of life for our family.” Stemmans, Inc., a licensed auction company, was awarded the auction contract through a public bid process. Stemmans, Inc. has been conducting horse sales for decades, most recently the two-year old in training sale at Evangeline Downs.

For more information contact:

Stemmans, INC Horse Sale
337.234.2382
Toll Free: 1.800.544.6773
charlotte@angolaprisonhorsesale.com