MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Animals as Natural Therapy's mission is to improve mental and behavioral health through equine-assisted and animal-guided programs and mentorship with special attention to youth and veterans in Northwest Washington.

Our organization conducts Equine Assisted Services in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS).
Our organization provides community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
Over 75% of our total programs and services are equine-related.

Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.


Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
    Therapeutic Mounted Services
    Therapeutic Unmounted Services
    Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

3: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Animals as Natural Therapy

     1. Amanda Martin

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         RELATIONSHIP:

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

         Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning

         Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Amanda Martin is a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. She has a Master's Degree in English and currently teaches English composition, literature, and humanities at Whatcom Community College. Amanda continues to develop professionally by attending conferences and workshops, presenting to peers and researching in the areas of mental health, child development, and student-centered pedagogies. She has worked with children and teens since 2001 as mentor and teacher, facilitating experiential learning with animals.

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Our Equine Assisted Experiential Growth and Learning (EAGAL) programming utilizes horses and directly serves over 400 youth per year, 70% of whom are low income. ANT offers eight-week weekly sessions in the fall, winter, and spring, as well as six separate week-long summer day camps. Some children, youth, and veterans also meet with our mental health counselors individually or with their families throughout the year in equine-facilitated mental health work.
     
     Many of the youth that ANT serves, due to their limited resources, will not have access to or seek traditional counseling on their own. This means that ANT's Animal-Assisted Experiential Learning programs (some of which involve a mental health counselor) are often the only mental health support these youth will ever receive or accept. ANT has a growing waiting list of vulnerable children, teens, and veterans that are desperately in need of ANT's services but are unable to pay for them. A number of these individuals are being raised by grandparents, extended family, foster or adoptive parents due to parental instability, addiction, and incarceration. ANT's highly effective and innovative programs are a way to ensure these young people are provided a place where they develop inner strength, self-confidence, healthy relationship skills and tools they need for the extra life challenges they face. These youth need hope and a new way of doing life to break family cycles.
     At the farm, young people practice honest, respectful methods of communication and challenge themselves in multiple ways. They learn to face their fears. This empowers them to make healthy choices. To affect such life-altering changes, ANT works in tandem with horses. These sensitive, thousand pound animals are great mirrors for reflecting human emotions. They demand healthy boundaries, clear communication, and trust in order for people to build successful relationships with them. Horses teach essential life skills, in a fun and lasting way, that are inaccessible by way of traditional methods.
     
     ANT utilizes innovative activities and group processing to develop powerful metaphors and life parallels. Through this work, the young people gain self-confidence and self-worth. They develop leadership, communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills. In a safe and supportive environment they can push the envelope of their fears and learn ways to overcome those fears. They learn to set boundaries, to feel, to identify and communicate their needs, and to express their appreciation of others.
     
     The SAFETY NET PROGRAM specifically serves youth and teens in need of support for their mental and behavioral health. These youth are referred by collaborating local and tribal schools, community organizations, professionals, and families. This program is ANT's main project and includes year-round weekly sessions for groups or individuals, summer camps, and also family sessions.
     
     ANT's programming is set up to provide unique challenges and the horses play an integral part. Horses have a way of letting us know which of our strategies are effective and which are not. They give us a chance to try out new skills without any judgment, only direct, honest feedback. Creating a healthy relationship with an animal can guide us to more successful relationships at home, school, and in the community.
     
     ANT strives to help young people develop lifelong skills that will help them to live self-sufficient, fulfilled lives. ANT has constructed a plan to track the success of this program. Variables include increased confidence, GPA improvement, less incidences requiring disciplinary action, positive peer interaction, and the ability to set boundaries. This tracking will be long term and the data will hopefully be mutually beneficial to ANT's efforts and the efforts of all the partners who support the idea of providing a "Safety Net" to catch any young person before they fall.
     
     The LEARNING LIFE PROGRAM serves youth through a variety of school partnerships ranging from farm-based weekly school groups to mobile programming at the schools. Students have the opportunity to come to the farm to learn from animals, caring people, and the natural world. Here, the learning is truly 'hands-on' and experiential--learning how to convince a 1100 pound horse to move away from the grass, working with classmates to move horses through an obstacle without touching them, or noticing how calming it is to just be outside holding a soft bunny in their arms.
     
     Animals as Natural Therapy partners with 5 school districts and to provide our Learning Life programs, which include:
     • Middle and High School youth taking small animals (including miniature horses) to visit elders in residential care facilities for their service learning projects.
     • School counselors referring struggling students for sessions. While they may get the message that they are 'not okay' in the classroom, youth can rediscover their worth on the farm.
     • Teachers coming for "Teach the Teacher" events and other specialized trainings.
     • Crisis response to assist young people after school threats (shooting, etc) and other unplanned emergencies, such as the death of a fellow student or teacher.
     
     The EAGLE PROJECT assists veterans returning from military efforts to face the challenges of depression, PTSD, addictions, and anger. Veterans may meet work in groups, individually or with family members. Using equine-assisted activities, ANT provides a means to release troubling emotions and increase coping skills, something especially useful for those who have experienced psychological and physical trauma. This program specifically focuses on helping veterans develop the tools to manage:
     
     • Reintegration- Transition back to civilian life is challenging. Equine-assisted learning methods help one move from a sense of isolation to a sense of community.
     • Crisis- Hopelessness is turned around by the companionship and understanding shared by the horse and humans at ANT.
     • Addictions- A horse’s strong intuition and acceptance of our full range of feelings has helped many individuals overcome addictive tendencies.
     • PTSD and/or Depression- Horses are fight or flight animals who have learned to deal with their own anxieties and who invite humans to develop strategies to address theirs.
     
     Our human staff are PATH certified. We utilize information gathered from Linda Kohanov's Equus work, Natural horsemanship practitioners, Frank Bell, Adventures in Awareness and the Masterson Beyond Massage technique.

Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     We present to school groups about jobs/careers/taking care of equines/animals. They can also visit the farm for educational field trips.
     
     Our animals and miniature equines attend community events like fundraisers.
     
     Our MOBILE ANT brings the joy of connecting with animals to elder care facilities, homeless shelters, and stressed university students. In this inter-generational program, youth from schools and rehab programs bring bunnies, chickens, dogs and miniature horses to visit elders. Teens and elders connect and find value in themselves and one another. These interactions invite youth to develop empathy, practice respectful communication with older people and patience with animals. This program builds community between over 100 youth and hundreds of elder community members each year.

Research/Medical Use of Equines:
Our organization has never made, and would not ever consider making, equines available for research studies or medical training that involves invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine. 

Religious Affiliation:
Our organization does not promote religious education, religious purposes, or a specific religious faith or use donations for religious education or religious purposes; require participants to be of a certain faith; require participation in religious, instruction, activities or services; or require participation in prayer, worship, religious instruction or other religious activities as a condition of receiving social or secular services offered. 

Auction Donation:
Our organization has never allowed, or would not consider allowing, an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter. 

Our Programs/Activities that are not equine-related and/or involving animals other than equines:
 The other animals that participate in ANT programs are: rabbits, chickens, goats, and dogs.
     
     The miniature equines as well as some of the smaller animals are involved in visits to assisted care facilities with our Mobile ANT program, and also out in the community: the nearby university at mid-terms, homeless shelters and local community events. Our smaller animals are often enjoyed by visitors of all ages to the farm and each has a special role to play.

POLICIES: ACQUISITION

Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Donation  
    Lease  
    Purchase from Owner  

Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Auction  
    Kill pen/Feedlot  
    Return  
    Surrender  
    Seizure  
    Abandonment  

Our organization will accept the following:
    Geldings
    Mares

Not Checked:
    Pregnant Mares
    Foals
    Stallions
    Only Stallions to be castrated

Additional information about our acquisition policies and practices:
We will consider accepting horses from any source - but generally sources include donation or lease. We always ask for a three month trial for any horse coming into our program, as not all horses enjoy EAL/EFP work and some horses become stressed in the new environment.

POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAININING

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the horse:
    A current Coggins
    Vaccination records that have been administered within the last 12 months
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, the owner is responsible for having vaccinations administered.
    A health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival is provided to our organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine attesting to the health status of the equine

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
    The owner of a potential equine is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the equine
    The equine is evaluated at its place of residence
    The owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization
    Equines are on trial for 60 or more days
    The trial period may be reduced based on the equine's progress
    During the trial period, the organization accepts financial responsibility for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care, up to a fixed amount agreed upon by the organization and the owner
    The trial period may be terminated by either the organization or the owner for any reason

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
    Physical examination by trained barn staff
    Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
    Physical examination by a farrier

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
    The equine is not quarantined

The typical length of quarantine is:   Horses are not quarantined

Horses are assessed for following skills and behaviors:
    Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
    Leading with a halter and lead rope
    Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
    Saddling
    Bridling
    Lunging
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    Riding at the canter
    Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    Clipping
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
    Our organization evaluates at least annually and maintains a written record of the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden

The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden:
    Equine age, weight, breed, body condition, fitness, balance, health and soundness
    Equine conformation to include the top line, length of back, strength and width of loin, bone density (measured by the circumference of the cannon bone just below the knee)
    Size, shape, condition and angle of the hooves
    Participant weight, height, body proportions, balance, fitness and riding skills as well as behavioral issues and safety concerns
    Weight and proper fit of the saddle and other equipment
    Terrain and footing in the working environment
    Duration and frequency of working sessions, as the frequency with which an equine is subjected to maximum weight carrying and/or workload
    Nature and pace of work, repetitive or varied, radius of turns, degree of incline and regularity of footing when equine is subject to maximum weight-carrying capacity
    Temperature and/or weather conditions
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations


Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   As needed; no set schedule

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
We have a detailed intake process that includes talking to the equine's owner about the details of the equine's veterinary, vaccination, and deworming history. We require a current Coggins test along with a health check from the vet before moving to our farm. We require that every equine is up to date on vaccinations and deworming.
     
     We do not quarantine as we do not have readily available access to a space where we are able to properly quarantine the equine. We require as many health checks as possible before moving an equine onto the property and rely on the veterinary assessment. We do not often have equines moving on or off the property.

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.

Additional information about our breeding policies and practices:
Animals as Natural Therapy has decided that we are best able to provide services to our community with horses that are donated and/or leased to us and that we do not have capacity to breed equines.

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

The following are authorized to administer the procedure for your organization in accordance with state laws:
    Veterinarian

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
Euthanasia is always our last resort. We provide our equines with as much care as possible from our veterinarian and trust our veterinarian to tell us when we have tried all treatment options. Our veterinarian provides farm calls so the only reason for the equine to be euthanized off-site would be if an emergency happened while the equine off-site.

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

View Re-homing Agreement
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Our organization does NOT re-home an equine to first time equine owners
    Our organization will only re-home an equine to a location where another equine resides
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility
    Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must be notified of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization.
    The agreement states that the terms of our organization's agreement will be binding on any future individual or organization taking and/or in possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
    The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization free of charge
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for two years

Our organization requires references from the following:
    Not applicable or no references required.

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase) or less than one year

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
Not applicable; None received

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
We do not advertise the equine we need to rehome. We rely on our network to find the equine a suitable home. Because of this, we do not always require a rehoming fee other than transport cost because we are confident that the new home does not have any intention on reselling the horse and will be providing our organization updates on that equine.

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 1
Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.

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Animals as Natural Therapy
284 Kline Road Bellingham WA 98226
Contact: Kelsy Hartmann
Contact's Phone: 253-341-0940
Contact's Email: barnyard@animalsasnaturaltherapy.org

Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility:
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those counted above: 13
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 13

Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Use

Provide the contact information for the individual or organization responsible for investigating abuse in the county where the facility is located, including mailing address, email address, and phone information.
     Whatcom Humane Society 2172 Division Street, Bellingham, WA 98226 360-733-2080 director@whatcomhumane.org

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? Yes

Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers AT THIS FACILITY, including instructors, specialists, therapists, counselors, coaches and/or facilitators (full-time, part-time, volunteer, independent contractors, and/or providers accompanying clients) that conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS) AT THIS FACILITY:  3

Equine Assisted Service Providers Assigned to this Facility: (see Equine Assisted Service Provider Section below for details)

3 -> 0 - The total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers entered for this facility does not match the number of Equine Assisted Service Providers assigned to this facility under in the Equine Assisted Service Provider Section

Additional information about this facility:
We moved to this property about two year ago and we are always making improvements for the equines.

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Animals as Natural Therapy

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Dr. Holly Smith
Clinic Name: Kulshan Veterinary Hospital
8880 Benson Road
Lynden   WA   98264
Phone: 360-354-5095

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Overview: Animals as Natural Therapy (*Main)
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility:
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those counted above: 13
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 13
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 8

Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 2  Run-in sheds: 2
Pastures: 5  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 3
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 1  Indoor Rings: 0
















Regarding structures at this facility where horses are stalled:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s)?    Yes    
Do all stalls/enclosures allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around?    Yes    
Is there adequate ceiling & beam height (a minimum of 12 feet above the tip of the horse's ear) when standing in all stalls/enclosures?    Yes    
How often are the stalls/enclosures cleaned? 6-7 Days a Week
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?    Yes    
Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to control temperature and prevent buildup of toxic gases?    Yes    
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety?    Yes    
Are fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) maintained and in good working order?     Yes    
Is there adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas of facility?     Yes    
Are emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes    

How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled? 9-12
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 9 to 15 hours per day

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    Pastures are rotated

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    The property owner, staff member or caretaker lives on the premises and ensures that public access is restricted and is responsible for the security of the facility and equines
    By Appointment Only signs are posted.
    Authorized Personnel Only signs are posted
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The property is fitted with motion lights

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Animals as Natural Therapy (*Main) This section is required.

Horse Health Care/Barn Management Records: What system is used to collect and store health/horse care records?
    Notebook or equivalent (technology not utilized)
    Onsite computer with cloud-based backup storage system

The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
    Equines are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to age and any health issues
    Feed plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Equines are fed in individual stalls
    Equines are fed in groups
    Staff and volunteers are trained in proper feed measurements and protocols and observed periodically to ensure they are feeding correctly
    The feed chart is centrally located and updated as needed
    The area(s) where hay, feed, grain, and supplements are stored are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals in rodent-proof and mold-proof containers and grain bins
    Feed, supplements and hay types are clearly labeled
    Water sources, i.e., buckets, troughs, automatic waterers, etc. are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals

Do horses have access to clean drinking water at all times?     Yes    

Hoof Care: How often is hoof care provided for each equine? Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises

Dental Care: How often is dental care provided for each equine? Annually and when an issue arises

Horse checks: How often are equines visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility? Every day or 6 days a week


Parasite Control: Our organization has the following worming protocols in place: (Check all that apply
    The protocol for each equine is determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    A de-wormer is used without fecal testing

Fly/Insect Control: What remedies are used to control flies and insects?
    Fly parasites
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fly Sheets

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    All staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    A specific individual is assigned to care for sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Hand sanitizers and footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is disposed of in specific areas designated for infectious materials - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
    Stalls, aisle ways, and common areas are disinfected after conclusion of the quarantine
    Trailers/vans used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cleaned and disinfected after each use and cleaning takes place away from where equines are sheltered
    Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is not shared and is clearly labeled
    Latex gloves are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Personnel are required to leave the facility (or shower and change clothing) after working with quarantined equines
    Equines are not quarantined on arrival.

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure is piled in an area where equines are not located
    Manure is hauled, sold or given away
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    Equines are assigned the same stall/location each day
    Name plates are located on the stall
    Photos are located on the stall
    Equines wear halters with nametags
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    Equine photos and profiles are available on the website
    Staff and volunteers are provided with an information packet with equine profiles, including photos and detailed descriptions
    Team leaders work with new staff/volunteers until they are able to identify the equines

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
    Saddles are shared
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are fitted and utilized for each equine appropriate to the equine's needs and the weather conditions
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are cleaned regularly as needed
    Tack is cleaned only when needed
    Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's body condition changes
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's disposition changes
    This facility enlists the services of a professional saddle fitter at least once a year
    Assigned tack is clearly labeled
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are cleaned/disinfected after each use
    Helmets are replaced at least every five years.

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Emergency Preparedness: Animals as Natural Therapy: *Main This section is required.
The following plans, policies, and procedures are in place at the facility to handle emergencies and address weather related issues, fire safety procedures, and/or any additional hazardous scenarios the facility could potentially experience:
    Emergency phone numbers are posted prominently
    The facility maintains at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings and medications
    The facility collects and maintains medical information from staff, volunteers, and clients
    The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
    All staff/volunteers are briefed regularly on emergency preparedness/safety procedures
    The organization has a written emergency preparedness/safety plan (EPP)
The written EPP addresses the following areas:
    Local fire department and/or the state's emergency planning department procedures
    Medical emergencies for clients, staff, and volunteers
    Medical emergencies for equines
    Evacuation plans
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans


The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited
    Permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled are kept free of dust, cobwebs, trash, cleaning rags, and other flammable items
    Aisles and doorways are kept clear

How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Not at all/NA
Electrical Systems are checked: Annually
Fence lines are checked: Daily
Turnout Areas are checked: Weekly
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: Quarterly
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Quarterly
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Quarterly
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually

Equine Transportation
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  1 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;