Safe Landings is an EQUUS Foundation service to connect riding programs in need of program horses with rescue and transition centers as well as owners with horses in need of a next chapter.

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High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Old Lyme, CT

Therapy horses and ponies wanted



We are seeking a Horse and/or Pony that meets the following criteria:
Age Range:
Aged 6-9  Aged 10-14  Aged 15-20  

Gender:
Geldings  Mares  

Size Preference:
Small Pony (under 12.2h) Medium Pony (12.2 to 13.2h) Large Pony (13.3 to 14.2h) Any size pony Small Horse (14.3 to 15.3h) Large Horse (16.0 to 16.3h)

Activities that the equine will be expected to perform:
    English Walk Only
    English Walk/Trot
    English Walk/Trot/Canter
    Horsemanship (grooming, tacking up & handling by individuals with disabilities)
    Unmounted activities including handling when at liberty in a round pen or arena
    Being lunged with a rider
    Being long-lined with a rider
    Trail riding

Current/former experience/training which could make the equine suitable for your program:
    Dressage
    English Pleasure
    Eventing
    Hunter
    Hunter Seat Equitation
    Jumping
    Polo
    Reining
    Trail Riding
    Western Dressage
    Western Pleasure
    Western Ranch
    Western Seat Equitation

The organization has the following policies about horses who are sound and healthy but have the following chronic conditions that require medication:
Lyme Disease: Accept subject to severity of condition
Cushing's Disease: Accept
Thyroid Disease: Accept
Navicular Disease: Accept subject to severity of condition
Inflammation: Accept


Location: The equine will be located at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, 36 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371


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More about where will the equine be located?


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Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 40
The organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 14
Pastures: 12  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 1
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0
Indoor Rings: 1

Horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s).
Horses are stalled for 1-3; hours per day, on average.
Horse Turn Out Practices:
    Equines are out 24/7 except when they are used for the conduct of the organization's programs

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for pasture management, which includes guidelines for seeding, fertilizing, irrigation, mowing, dragging, harrowing, manure removal, removal of debris, the control of poisonous plants, and a schedule for cleaning
    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
    Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
    Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for the maintenance of turnout areas, which includes a schedule for cleaning, manure removal, and dragging
    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
    Turnout areas have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly


Horses have access to clean drinking water at all times

Hoof care is provided for each horse: Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises

Dental care is provided for each horse: Annually and when an issue arises

Each horse is visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility: Every day or 6 days a week




Acquisition, Breeding, Intake & Training Policies


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The organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the equine prior to acceptance and arrival at the organization:
    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

The organization has the following policies in place prior to an equine being accepted and/or arriving at the facility:
    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
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the 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 total financial responsibility for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care
    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

The organization assesses equines 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
    Driving (Pulling a carriage)
    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

Following arrival at the facility, the following is performed:
    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
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
    Fecal test
    The equine is scanned to check for a microchip
    The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    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
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually

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

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


Additional information about intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Horses coming on to the property are required to up to date on all vaccinations. If coming from out of state, a Health Certificate is required. All horses that coming in on trial receive a "pre purchase" exam to ensure that they are healthy and able to perform in the intended manner. This may or may not be conducted by the veterinarian who has signed off on the annual Veterinary Assessment. We therefore, use one of both methods depending upon the specific situation. Any prospective horse brought onto High Hopes property must go through an isolation period of up to 30 days before introduction to the herd. Once a horse has been accepted into the program and passed its isolation period the horse will be placed in a paddock with 2 to 3 horses of suitable temperament. Horses are selected and obtained by High Hopes solely on the basis of their suitability for use in the High Hopes programs. The staff, led by our Equine Operations Director, will determine each horse’s usefulness in fulfilling program needs, and will perform on-going evaluations of the existing herd of horses. As unmet needs are determined, the staff will search for prospective horses to meet these needs. We look for soundness at the walk, trot and canter with rhythmic and balanced gaits. The horse should be obedient to both voice and leg aids, quiet and well mannered on the ground and accepting of assistive devices and equipment. The horse must work easily in hand, and tolerate one or more people walking and trotting beside the horse to assist the rider. Multiple of the horses at High Hopes are here under a free lease arrangement with the horse owner. Many of our free lease horses come from homes where they no longer can be actively ridden due to the owner's personal circumstances. Occasionally a program need cannot be met with a free lease or donated horse and High Hopes will purchase a suitable equine partner. A horse being seriously considered for use in the program will undergo a trial period at High Hopes during which they will be evaluated and assessed by the High Hopes personnel and systematically introduced to all possible aspects of potential work. High Hopes horses typically serve 2 participants per day, four to five days a week. They receive routine farrier care, vaccinations, regular deworming/fecal egg counts and dental care. We are also able to offer complementary therapies such as chiropractic and acupuncture, massage and trigger point myotherapy. We turn out our horses 24 hours per day in small herd paddocks at our 120 acre facility, where they always have shelter available in three sided sheds and automatic water cisterns. Daily care and feeding is provided by the Barn staff and a dedicated group of volunteers. Every horse under High Hopes care receives constant evaluations to determine its on-going suitability within the program. When a horse shows signs of physical or mental fatigue we take steps to correct the problem. Physical issues are addressed after consultation with our veterinary provider and the horse will not be returned to the program until the physical condition is resolved. Horses that show signs of being unhappy with their work are first evaluated to see if there is an underlying physical problem that needs to be addressed. If that is not the case then we look to see how the horse is being handled or the type of work it is being asked to perform and if changes can be made to make the horse more comfortable. If after all these steps have been taken and the horse is still not able to work then steps will be taken to retire the horse and its placement will maximize the future humane care and protection of the horse. In the case of a free lease the horse will be returned to its owners care, if feasible. In the case of donated and purchased horses High Hopes will seek to place the horse in the appropriate care of a new party and ownership is transferred to that party. In some cases once a horse retires from High Hopes program its ownership cannot be transferred and its on-going care will be borne by High Hopes either at its own facility or if possible at Mitchell Farms, an equine retirement facility in Salem, CT. To ensure that our retired horses receive the best possible care High Hopes has established an Equine Care Fund and actively raises money to support this program. Money from the Equine Care Fund ensures that High Hopes can provide the best possible care for our horses until their last days, without impacting our on-going programs costs.

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


Re-homing Policies


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Rehoming
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
    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 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 our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits


The organization requires references from the following:
    Veterinarian
    Farrier
    Personal/Other

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

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 unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    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


Additional information about rehoming policies and practices:
Horses are often transferred to a not-for-profit equine retirement facility nearby or frequently adopted by known entities, staff and volunteers who have an organizational history with High Hopes and the equine in question.

View Re-homing Agreement

Equine Retirement and Euthanasia Policies


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The 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 unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    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 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 if the equine is a threat to itself, other equines, or people
    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 the organization in accordance with state laws:
    Veterinarian



More About High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.


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High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
36 Town Woods Road
Old Lyme CT 06371
860-434-1974
Last Updated 2023-08-29

Public Charity

Mission/How we are involved with horses:
High Hopes' mission is to foster a vibrant community where horse and human interactions improve lives. We strive to provide a challenging yet secure environment in which to experience not only physical and occupational therapy but also freedom, mobility, and accomplishment thereby gaining independence and building self-esteem. Additionally, our underlying mission is to offer our programs to everyone who might benefit from them, regardless of financial means.


Primary Focus involving horses (Horse Welfare, Public Service, Sport & Recreation):  Public Service
The organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in the organization's programs.

The organization conducts Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine-Assisted Services (EAS)).

The organization provides community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.

100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.

The organization conducts its horse-related programs at one facility.



EIN: 06-0987749
Founded: 1974

Equine Welfare Network Guardian
2023

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