MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Begin Again Horse Rescue is a not for profit organization dedicated to the well-being of all equine. Its goal is to make a difference one animal at a time, by providing care and rehabilitation to abused, abandoned or neglected horses and intercepting horses potentially at risk of being sent to slaughter. We will do this through the charitable works of our volunteers, sponsors, and use of foster/adoptive homes. Surrendered horses will be accepted without judgment. The organization seeks to better the lives of horses by providing rescue care and safe haven, as well as the promotion and education of responsible horse ownership and neuter programs.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue & adoption
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.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
Our organization does not use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities
Number of facilities/locations where horses used in our programs are HOUSED AND CARED FOR or were HOUSED AND CARED FOR during 2022: 1

Summary of organization's recent accomplishments, goals, strategies to achieve the goals, and capabilities to meet the goals, including its long-term plans to sustain its programs:
Begin Again Horse Rescue's goals include helping as many equine as our finances and facility allow, to regain their health and find permanent homes. We also continue to educate community members to equine needs and what they can or cannot do when they suspect animal abuse or neglect. We promote our mission by word of mouth, social media and through our outreach programs. We provide a location for people needing public service hours, work experience or an internship program. We hold many fund-raisers throughout the year to finance our mainly volunteer operation. We count on the board of directors/volunteers to set policies and to implement them.
     
     We reached our goal of being accredited by the GFAS in December 2020. We intend to continue our development and to set examples of excellence in equine care. We are inspected yearly by an AAEP certified veterinarian for the Merck free vaccine program for Unwanted Horses. Our goal in 2022 was to extend our programs to community members through our HHH Program(Horses Helping Humans), which we were able to do through a grant from the Mary Clark Thompson Foundation. This program will continue to benefit both humans and our resident equine in 2023.
     
     We provide housing and care when asked by local humane societies and law enforcement agencies that have no large animal facilities. We provide immediate veterinary, dental and farrier care, set up a rehabilitation program and find suitable adoptive homes, which must be located within two hours of Lima, NY.
     
     Potential adopters are screened, their farms visited and reviewed for equine compatibility and safety. No Begin Again horse can ever be sold or given away, but must be returned to Begin Again for re-homing. We help to enable community members with temporary health issues to keep their horses at home by providing feed and volunteer help.
     
     We educate the public to equine needs by setting examples at our facility and through outreach programs. Other organizations such as high schools, 4-H, Catholic Charities, 4-H groups, The Walden Project, and Arc collaborate with Begin Again Horse Rescue to teach barn skills to their interested members. We provide job skill opportunities for both the Livingston County Department of Social Services Work Force Development and individuals sponsored by Catholic Charities. We also provide a place for people with court ordered public service to volunteer. The farm is open to visitors for tours and educational purposes. Visitor appointments are scheduled through our website and by phone contact.
     
     With our part-time paid staff members providing continuity of care and training, we can assure donors that all funds raised go directly to support resident horses and our outreach programs.
     
     In 2016, Begin Again added a Gelding Assistance Program to help stallion owners reduce unwanted breeding. In 2020 we extended this program to include a community euthanasia fund to help reduce the cost for humane end-of-life equine care. In 2022 we added our Horses Helping Humans program.
     
     In 2021, thanks to a generous grant from the Kenneth A Scott Charitable Trust, we began a pilot project that aimed to microchip all of the Begin Again Horse Rescue equine. Our December 2021 microchipping program was successful and so we will continue it into the future. We have two chip readers which we are able to lend to community members for use to check for chips on found pets and at sales to try to identify microchipped equine. We are promoting the value of microchipping to our surrounding communities, utilizing social media and outreach programs. In 2023 we will continue to promote the advantages of microchipping for all animals, not just equines.
     
     Our plans for 2023 include our building a new eight stall barn. We will be able to do this thanks to a bequest from one of our supporters and funds raised through volunteer efforts towards capital improvement donations.

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement (RRRRR):
     Begin Again Horse Rescue is run mainly by volunteers and part-time equine caregivers/trainer who provide continuity of care and training. Horses taken into the program must be deemed at risk of neglect, abuse or of being sent to slaughter.
     
     After its two week quarantine, the horse, if healthy, is introduced to the other resident horses and evaluated for training and suitability. After evaluation, it's description is posted on our website and it is availability for adoption is advertised. (Our contract is a permanent Lease, since BAHR keeps ownership) The prescribed rehabilitation and retraining program is strictly followed.
     
     All care is monitored, measured and supervised. A prospective adopter must visit the chosen horse a few times to determine compatibility and suitability. The adopter's farm is visited and inspected to insure that it meets our safety guidelines. References are checked too. When all requirements are met, the adopter signs a Permanent Lease Contract agreeing to return the horse to Begin Again if it can no longer be kept. The adopter also agrees to a yearly farm and record inspection. The contract includes no-breeding, no-racing, and no-sale clauses.
     
     We are determined that in the Begin Again Horse Rescue's life-long program our equine will never suffer the possibility of abuse or neglect. In the last few years, horses have been returned to Begin Again for end of life care. This is an unforeseen result of the Permanent Lease Contract and an expensive one. We have accepted this responsibility and are seeking donations to cover these added expenses. We have also set up gelding, euthanasia and hay assistance programs, which require applicants to give volunteer hours to BAHR in return for our help with these programs.

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
    Therapeutic Unmounted Services

1: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Begin Again Horse Rescue

     1. Courtney Thompson

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Begin Again Horse Rescue

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         PATH CTRL and PATH ESMHL

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     In June 2022, Courtney Thompson, our CHA certified instructor, held an introductory session, open to the public, to meet with prospective families for the BAHR Interactive Horsemanship program, Horses Helping Humans, promoting and explaining the free, all-inclusive program for community young people.
     
     Three students, ages 10, 12, and 13 and one young adult, age 22, were identified and weekly sessions began consisting of a 1 ½-2 hour session once a week. No horseback riding took place, but all students learned barn skills and handled live horses while they worked on their own personal life skills.
     
     The goal of the program involves students working with resident rescued horses in unmounted settings, to gain skills with equines, to learn about them while gaining and improving their own identified personal life-skills, such as patience, completing tasks, mindfulness, neatness, and order. This pilot program was so successful it has continued throughout the school year into 2023.
     
     Begin Again Horse Rescue is excited to be able continue to offer this new and innovative all-inclusive program to all young people in our nearby communities free of charge thanks to a grant from the Mary Clark Thompson Foundation, Canandaigua New York. In 2023 we will continue our well received program, but install a pay-per-session schedule with scholarships available. Courtney meets with students during after-school hours two afternoon a week. Her class ranges from 1-3 students each session. If the student is limited physically or mentally, their aide or parent attends as well.

Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     We provide a site for the Arc program of Livingston/Wyoming County,The Walden Project of Ontario/Monroe Counties, NY and Catholic Charities of Livingston County. They send one person at a time for instruction in and experiences with daily barn maintenance and equine care. We also extend our knowledge to high school students through a two week internship program approved by the Livingston County BOCES work experience program.
     
     Our volunteers provide many outreach programs to 4-H groups, schools, county fairs, street fairs and Rotary Clubs to name a few. Our goal is to educate the public to routine equine needs, to explain about the crisis of neglect that many people don't realize exists. We want people to know how to recognize neglected horses and what they can and cannot do if they suspect that horses are not being cared for.
     
     Additionally, Begin Again Horse Rescue has established a Gelding/Euthanasia Fund to assist its community residents with needed services for their equine. We provide local owners with feed for their animals, if there is a short-term need due to loss of income and/or illness. We maintain a Facebook page called Rehoming Horses in Western New York, where we place courtesy listings for equine needing new homes if we can't take in their horses, or while they are on our waiting list for entrance to the program.
     
     The Covid 19 Pandemic caused us to limit our interaction with the public to meetings by appointments only, which we have continued in 2023. We canceled most of our person-to-person outreach efforts in 2022, but increased our newsletters, Facebook presence, and E-mail contacts, and plan to extend our person to person outreach programs during 2023.

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:
 When called on by other organizations we occasionally provide transportation and/or temporary housing for animals other than horses, although our expressed mission is to help equine. We have helped care for and place cows, a goat, sheep, a dog and chickens.

EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES CENSUS

Begin Again Horse Rescue

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Equine Assisted Services (EAS)

2022 EAS Operations - EAS Providers: 1	Mounted Only	Unmounted Only	Both Mounted & Unmounted	Total
Horses/Equines participating in EAS programs at this facility
Number of horses/equines aged 3-8	0	0	0	0
Number of horses/equines aged 9-14	0	1	0	1
Number of horses/equines aged 15-20	0	1	0	1
Number of horses/equines Over 20	0	2	0	2
Total number of horses/equines participating in EAS programs at this facility	0	4	0	4
	Mounted	Unmounted
Number of hours per day each horse works	0	1
Number of days per week each horse works	0	2
Clients participating in EAS programs at this facility	Mounted Only	Unmounted Only	Both Mounted & Unmounted	Total
Total number of individual clients (not lessons) served annually	0	6	0	6
Average number of clients (not lessons) participating in activities per week	0	4	0	4
	Mounted	Unmounted
Number of days per week programs are conducted at this facility	0	2
Number of weeks per year programs are conducted at this facility	0	40
	Mounted	Unmounted
Average wait list time for a client	0 Weeks	0 Weeks

Additional explanation: Students, because of their disabilities, may or may not attend on a regular basis. Parents will contact Courtney Thompson to arrange for sessions via email or phone. Since there is no charge for a session, sessions are often canceled. This is a problem we are working on solving.

EQUINE CENSUS SUMMARY

Total Facilities: 1

POLICIES: ACQUISITION

Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Auction  
    Kill pen/Feedlot  
    Return  
    Surrender  
    Seizure  
    Abandonment  

Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Donation  
    Lease  
    Purchase/Adoption from Owner  

Our organization will accept the following:
    Geldings
    Mares
    Pregnant Mares
    Foals
    Only Stallions to be castrated

Not Checked:
    Stallions

Additional information about our acquisition policies and practices:
We have accepted stallions reluctantly, provided they are gelded immediately before being admitted to the program. We have accepted stallions that have been seized by local law enforcement and made immediate gelding arrangements. It is not our policy to take stallions to the rescue facility until gelded. In these cases we will utilize temporary foster care.

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.
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

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
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    Equines are not taken on trial

Following arrival of the equine 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
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Coggins test
    Blood work other than Coggins
    Fecal test
    Vaccinations
    De-worming
    The equine is scanned to check for a microchip
    The equine is microchipped if the scan indicates that there is no microchip

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
    The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time
    The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine off-site for a prescribed period of time

The typical length of quarantine is:   10 to 20 days

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:
    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
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


Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   Daily

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Priority for intake is given to horses at risk of neglect or of being sent to auction or slaughter. Priority for intake is not based on age or condition. Horses all have pastures with run-in sheds. However, they remain in their individual stalls at feeding time and in bad weather. They are led into the barn to eat twice daily during which time they are evaluated for health and/or lameness. After their initial two week quarantine, an individual program for rehabilitation/training is designed and followed. We have 1 half-time trainer at BAHR five half-days a week. She evaluates each equine's level of training and needs and spends her time training from ground work through riding. Training is done to make horses more adoptable.

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:
Our adoption (permanent lease) agreement contains a no-breeding clause.

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 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 your organization in accordance with state laws:
    Veterinarian

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
Begin Again Horse Rescue has established a euthanasia fund to assist community members, who need assistance euthanizing their equine in a humane way, when the animal no longer has quality of life.

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
    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

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    The agreement states that the re-homed equine CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances and must be returned to our organization should the adopter decide that he/she is no longer able, or no longer wishes, to care for the equine.
    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 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 three or more years

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

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Our organization retains ownership of the equine for its lifetime

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
$201 to $500

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 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 will accept financial responsibility for equines in the current care of the organization that need to be retired or are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization if all alternatives have been explored to find the equine an appropriate placement and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization.

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Adoptions must be within a two hour radius of Begin Again Horse Rescue to facilitate volunteers making yearly farm checks
     
     First time horse owner can adopt a horse from Begin Again provided that they spend time at our facility and demonstrate that they are capable when handling and caring for the horse(s).
     
     On rare occasions Begin Again will allow a horse to be adopted as a single horse when it is determined that this situation is in the horse's best interest.
     
     BAHR retains ownership and requires that the equine be returned to the facility if it is no longer wanted. No questions are asked about the return. They cannot be transferred or sold.

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 use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities

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Begin Again Horse Rescue
2828 Plank Road Lima NY 14485
Contact: Jennifer Lilly
Contact's Phone: 585-322-2427
Contact's Email: info@beginagainrescue.org
Currently operational

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

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.
     There are many organizations responsible for investigating abuse as we cover several western NY counties. Humane Society of Ontario County - Happy Tails Animal Shelter William Martin - Chief (585) 396-4590 happy_tailsoc@hotmail.com Livingston County Sheriff's Office Deputy Kevin Barrett 585-243-7100

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:  1

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

     1. Courtney Thompson

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Begin Again Horse Rescue

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Gabrielle Faragasso/Sarah Pell
Clinic Name: Genesee Valley Equine Clinic
924 Chili-Scottsville Rd
Scottsville   NY   14546
Phone: 585 889-1170

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Grounds: Begin Again Horse Rescue (*Main)
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 13
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those counted above: 13
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 16
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 28
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 9
Pastures: 6  Paddocks/Pens: 7
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 1




























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? 4-8
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 4 to 8 hours per day
    Equines are out 16+ hours per day
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in to feed
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in if there is inclement weather

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
    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

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
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The property is fitted with motion lights
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

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Equine Care: Begin Again Horse Rescue (*Main) 2023 and 2022

Horse Health Care/Barn Management Records: What system is used to collect and store health/horse care records?
    Notebook or equivalent (technology not utilized)
    The organization utilizes its own system to maintain records
    Our organization would use free cloud-based barn management software if available

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
    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
    Medications are kept in a locked, climate-controlled area

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

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

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

Horse checks: How often are horses 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

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

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Our organization follows the AAEP's Biosecurity Guidelines and/or the UC Davis Biosecurity Guidelines
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
    All staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    All volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy 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
    Shared equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is cleaned of organic debris and disinfected after each use
    Latex gloves are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines

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
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by state and/or local authorities

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
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    A map/diagram is posted showing the location of each equine with equine names and photos
    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
    Staff/volunteers are provided training on conformation, markings, colors, and breeds
    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
    Saddle pads are shared
    Bridles are shared
    Bits 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
    Tack is stored in a climate-controlled location
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are replaced after a fall
    Helmets are replaced at least every five years.

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Emergency Preparedness: Begin Again Horse Rescue: *Main
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 procedures are posted prominently
    Emergency phone numbers are posted prominently
    The facility owns or has access to a generator
    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
    Power outages
    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
    NO SMOKING signs are posted prominently
    Hay is stored away from permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled
    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: Weekly
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: Not at all/NA
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Annually
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Semi-annually
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually

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

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Financial Reporting
Budget:  $100K to $500K
Equine Budget:   $50K to $100K
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 12
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Compilation
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990-EZ

Does the uploaded Pro Forma 990/990 represent ? No
View The IRS Form 990/Pro Forma 990


Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  12
Number of Board Members:  7  Number of Voting Board Members:  7

Board Compensation:
Is Board Chair compensated?  No  Is Treasurer compensated?  No
Are there any other Voting Board Members that are compensated?  No
Board/Staff Relationships:
Are any members of the Board, Staff or Program Participants related to each other through family or business relationships? Yes
If yes, provide the name, title, responsibility and family/business relationship of each Board, Staff member and/or Program Participant.
Executive Director/Farm Supervisor - Jennifer Lilly - Responsible for keeping Begin Again Horse Rescue policies running smoothly and expected to implement the Board's decisions.
     Director at Large, Harriett Rubins is the mother of Jennifer Lilly. Harriett Rubins serves the Board as needed. Writes grants and maintains email communications with interested parties.

Board Affiliations:
Are any Board members providing services to your organization or compensated by your organization, or are any Board members or staff members associated with and/or compensated by another organization with a relationship or business affiliation to your organization? No

Conflict of Interest:
Does your organization have a written conflict of interest policy that ensures that any compensated board member is a NON-VOTING (Independent) board member or that any compensated board member or any board member related to a compensated staff member, independent contractor, or any related board members, or any individual or organization that might benefit from a board decision, abstains from voting on issues impacting such compensation and requires officers, directors or trustees, and key employees to disclose at least annually in writing interests that could give rise to conflicts?  Yes


Compliance:
Below is a list all local, state and federal licenses held by the organization, and/or accreditations or compliances with the published standards of an accrediting organization, if applicable:  Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries since December 2020
     
     A yearly part of the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign, for free Merck vaccines, inspected yearly by the AAEP veterinary clinic Genesee Valley Equine Clinic, Scottsville, NY.
     
     Guidestar Platinum Level yearly.
     
     Equus Guardian Designation

Organization documents available on our website:
    Equine Intake Guidelines
    Adoption/Foster Agreement

Organization documents available on request:
    Most recent Financials
    Most recent IRS Form 990
    Most recent Annual Report
    Equine Intake Guidelines
    Adoption/Foster Agreement
    Volunteer Handbook
    Staff Handbook
    Bylaws


Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Jennifer Lilly, Executive Director/President
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  0  Part-Time:  4  Volunteers:  30
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    Prospective staff/independent contractors complete a written application/agreement
    Our organization has a practice in place to ensure that the organization has sufficient knowledge of the background of prospective staff and independent contractors that may impact the safety of your clients and your horses, such as whether prospective staff/independent contractors serving in the capacity as staff have been convicted of a sexual offense or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect. Such practices must comply with local, state, and federal mandates.
    Staff and/or contractors are required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Staff and/or contractors are required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Staff and/or contractors are required to sign a Photo Release
    Prospective staff/independent contractors are required to undergo a Background Check
    Staff and/or contractors provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Staff and/or contractors carry current health insurance
    Staff and/or contractors have a written job description
    Staff and/or contractors are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Staff and/or contractors are updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Staff and/or contractors receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Staff and/or contractors have a supervisor and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The organization provides a handbook to every member of the staff, including employees and/or independent contractors serving in staff positions;
    The handbook includes information, such as hours of work, vacation, sick leave, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    The handbook is reviewed annually and updated
    One or more staff members or contractors are trained in CPR and human first aid
    One or more staff members or contractors are trained in equine first aid

Volunteer Recruitment, Screening and Training processes:
    Prospective volunteers complete a written application/agreement
    Our organization has a practice in place to ensure that the organization has sufficient knowledge of the background of prospective volunteers that may impact the safety of your clients and your horses, such as whether prospective volunteers have been convicted of a sexual offense or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect. Such practices must comply with local, state, and federal mandates.
    Every volunteer is required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Every volunteer is required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Every volunteer is required to sign a Photo Release
    Every volunteer provides parent/guardian information if applicable
    Every volunteer has a written job description
    Every volunteer is evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Every volunteer is updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Every volunteer receives training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Every volunteer is assigned a supervisor (staff member and/or senior volunteer) and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The supervisor assesses the volunteer's abilities and assigns specific duties to the volunteer based on their skills
    The organization records and maintains written attendance information and hours on every volunteer
    The organization provides a Volunteer Handbook to every volunteer
    The Volunteer Handbook includes volunteer-related information, such as hours of work, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    The Volunteer Handbook is reviewed annually and updated
    The organization holds regular orientation sessions for volunteers and prospective volunteers that includes an overview of the organization, its mission, activities, volunteer responsibilities and expectations, safety guidelines, and a tour of the facility
Additional explanation regarding governance, staffing and volunteer practices or further explanation of the answers above.
In compliance with our GFAS Accredited status, we compiled a 100+ page book of BAHR protocols, procedures, and forms that explain in detail, all procedures and expectations. It is easily available for public viewing on the desk in the office at the farm.