MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
The mission of Horses & Heroes is to provide the dynamic healing and learning benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)and alternative therapies to military, first responders and their families at no cost. All therapeutic programs are facilitated by state-licensed counselors and Certified EAGALA Equine Specialists. Our vision is the be the Midwest's Premier Equine Counseling Center.

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 outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.
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:
In 2024, H&H proudly expanded its therapy spaces with the creation of a new 40x40 building, seamlessly connected to the existing 60x100 area. This innovative therapeutic environment will include private therapy rooms, two restrooms, a kitchen, and a welcoming lounge. Countless hours spent on fundraising, networking, and creative problem-solving have paved the way for this essential project. Throughout the construction journey, H&H remains steadfast in providing both group and private Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) sessions at no cost to military personnel and first responders, averaging 300 sessions each year. The outcomes speak volumes, with qualitative data revealing significant improvements in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and an inspiring 99% of veterans reporting enriched quality of life scores (report available upon request).
     
     Our long-term vision is to create even more opportunities for engagement and connection within the military and first responder communities, all while nurturing the bond with the incredible rescued horses that help heal our heroes.
     
     Over the past eleven years, H&H has given thousands of hours of free mental health services, covering all costs of programming and organizational expenses through dedicated grant writing and the generous support of private donors and foundations.



Please describe what steps your organization takes to ensure that:
1) all interactions between your equines and people are mutually beneficial and conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions stated below;
2) all equines in the care of our organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program have access to clean drinking water at all times; nutritious food in sufficient quantity, including natural forage such as pasture grass and/or hay; appropriate veterinary, farrier, and dental care; shelter and protection from the weather; sufficient safe space to move around comfortably on a daily basis; and daily opportunity to freely interact and have contact with other equines:

In the spirit of the EAGALA code of ethics, interactions between humans and horses emphasize the transformative power of no-riding. The therapy herd lives together in spaces where they freely choose to eat, sleep, drink, or play.
     
     With the well-being of individual horses prioritized, any signs of stress prompt immediate attention and care. Gates remain open, inviting the horses to roam freely and forge connections with people on their own terms.
     
     Equine specialists, deeply attuned to the horses' unique personalities, diligently observe behaviors to recognize even the slightest changes within the herd. With constant access to hay and fresh water, these majestic beings experience nurturing comfort and care during therapy sessions, which fosters their emotional and physical well-being.

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
    Psychotherapy/Counseling
    Personal Development Learning

5: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at McIntyre Rd

     1 Debra Maxey, Clinical Director

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         McIntyre Rd

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Psychotherapy/Counseling

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         MS, LSCSW, LCAC,EAGALA certification pending Oct. 2025
Debra is currently acting as Part-time clinical director, managing internal compliance with records and processes. She plans to attain her EAGALA certification to start seeing clients as a mental health provider after Oct 2025

     2 Emily Wheeler

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         McIntyre Rd

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         Psychotherapy/Counseling

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Emily is not listed on our website yet, pending photograph and bio. She has a MA in Counseling, LCPC, and PESI animal-assisted therapy certification. Pending eagala certification Oct 2025

     3 Matt Brandmeyer

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         McIntyre Rd

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         Psychotherapy/Counseling

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         MS, LSCSW, LMAC, SEP, Natural Lifemanship trained.
Matt is the designated mental health provider for our 2-day workshops. KS is a licensed somatic therapist.

     4 Ryan Ozias, MS, LCPC, LCMFT,EMDR Trained,TF-CBT

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         McIntyre Rd

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         LCPC, LCMFT, EMDR Trained, TF-CBT. EAGALA certification pending Oct. 2025

     5 Stephanie Wessel, MS LCPC, LMAC, EAGALA

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         McIntyre Rd

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         Psychotherapy/Counseling

         Personal Development Learning

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         MS, LCPC, LMAC, EAGALA,

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     We offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy(EAP) to individuals and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)to couples and groups. Horses & Heroes is 1 of more than 700 certified EAGALA programs located worldwide.
     
     Horses & Heroes provides trauma-recovery programs designed and dedicated to the health and recovery for horses and humans. The genesis of Horses & Heroes was derived from the experience of rescuing traumatized horses. Through the recovery and rehabilitation process we discovered the powerful healing and learning benefits of mutual respect, empathy and the powerful positive benefits of allowing time and space for recovery to happen. Our goal is to be a place where healing can happen both physically and emotionally at the cellular level for both horse and human. Program emphasis is around integrative health, optimizing the health of cells so the body has the capacity to heal. These programs include but are not limited to:
     
     EquiLateral - Equine Assisted EMDR
     Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
     Corrective Massage
     Pulse Electro Magnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)
     Counseling
     Coaching
     HeartMath Coherence
     
     The horses we have on our therapy team have either been rescued or donated because of lameness issues. The rescued horses were from scenarios of abuse, neglect or directly from kill-pens. They are assessed, quarantined, and then integrated into the program. Because of their past, their stories become powerful metaphors for our clients.

Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Minis of Valor - Partner with local police departments to help foster improved relations with the community.
     
     Mini Therapy Horse visits - Mini horses are transported to nursing homes, homeless shelters, military events and community events such as parades and open houses to educate on the healing benefits of equine assisted therapies
     
     Healing Horses & Heroes - Utilize our connections with judicial organizations that send volunteers to our program to complete community hours and military veterans to assist in the recovery and rehabilitation of neglected or traumatized horses
     
     Peer Support Group EAL - Local police, fire, and government agencies send team trainers to H&H for Critical Incident Processing, and Peer Support trainings.

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. 

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POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAINING

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 is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Trial Period: Check all that apply:
    Equines are not taken on trial

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:   More than 30 days

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

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
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    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 by the veterinarian
    Vaccinations are administered 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 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:
    No equines are ridden; not applicable
    Our organization does not evaluate 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:
    Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
    No equines are ridden; not applicable


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

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Horses are taken either directly to the vet if suspected illness or within one week for body score assessment and overall wellness nutrition and working protocols. The veterinarian assigns body score on a regular basis.
     
     For ongoing wellness: Weekly Body Score assessments are completed. Horses are either separated to provide appropriate nutrition or quantities are adjusted until results are met.
     
     In 2021, we took in 2 horses from kill pens, and in 2019, we took in 1 horse from a kill pen. Since they came with no history, there were quarantined off-site for a minimum of 30 days with necessary veterinary care.

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    Our organization does not conduct breeding of equines owned or under the care of our organization.
    Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.

Additional information about our breeding policies and practices:
No bred mares at our facility

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 at the veterinarian's facility
    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:
We had to euthanize two of our horses in 2020 due to medical reasons and upon recommendations of the veterinarian. We had both cremated :-(

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

Re-homing Agreement not applicable.
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines for their lifetimes.

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:
    The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines for their lifetimes.
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    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

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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McIntyre Rd
16740 McIntyre Rd Leavenworth KS 66048
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 13

Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 15

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

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.
     Leavenworth Animal Control 2019 S 3rd St, Leavenworth, KS 66048 (913) 682-0268 Lt. Danny Hall

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:  5

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

     1. Debra Maxey, Clinical Director
     2. Emily Wheeler
     3. Matt Brandmeyer
     4. Ryan Ozias, MS, LCPC, LCMFT,EMDR Trained,TF-CBT
     5. Stephanie Wessel, MS LCPC, LMAC, EAGALA

Regarding overnight monitoring, we live on site and conduct visual wellness every evening and first thing in the morning. No other "system" to monitor horses overnight is currently in place.

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McIntyre Rd

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Sean Strain
Clinic Name: Strain Equine Services
17041 158th St
Basehor   KS   66007
Phone: 913-728-2499

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Overview: McIntyre Rd (*Main) Currently operational
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 10
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 1
Pastures: 4  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 2
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 1


















Are the organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are the organization's emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes    

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the barn/structure(s) or exclusively assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier?    No    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or restricted to these sheltered exclusive shelter locations? 0-3;
How often are the stalls/shelters cleaned, i.e., kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris? 6-7 Days a Week
Do all stalls/shelters allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around and provide protection from inclement weather (wind, sleet, rain, snow and extreme temperatures)?    Yes    
Are stalls/shelters kept in good repair, with adequate ceiling height, and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris?    Yes    
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?    Yes    
Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to allow free flow of air to control temperature, and humidity, and to prevent air stagnation?    Yes    
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety in all areas of facility?    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    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 24/7
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in to feed
    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
    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
    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
    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/Emergency Preparedness: McIntyre Rd (*Main) 2025 and 2024 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)
    The organization utilizes its own system to maintain records

The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
    Equines are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to the equine's age, breed/type, condition, size, work level and any health issues, consisting of nutritious food provided in sufficient quantity and access to adequate natural forage, or be fed daily, or as recommended by the organization's veterinarian
    Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Equines are fed grain in individual stalls
    Staff and/or 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 contaminants, debris and chemicals, protected from weather and other animals, and be positioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
    Medications are kept in a secure area

Is clean, potable water available at all times for all equines, or if not at all times, at least twice daily?     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

Our organization has the following parasite and fly/insect control protocols in place, including remedies used to control flies and insects:
    Our organization follows the parasite control guidelines of our veterinarian, including fecal testing and de-worming
    Fly/Insect Control Remedies:
    Fly parasites
    Feed Through Products
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fans

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    Staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    Volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    A specific individual is trained and assigned to care for sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy equines
    Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is removed from the facility - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
    Quarantine areas, such as stalls, aisle ways, paddocks, and common areas, are cleaned (and needed, 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
    Latex gloves, or equivalent gloves, are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by the state, local authorities, and/or our organization's veterinarian

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    Equine photos and profiles are available on the website
    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:
    No equines are ridden; not applicable.

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Emergency Preparedness: McIntyre Rd: *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 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 maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
    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
    NO SMOKING signs are posted prominently
    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
Fence lines are checked: Daily
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: Quarterly
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Quarterly
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Quarterly

Equine Transportation: 3= Onsite: 3 (2 + 1) + Offsite: 0
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    2 Owned onsite  
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Access onsite but not owned  
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
    
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
    
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Financial Reporting
Budget:  $100K to $500K
Equine Budget:   $10K to $25K
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 12
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Compilation
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990


Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  10
Number of Board Members:  6  Number of Voting Board Members:  6

Board Compensation:
Is the Board Chair compensated?  No  Is the Treasurer compensated?  No
Are there any other Voting Board Members that are compensated?  Yes
If yes, provide the name, title and responsibility of each VOTING Board member who is compensated:
Executive Director is a paid staff member and voting member


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 is related to Operations Director, Shannon Danley

Board/Staff 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? Yes
If yes, provide the name, title, responsibility and family/business relationship of each Board and/or Staff member, and the name of the related organization.
Executive Director owns the facility where programs are leasing space and services are conducted.

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:  EAGALA Certified program since 2014 valid through 2025
     Military Designated Program through EAGALA since 2020; Feb 2022
     All therapists are 1099 contractors and are required to maintain state licenses and professional liability insurance coverage. H&H provides Equine Liability insurance coverage for all 1099 contractors

Organization documents available on our website:
    None

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


Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Julie Baker
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  2  Part-Time:  6  Volunteers:  5
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 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.
    Volunteers required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Volunteers are required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Volunteers are required to sign a Photo Release
    Prospective volunteers are required to undergo a Background Check
    Volunteers provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Volunteers have written job descriptions
    Volunteers are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Volunteers 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
    Volunteers receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Volunteers are 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 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