EQUUS Foundation

MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Dynamic Strides Therapy is a nonprofit pediatric outpatient clinic offering occupational, physical and speech therapy to children with special health care needs, aged birth through 21. As part of the patient's comprehensive plan of care, we incorporate purposeful equine movement, or hippotherapy, when appropriate. DST’s mission is: Empowering children to achieve their maximum potential by providing accessibility to skilled therapy services in an integrated environment.

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.
25% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
Our organization does not use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

6: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Dynamic Strides Therapy

1. Brandi O'Reilly

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Dynamic Strides Therapy

RELATIONSHIP: Other

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Doctor of Physical Therapy May 2008 Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Missouri Licence: 2008025214
American Hippotherapy Association Level I

2. Brenda Wake

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Dynamic Strides Therapy

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Physical Therapist Assistant May 1989 Penn Valley Community College, Kansas City, MO
Missouri Licence: 117908
American Hippotherapy Association Level I and II

3. Jennifer Berryessa

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Dynamic Strides Therapy

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant August 2003 Ozark Technical Community College, Springfield, MO
Missouri Licence: 2003014810
American Hippotherapy Association Level I

4. Jennifer Garner

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Dynamic Strides Therapy

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Doctor of Physical Therapy May 2008 Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Missouri Licence: 2008018813
American Hippotherapy Association Level I

5. Jessica Ellis

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Dynamic Strides Therapy

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Master of Health Science in Communication Science and Disorders May 2015 University of Missouri Columbia, MO
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, State of Missouri 2015
Certificate of Clinical Competence, ASHA 2016
Missouri Licence: 2016011750
American Hippotherapy Association Level I

6. Sarah Marsh

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Dynamic Strides Therapy

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Masters of Occupational Therapy December 2015 East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
Missouri Licence: 2017027203
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Intl. Advanced Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
NBCOT Certified OTR January 2016

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Dynamic Strides Therapy currently offers occupational, physical and speech therapy services and within these disciplines, the incorporation of aquatics and hippotherapy. Each of the therapy disciplines evaluate children within their scope of practice and treat based on those evaluation findings. Pediatric occupational therapists work with children on the development of fine motor skills, whereas pediatric physical therapists address gross motor skills. There is a broad overlap of skills both disciplines address including, but not limited to, strength, balance, coordination, sensory modulation, postural awareness and control, and reflex integration. Pediatric speech-language pathologists work with children with speech, language, social communication, cognitive, fluency, feeding, and swallowing disorders.

     The term hippotherapy refers to how occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement as a therapy tool to engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes. Dynamic Strides Therapy provides services to children with special health care needs, aged birth through 21. We utilize hippotherapy as a treatment strategy for children with neurologic, sensory, oral-motor, communication and/or motor deficits. We have an equine professional on staff who is present during all therapy sessions incorporating hippotherapy. She observes and monitors sessions to ensure the safety of the therapists, patients, and the equine.

     Most of these horses providing hippotherapy were donated and are older horses with special health or nutritional needs. We are passionate about providing excellent care and training to our therapy horses, and pride ourselves in maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for them. We are privileged to give horses a new purpose who might otherwise be neglected, or worse yet, euthanized because they are no longer needed.

Community Outreach and/or Public Education:

Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Our “Ponies with Purpose” program captures several areas in which we provide community outreach and education. First, we provide numerous opportunities for volunteer training at our facility. Volunteers are educated on the basics of horse care, safety, tacking and grooming. They are also educated on the purpose and value of incorporating hippotherapy into the plans of care for occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Hippotherapy is provided in our indoor, climate controlled arena for the comfort of our patients and equine.

     We have an equine professional on staff who provides guidance to our senior group of volunteers. These volunteers are educated and well-versed in the care, nutritional requirements, and training of our equine. The senior volunteers then help educate our less experienced volunteer groups. We have hosted clinics on the stretching and conditioning of horses. Prior to the onset of COVID-19, we were exploring the options of hosting American Hippotherapy Association courses as well as therapeutic riding.

     Our equine professional on staff is present during all hours in which the organization incorporates hippotherapy sessions. She observes and monitors sessions to ensure the safety of the therapists, patients and the equine.

     Our “Ponies with Purpose” program is based on repurposing horses and ponies, giving them a job when they can no longer complete their previous job. In addition to participating in our hippotherapy program, our staff and equine have visited nursing homes, provided rides for the Down syndrome Group of the Ozarks, and been a part of the inaugural “Carrot Club,” providing horsemanship classes and beginner rider lessons. As we are located near several universities, both undergraduate and graduate students have been a large part of our volunteer base and gain firsthand experience in the care of both horses and children with special needs.

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:
Dynamic Strides Therapy (DST) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving accessibility to pediatric therapy and providing children with quality occupational, physical, and speech therapies. Our patients receive unique treatment that combines traditional occupational, physical and speech therapies with therapeutic benefits of equine movement, a unique sensory gym, offsite aquatic therapy, and the compassionate support of skilled, certified therapists.

     DST currently offers occupational, physical and speech therapy services and within these disciplines, the incorporation of aquatics and hippotherapy. Each of the therapy disciplines evaluate children within their scope of practice and treat based on those evaluation findings. Pediatric occupational therapists work with children on the development of fine motor skills, whereas pediatric physical therapists address gross motor skills. There is a broad overlap of skills both disciplines address including, but not limited to, strength, balance, coordination, sensory modulation, postural awareness and control, and reflex integration. Pediatric speech-language pathologists work with children with speech, language, social communication, cognitive, fluency, feeding, and swallowing disorders.

     The term hippotherapy refers to how occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement as a therapy tool to engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes. Aquatic therapy is directed and supervised by a licensed therapist with understanding and skills necessary for effective intervention in an aquatic environment. The unique properties of the water provide patients with opportunities to gain skills and function which can be more difficult to achieve on land. We offer aquatic therapy for both occupational and physical therapies. The incorporation of both hippotherapy and aquatic therapy are fun and engaging for the child. Each tool complements and supports the goals and plan of care necessary for achievement of independent mobility and function on land.

     Our primary goal when utilizing the sensory gym is to improve function as well as the quality of life for both the children we serve and their families. Trained therapists utilize the gym and equipment to calm overresponsive sensory systems or alert underresponsive ones. We educate parents and children on how to incorporate the activities used and learned in the sensory gym and provide them with the tools they need to make activities of daily living easier and more tolerable. Research has shown participation in motor activities implemented in the sensory gym environment improves social involvement, self-regulation, self-esteem, and self-confidence. By providing children of all abilities the chance to experience safe sensory play, we engage children, encourage progress, and explore novel and unique ways educate families and caregivers to improve quality of life.

POLICIES: ACQUISITION

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

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

Our organization will accept the following:
    Geldings
    Mares

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

Additional information about our acquisition policies and practices:
We take all horses on a 60-day trial agreement with a signed contract indicating who is responsible if it is determined that the horse is not a good fit for our program at any point within those 60 days. This contract is signed by the owner of the horse and our equine professional.

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

Not Checked:
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 or a pre-purchase examination by a veterinarian is conducted attesting to the health status of the equine

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

Not Checked:
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    Equines are not taken on trial
    Equines are on trial for up to 30 days
    Equines are on trial for 60 or more days
    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
    During the trial period, the owner/donor is financially responsible for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian upon arrival and/or prior to offsite quarantine departure
    Physical examination by trained barn staff
    Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Vaccinations

Not Checked:
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
    Coggins test
    Blood work other than Coggins
    Fecal test
    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 not quarantined

Not Checked:
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:   Horses are not quarantined

Horses are assessed for following skills and behaviors:
    Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
    Leading with a halter and lead rope
    Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
    Saddling
    Bridling
    Lunging
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    Riding 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

Not Checked:
    Riding at the canter
    Jumping
    Driving (Pulling a carriage)

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually

Not Checked:
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine monthly and kept with the equine's health records
    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 acupuncturist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist

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

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
No equines are ridden; not applicable

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

Not Checked:
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):   2-3 times per week

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Horses are not quarantined due to the lack of appropriate space and facilities. Upon acceptance to our organization, they are separated from one another, but it is by a fence line only. Horses are monitored for health issues prior to officially joining the therapy team and all horses are vaccinated appropriately to avoid or decrease transmission of illness.

     The trial agreement allows for negotiation on who is financially responsible for expenses during the trial period.

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.

Not Checked:
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, breeds equines
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, are permitted to house stallions

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

Not Checked:
Our organization will never have an equine euthanized under any circumstances
Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility

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

Not Checked:
    A certified euthanasia technician
    Senior staff with appropriate training
    Employee of animal control shelter or humane society with appropriate training
    Veterinary student under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian
    Not applicable. Our organization prohibits euthanasia under any circumstances

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
Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates

Not Checked:
    Our organization does NOT re-home an equine to first time equine owners
    Our organization will only re-home an equine to a location where another equine resides
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility
    Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
None of the statements are included.

Not Checked:
    The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must be notified of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization.
    The agreement states that the 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 states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that the terms of our organization's agreement will be binding on any future individual or organization taking and/or in possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
    The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make unannounced visits
    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 can return an equine to our organization for a fee
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for two years
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for three or more years
    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 does not have the authority to transfer ownership and/or does not own any of the equines involved with our programs.

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

Not Checked:
    Veterinarian
    Farrier
    Personal/Other

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

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

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 be found suitable homes by our organization
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian

Not Checked:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be sent to auction
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    If a suitable home cannot be located within 12 months, the equine may be euthanized
    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.

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

Dynamic Strides Therapy
2673 E Sawyer Rd Republic MO 65738
Contact: Brandi O'Reilly
Contact's Phone: 4173247646
Contact's Email: Brandi@dstherapy.org

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.
     Greene County Sheriff’s Office 417-868-4040 1010 N Boonville Ave Springfield, MO 65802 http://greenecountymosheriff.gov/sheriff

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: 6

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

     1. Brandi O'Reilly
     2. Brenda Wake
     3. Jennifer Berryessa
     4. Jennifer Garner
     5. Jessica Ellis
     6. Sarah Marsh

Additional information about this facility:
We have a barn with 7 stalls which are used to prepare horses for therapy sessions. We do not keep the horses in the stalls for prolonged periods of time. They are in pastures with run-in sheds which provide shelter. In inclement weather, they may be brought into the stalls or allowed to roam within the space of the fenced arena.

Electric fencing is supplemental and used to section off pastures. Electric fencing is not utilized as perimeter fencing.

Dynamic Strides Therapy

Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Dr. Stacy Huntington
Clinic Name: Springfield Equine
5429 S Farm Road 43
Billings MO 65610
Phone: 417 860-5115