EQUUS Foundation

MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Founded in 2008 by Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, Mini Therapy Horses works closely with hospitals, facilities and other organizations across Los Angeles to provide equine assisted therapy/equine assisted activity (EAT/EAA) to those who need it most. Whether comforting children bedside after surgery as they come out of anesthesia or visiting with a veteran who just wants to sit quietly and share space with one of our horses, the MTH team is there to bring a sense of calm, comfort and happiness.

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 horse-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 Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)
    Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

11: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at MTH Ranch

     1. Area Pre-K-12 Schools, Colleges and Universities

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

MTH Ranch

RELATIONSHIP: Accompany Clients

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Mini Therapy Horses works with multiple service providers. All are licensed, certified and/or credentialed as per national and local health and human service requirements.

2. Cliffside Malibu Residential Rehabilitation Program

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

MTH Ranch

RELATIONSHIP: Accompany Clients

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Mini Therapy Horses works with multiple service providers. All are licensed, certified and/or credentialed as per national and local health and human service requirements.

3. Greater Los Angeles Public Library System

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

MTH Ranch

RELATIONSHIP: Accompany Clients

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Mini Therapy Horses works with multiple service providers. All are licensed, certified and/or credentialed as per national and local health and human service requirements.

4. LA County Dept of Children & Family Services Juvenile Court

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

MTH Ranch

RELATIONSHIP: Accompany Clients

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Mini Therapy Horses works with multiple service providers. All are licensed, certified and/or credentialed as per national and local health and human service requirements.

5. Los Angeles Mayor's Crisis Response Team

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

MTH Ranch

RELATIONSHIP: Volunteer

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Mini Therapy Horses works with multiple service providers. All are licensed, certified and/or credentialed as per national and local health and human service requirements.

6. Ronald McDonald Houses in LA & Pasadena

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

MTH Ranch

RELATIONSHIP: Accompany Clients

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Mini Therapy Horses works with multiple service providers. All are licensed, certified and/or credentialed as per national and local health and human service requirements.

7. Shriners for Children Medical Center

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

MTH Ranch

RELATIONSHIP: Accompany Clients

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

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

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Mini Therapy Horses works with multiple service providers. All are licensed, certified and/or credentialed as per national and local health and human service requirements.

8. The Greater Los Angeles Veterans Hospital

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

MTH Ranch

RELATIONSHIP: Accompany Clients

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Mini Therapy Horses works with multiple service providers. All are licensed, certified and/or credentialed as per national and local health and human service requirements.

9. TK-12 Schools

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

MTH Ranch

RELATIONSHIP: Accompany Clients

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Mini Therapy Horses works with multiple service providers. All are licensed, certified and/or credentialed as per national and local health and human service requirements.

10. UCLA Health Care System

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

MTH Ranch

RELATIONSHIP: Accompany Clients

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Mini Therapy Horses works with multiple service providers. All are licensed, certified and/or credentialed as per national and local health and human service requirements.

11. Veterans Home of California - West Los Angeles

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

MTH Ranch

RELATIONSHIP: Accompany Clients

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Mini Therapy Horses works with multiple service providers. All are licensed, certified and/or credentialed as per national and local health and human service requirements.

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Mini Therapy Horses conducts regular visits at Shriners for Children Medical Center in Pasadena, Ronald McDonald House in both Pasadena and Los Angeles, the Department of Children and Family Services Juvenile Court, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, UCLA Santa Monica Hospital, the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Hospital and L.A. Family Housing, amongst others.

     We have created a set of training and safety standards that far exceed those of traditional animal assisted therapy organizations. All of our horses are trained with safety in mind. They are able to go up/down stairs, ride in elevators, are desensitized to all surroundings they might encounter on any given visit, and are potty trained. Under the steady lead of their handlers, our horses are able to safely navigate their environment, whether it’s maneuvering around delicate medical equipment at a patient's bedside or standing carefully next to a wheelchair. In addition to basic commands, our horses are also trained to do tricks. They smile, give high fives, play the keyboard and, the biggest crowd pleaser of them all, perform “Hi Ho Silver,” where they stand up on their hind legs. When we teach the patients how to do these commands using their voice or a hand motion, the tricks serve as a tool that connects them to the horse. Engaging in this activity helps the patient instantly feel more confident, accomplished and bonded.

     Every year, our team of highly trained miniature therapy horses and volunteers provides equine assisted therapy to thousands of children and adults who are in need of hope and healing. Some days we visit with individuals undergoing medical procedures, while other days we visit with veterans who suffer from PTSD. There are times when we’re with people overcoming substance abuse, and then sometimes we provide support for those suffering from emotional trauma following a mass casualty event. No matter the day, no matter the need, Mini Therapy Horses is ready and willing to be there for those who need us most.

     Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)
     Populations served:

     1) Greater Los Angeles Veteran’s Hospital: MTH assists the Certified Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist during therapy with patients in the lockdown psychiatric unit. The equine interaction promotes more social interaction which aids in alleviating depression, increasing focus, and navigating group settings. These interactions focus on physical contact with the horse, which is very therapeutic for patients who are isolated and depressed, bringing them joy and a sense of relief. Often, these patients open up and reflect on childhood memories about their own experiences of being close to an animal. The horse is the vehicle of the physical interaction and discussion. The doctors and advocates say that patient interactions with the horses allow them a way to break the ice with patients. Discussing the miniature horses opens a window into patients who are unresponsive.

     2) Cliffside Malibu Residential Rehabilitation Program: MTH assists LMFT’s and LVN’s by providing Equine-assisted Psychotherapy and Counseling to clients undergoing treatment for alcohol or drug addiction.

     3) Area Universities, Colleges, and Pre-K-12 Schools: MTH works with school counselors, teachers, and psychologists to help students during times of stress- from finals to traumatic events such as the loss of a teacher in the 2017 Las Vegas Shooting and the loss of homes in the 2018 Woolsey Fire. Working with counselors, students find the ability to open up and process their loss and sadness. We have ongoing programs with UCLA and USC. The simple act of petting a miniature horse releases an automatic relaxation response. Research in animal assisted therapy supports what we have witnessed with our Mini Therapy Horses: they help lower anxiety, reduce loneliness, increase mental stimulation, provide a happy distraction, and reduce the initial resistance that might accompany therapy.

     4) LA Mayor’s Crisis Response Team: Members of MTH have completed intensive training to become certified Crisis Response Team Members. MTH is on call 24 hours a day to respond to traumatic events in the City of Los Angeles. Effective on-scene compassion and support utilizing our Miniature Horses help “contain” the impact of the traumatic event, such as car accidents, suicides, infant deaths, and homicides. MTH provides follow up visits as well to support survivors. This in turn helps survivors begin a path to rebuilding healthy, fulfilling, productive lives, rather than down a path to despair, substance abuse, school failure, job loss, family breakup, and other problems.


     5) Shriner’s for Children’s Medical Center: MTH works with medical staff utilizing EAS to decrease patient anxiety and fear before and after procedures and clinic visits.

     6) UCLA Health Care System: MTH partners with the UCLA People Animal Connection to provide EAS to patients, Staff, and visitors at the UCLA Medical Centers. Our horses provide positive interaction, comfort, and relief.

     7) Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services Juvenile Court: MTH works with Social Workers and Child Life Specialists to provide EAS to high-risk children before and after they appear in Juvenile Court to testify against their abusers. Double leash walking, hugging, petting, brushing, and playing games like soccer with the horses or holding a keyboard that the horses play are just some of the interventions used. Our horses bring comfort and hope to these children in need.

     8) Veterans Home of California - West Los Angeles: MTH works with staff to provide EAS to the residents, most of whom are elderly and suffer from a variety of medical issues, including physical limitations, PTSD and dementia. Our horses help patients feel less isolated, more social and provide a sense of calm and peace.

     9) Sheriff’s Youth Foundation of Los Angeles County - MTH provides EAS services for 16 different Sheriff’s Youth Foundation centers. Our primary goal for our outreach with SYF is to empower the children to lead—both literally and figuratively! We teach the children to lead, groom, and interact with our horses, inspiring them to pursue leadership roles and participate in uplifting their communities.

     Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology
     Populations served:

     1) Ronald McDonald Houses: MTH works with Child Life Specialists to provide EAS to children undergoing treatment for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

     2) Shriner’s for Children’s Medical Center in Pasadena: MTH works with OT and PT caring for children undergoing complicated medical procedures, including surgeries and treatment for scoliosis and limb prothesis. Therapists incorporate the miniature horses into specific exercises to meet individual patients’ therapeutic goals. Even via Zoom, the horses motivate the children to participate in their therapy. For example, a child rolls a ball towards the computer screen where she reaches out as directed to touch the horse’s nose/muzzle. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles in the child’s back and improves her balance.

     Interacting with our Miniature Horses is a great motivator for children who are reluctant or shy to participate in therapy. We have small brushes that fit perfectly in a child’s hand; the act of brushing a horse is excellent occupational therapy. We work with double leash walking, where a horse-handler and the child jointly walk one of the horses. The child, with their walker or in their wheelchair, hold one of the leads and the handler has the other, ensuring safety and control with the horse. This simple act reaps huge benefits. The children feel empowered, confident, and proud all while having fun in a way that distracts them from their current situation.

     EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING SERVICES
     Equine Assisted Learning services encompass:
      Academic Learning
      Self-improvement, Wellness, Team Building, and/or Personal or Professional Coaching

     Population served:

     1) Area Universities, Colleges, and Pre-K-12 Schools, Greater Los Angeles Veterans’ Hospital, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Shriners’ for Children’s Medical Center: MTH works with medical staff (physicians, nurses, ancillary staff) and educators in our local schools to provide support, team building, and de-stressor events.

     2) Library Program: MTH works with several librarians in the LA Public library system as well as teachers in our local public schools as part of their literacy program providing Equine Assisted Learning. Our miniature horses’ involvement creates a special and magical event for parents and children, which in turn creates important, positive memories about reading and libraries, thereby inspiring children to read. We also talk about the importance of volunteering and caring for others in our community, and how our horses make a difference in peoples’ lives.

     3) Sheriff’s Youth Foundation of Los Angeles County - The SYF motto states: "Lead, empower, inspire!” Our outreach goals in partnership with SYF center wholly on this motto—We help foster self-improvement in children in the SYF centers by teaching them confidence, leadership, and collaboration.

Community Outreach and/or Public Education:

Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     At Mini Therapy Horses, community outreach is at the core of our work. Promoting and advancing the equine-human connection is our essence, and with each visit we witness first-hand the power of this healing connection. Because our highly trained horses are so small, we can take them to many different places, including hospitals and other indoor settings. This allows us to reach thousands of people each year, many of whom have never experienced the beauty and wonder of a horse up-close. Additionally, because of their small size, our horses are much less intimidating than a regular-sized horse. This immediately puts people at ease and creates a more welcoming environment, especially for children and those who have not been around horses. The pure delight we see in people at these visits is immeasurable. Our horses are beautifully groomed and love to pose for photos with people. They also do a number of “tricks” that not only entertain, but show the public their high level of intelligence. These tricks also serve as aides to empower our visitors and deepen the connection they form with our horses. And, of course, there are always plenty of mini horse hugs to go around! Seeing a child’s face light up when they wrap their arms around one of our mares in a hug is pure magic.

     We also participate in a variety of community events throughout the year. This includes Fleet Week, veteran appreciation events, community preparedness events, orphanage outreach, and speaking engagements at local schools and libraries. One of the highlights of our year is marching in the world famous Rose Parade, which we have done five times (and counting!). Sharing our mission with 700,000 people live, as well as tens of millions watching around the world, is such an honor, and we are humbled by how welcome we are always made to feel.

     Advocating for horses and teaching others about the special nature of horses is a natural part of our work because we truly believe they have the power to change lives. Whenever we are out in public, whether it’s on a visit to a hospital or simply strolling the neighborhood on a training walk, we are constantly stopped and asked questions about the minis. We feel so much excitement when people show an interest in the horses, and we love educating others about these special little creatures. Being ambassadors, not just for minis, but for all horses, is a responsibility we welcome and we hope to inspire others when they see the compassion and joy our horses bring.

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.

POLICIES: ACQUISITION

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

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

Our organization will accept the following:
    Mares

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

Additional information about our acquisition policies and practices:
MTH is not a rescue organization, but if the welfare of a miniature horse was in jeopardy, we would absolutely be open to adopting or helping find them a home.

POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAININING

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

Not Checked:
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
    Equines are not taken on trial

Not Checked:
The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization

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
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Fecal test
    Vaccinations
    De-worming

Not Checked:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian upon arrival and/or prior to quarantine departure
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
    Coggins test
    Blood work other than Coggins
    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:
    Leading with a halter and lead rope
    Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
    Bridling
    Lunging
    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

Not Checked:
    Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
    Saddling
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    Riding at the canter
    Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
    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:
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
    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
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually

Not Checked:
    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

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

Not Checked:
Our organization evaluates at least annually and maintains a written record of 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

The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden:
No equines are ridden; not applicable

Not Checked:
    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
    Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden

Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   2-3 times per week

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
We do not regularly take in new horses. We do not quarantine our new horses. We purchase all of our horses as foals from well-known, reputable breeders with whom we have a long standing relationship. Prior to shipping, each foal has undergone a full veterinary pre-purchase exam and has received all required vaccines and de-worming. Upon arrival at the MTH Ranch, if required, the equine will receive additional vaccines and de-worming.

     Our horses are exercised daily, weather permitting, via walks through our neighborhood or lunging in our round pen. Every walk is an opportunity to enjoy and connect with our horses while reinforcing important skills - being confident with new noises or sights, being pet and hugged, and walking calmly alongside the trainer in all environments.

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, does NOT breed equines.

Not Checked:
The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, breeds equines
The facility or 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 never have a healthy equine euthanized under any circumstances
    Our organization may 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
    Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

Not Checked:
Our organization may have a healthy equine euthanized if it is a threat to itself, other equines, or people and euthanasia is recommended by a veterinarian

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

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
    Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must be notified of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization.
    The agreement states that 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

Not Checked:
    The agreement states that re-homed equines CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances.
    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 our organization reserves the right to make unannounced 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
    None of the statements are included.
    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:   Not applicable

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
Over $1,500

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer useful, or are no longer manageable:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization

Not Checked:
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    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
    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
    If a suitable home cannot be located within 12 months, the equine may be euthanized
    If a suitable home cannot be located, and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization, the organization will secure a suitable home for the equine and accept financial responsibility for the lifetime of the equine

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
We have only re-homed one horse that became too large for our program. This horse was adopted by a long time close personal friend who is also a horse trainer in California. This family had young children and it was a perfect fit for this horse. We receive constant photos and updates on this horse and are happy to see she remains healthy and happy. This is the only instance in which we have re-homed a horse. Going forward, should we need to rehome a horse, adopter(s) must sign the attached Rehoming Agreement.