MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
The mission of Bergen County Horse Rescue is to care for horses mind, body and soul. We are dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of neglected and abused horses.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue, adoption & retirement
Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.

Our organization does not 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:
The mind, body and soul of our horses are what we care about and strive to preserve, as we rehabilitate and protect abused and neglected horses. It is our responsibility to provide the proper nourishment for each horse according to the horse’s individual conditions and needs, and with the direction of veterinarians, farriers and other equine professionals. We implement specific health plans and reconditioning programs that strengthen and elevate the mind, body and soul of every horse. Though various methods are used to improve horse health, the main support horses need is an environment where they can live as a herd and receive love and care from humans.
     
     In the past year, we have really tried to focus our efforts on making our programs and practices sustainable. Due to inflation as well as medical expenses on the rise as our horses get older, it is important for us to make sure that our nonprofit can sustain operating costs. This year alone, we were able to expand our fundraising efforts and spread awareness throughout a variety of communities about who we are and what we do. In turn, this has led to many new visitors and advocates for our horses. Many of our horses are getting older and the cost of supplements, medications, vet visits, etc. can be very costly. Our efforts to grow our following have started to show as we have been able to secure several more sponsors for our horses. Sponsors not only help offset some of the costs, but they also provide additional 1:1 attention and love to the horse they are sponsoring. Our plan is to continue to grow our sponsors as well as our programs in order to continue educating the public on horses and the importance of horse rescues, sanctuaries, adoption and advocacy.



Please describe what steps your organization takes to ensure that:
1) the 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:

The conditions described above are exactly what we do at Bergen County Horse Rescue. Our mission is Caring for Horses Mind, Body and Soul; which embodies our everyday practices of ensuring proper nutrition and care for the overall well-being of our horses.
     
     We are fortunate to have a lot of volunteers at our rescue, all of which who are on a weekly schedule. By having volunteers on a schedule and working in teams, we ensure the following: our horses’ stalls are cleaned on a daily basis, their water buckets are changed and cleaned every day in addition to their water troughs in their turnouts. Our volunteers will also take the time to bond with our horses, giving them love/attention and grooming them. The great thing about having so many volunteers is that is it more eyes and ears on our horses- if anything is to happen to any of our horses (lameness, colic, cuts, swelling, etc.) we know about it immediately and can call our veterinarian within minutes.
     
     Regarding other daily practices, our horses are fed grain and hay twice a day with access to water both in their stalls and turnouts 24/7. Our horses eat their grain in their own stalls 2x a day. As long as weather is not severe, our horses will be turned out for over 20+ hours a day. If it’s too hot or too cold (including blizzards, storms, etc.) we make sure that our horses are each safely located in their stalls- every horse on our property has a stall of their own. While they are turned out, our horses always have access to shade and covered areas if they choose.
     
     Our veterinarian comes by many times throughout the year for several reasons. Not only do they visit annually for Spring and Fall shots, but they visit as-needed if any of our horses or sick or need to be examined. Since we have quite a few senior horses, there are several occasions in which we have to call the vet. In addition to the vet, we also have our equine dentist out throughout the year to float our horses’ teeth. Lastly, the farrier comes every couple of weeks to trim our horses’ feet or put on shoes; some of our horses are barefoot and others have shoes. It all depends on the individual need of that horse and what is best suited for them.
     
     We are confident that our horses receive the best care to live out their lives feeling loved at Bergen County Horse Rescue. We do everything in our power to ensure that we are living by our mission. In addition to everything stated above, our numbers don’t lie- our top expenses are food for the horses (grain/hay), as well as veterinary care and farrier services. Our horses’ well-being will always be our top priority, as they are the reason as to why we do what we do- Caring for horses’ mind, body and soul.


Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     Our mission at the Bergen County Horse Rescue is to rehabilitate and protect neglected horses with the assistance of local animal control officers and veterinarians. When possible, we will rehome (adopt out) our horses to responsible, loving homes. By adopting out some of our horses, it allows us to rescue more that are in need. Adoptions are not very common, as it is not easy to find proper homes for our horses, and we are very thorough in making sure their potential adopters are a good fit.
     
     
     The mind, body, and soul of our horses are what we care about and strive to preserve, and it is our responsibility to provide the proper nourishment for each horse according to the horse’s individual conditions and needs. We make sure this happens by implementing specific health plans and reconditioning programs that strengthen and elevate the mind, body and soul of every horse.
     
     Though various methods are used to improve horse health, the main support horses need is an environment where they can commingle and receive love and care from humans. Horses enrich the lives of many people, so our aspiration is to encourage humanity to invest some thought in these beautiful, sensitive and, unfortunately, mistreated animals.
Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     We provide guided tours and educational demonstrations to special needs adults, tours to girl scouts/boy scouts, and Educational tours to children, families, 4-H groups, special needs adults, etc. We have had several special needs adult living communities take tours of our rescue. In addition to tours, we also educate by demonstrating how to care for a horse, horsemanship, anatomy of a horse, etc. We do not provide "therapy" programs currently,but we believe that being in the presence of horses is healing and therapeutic in its own way.

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 completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization when the equine is acquired from the equine's owner other than by purchase from an auction or kill pen, or by seizure or by abandonment
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Trial Period: Check all that apply:
*Missing
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 off-site for a prescribed period of time

The typical length of quarantine is:   20 to 30 days

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    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
    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
    Coggins test
    Blood work other than Coggins
    Fecal test
    Vaccinations
    De-worming
    The equine is scanned to check for a microchip
    The equine is microchipped if the equine has not been microchipped

Horses are assessed for following skills and behaviors:
    Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
    Leading with a halter and lead rope
    Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
    Saddling
    Bridling
    Lunging
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    Riding at the canter
    Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    Clipping
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
    Our organization evaluates at least annually and maintains a written record of the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden

The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden:
    Equine age, weight, breed, body condition, fitness, balance, health and soundness
    Equine conformation to include the top line, length of back, strength and width of loin, bone density (measured by the circumference of the cannon bone just below the knee)
    Size, shape, condition and angle of the hooves
    Participant weight, height, body proportions, balance, fitness and riding skills as well as behavioral issues and safety concerns
    Weight and proper fit of the saddle and other equipment
    Terrain and footing in the working environment
    Duration and frequency of working sessions, as the frequency with which an equine is subjected to maximum weight carrying and/or workload
    Nature and pace of work, repetitive or varied, radius of turns, degree of incline and regularity of footing when equine is subject to maximum weight-carrying capacity
    Temperature and/or weather conditions
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations


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

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Regarding microchipping, our re-homing agreement states: Adopted horse is microchipped under BCHR and shall always remain microchipped under BCHR. Adopter shall not change, remove or alter the microchip in any form, including re-registering the microchip under a new name.

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.

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian if the equine is a threat to itself, other equines, or people
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

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

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
    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

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian

The 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 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 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 are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year

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

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

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
$751 to $1,000

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
NA

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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Bergen County Horse Rescue
350 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah NJ 07430
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 21
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those counted above: 21
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 25

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.
     Tyco Animal Control W. Main Street Wyckoff, NJ 07677 tycoanimalcontrolservices@gmail.com 201-652-4554 Contact is Carol Tyler

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)? No

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Bergen County Horse Rescue

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Dr. Melissa Kelson
Clinic Name: Town and Country Veterinary Service
98 Ford Rd, 3A
Denville   NJ   07834
Phone: 973-335-1236

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Overview: Bergen County Horse Rescue (*Main)
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 17
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 4  Run-in sheds: 1
Pastures: 4  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 3
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 0






























Regarding structures/barns where horses are housed other than run-in sheds:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s)?    Yes    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled? 0-3;

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
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    
Is there adequate ceiling & beam height (a minimum of 12 feet above the tip of the horse's ear) when standing in all stalls/shelters?    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    
Are the organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) and emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in to feed
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in if there is inclement weather
    Equines are out 24/7 except when they are being trained

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 have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for the maintenance of turnout areas, which includes a schedule for cleaning, manure removal, and dragging
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
    Turnout areas have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    The property owner, staff member or caretaker lives on the premises and ensures that public access is restricted and is responsible for the security of the facility and equines
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Authorized Personnel Only signs are posted
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Bergen County Horse Rescue (*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)
    Onsite computer with cloud-based backup storage system
    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
    Feed plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Equines are fed grain in individual stalls
    Staff and volunteers are trained in proper feed measurements and protocols and observed periodically to ensure they are feeding correctly
    The feed chart is centrally located and updated as needed
    The area(s) where hay, feed, grain, and supplements are stored are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals in rodent-proof and mold-proof containers and grain bins
    Feed, supplements and hay types are clearly labeled
    Water sources, i.e., buckets, troughs, automatic waterers, etc. are kept clean, free of contaminants, debris and chemicals, protected from weather and other animals, and be positioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
    Medications are kept in a locked, climate-controlled 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 Traps and Tapes
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fly Sheets
    Fans

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    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
    Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Hand sanitizers and footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is disposed of in specific areas designated for infectious materials - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
    Stalls, aisle ways, and common areas are disinfected after conclusion of the quarantine
    Trailers/vans used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cleaned and disinfected after each use and cleaning takes place away from where equines are sheltered
    Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is not shared and is clearly labeled
    Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is cleaned of organic debris and disinfected after each use
    Latex gloves, or equivalent gloves, are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Personnel are required to leave the facility (or shower and change clothing) after working with quarantined equines

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure is piled in an area where equines are not located
    Manure is hauled, sold or given away
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by 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:
    Equines are assigned the same exclusive stall each day
    Name plates are located on the stall
    Equines wear halters with nametags
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    Equine photos and profiles are available on the website
    Staff and volunteers are provided with an information packet with equine profiles, including photos and detailed descriptions
    Staff/volunteers are provided training on conformation, markings, colors, and breeds
    Team leaders work with new staff/volunteers until they are able to identify the equines

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
    Saddles are shared
    Saddle pads are shared
    Tack is cleaned after each use
    Tack is cleaned weekly
    Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's body condition changes
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's disposition changes
    Assigned tack is clearly labeled
    Tack is stored in a climate-controlled location
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are cleaned/disinfected after each use
    Helmets are replaced after a fall
    Helmets are replaced at least every five years.

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Emergency Preparedness: Bergen County Horse Rescue: *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 collects and maintains medical information from staff, volunteers, and clients
    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
    Power outages
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans


The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited
    NO SMOKING signs are posted prominently
    Hay is stored away from permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled
    Permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled are kept free of dust, cobwebs, trash, cleaning rags, and other flammable items
    Aisles and doorways are kept clear

How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Quarterly
Smoke detectors are checked: Quarterly
Electrical Systems are checked: Quarterly
Fence lines are checked: Weekly
Turnout Areas are checked: Weekly
Sprinkler systems are checked: Quarterly
Fire drills are conducted: Quarterly
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Monthly
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Monthly
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Quarterly

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

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Financial Reporting
Budget:  $100K to $500K
Equine Budget:   $150K to $250K
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 12
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Audit
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990-EZ
View The IRS Form 990/Pro Forma 990


Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  12
Number of Board Members:  3  Number of Voting Board Members:  3

Board Compensation:
Is the Board Chair compensated?  Yes  Is the Treasurer compensated?  No
Are there any other Voting Board Members that are compensated?  No
If yes, provide the name, title and responsibility of each VOTING Board member who is compensated:
The President/Founder is compensated.


Board/Staff Relationships:
Are any members of the Board, Staff or Program Participants related to each other through family or business relationships? No

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

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


Compliance:
Below is a list all local, state and federal licenses held by the organization, and/or accreditations or compliances with the published standards of an accrediting organization, if applicable:  N/A

Organization documents available on our website:
    None

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


Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Erin Giannios
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  1  Part-Time:  0  Volunteers:  35
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
    Prospective staff/independent contractors are required to undergo a Background Check
    Staff and/or contractors carry current health insurance
    Staff and/or contractors are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Staff and/or contractors are updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Staff and/or contractors receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Staff and/or contractors have a supervisor and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The organization provides a handbook to every member of the staff, including employees and/or independent contractors serving in staff positions;
    The handbook includes information, such as hours of work, vacation, sick leave, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    The handbook is reviewed annually and updated
    One or more staff members or contractors are trained in CPR and human first aid
    One or more staff members or contractors are trained in equine first aid

Volunteer Recruitment, Screening and Training processes:
    Prospective volunteers complete a written application/agreement
    Our organization has a practice in place to ensure that the organization has sufficient knowledge of the background of prospective volunteers that may impact the safety of your clients and your horses, such as whether prospective volunteers have been convicted of a sexual offense or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect. Such practices must comply with local, state, and federal mandates.
    Volunteers required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Volunteers are required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    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 organization holds regular orientation sessions for volunteers and prospective volunteers that includes an overview of the organization, its mission, activities, volunteer responsibilities and expectations, safety guidelines, and a tour of the facility

Additional explanation regarding governance, staffing and volunteer practices or further explanation of the answers above.
We take many precautions to ensure the safety of both our horses and volunteers. We have all of the proper insurance coverage, volunteer waivers, Bylaws, volunteer handbook, etc. If volunteers are training the horses, we make sure they are training properly after the horse has been evaluated on all levels. We believe in natural horsemanship and do not "break" our horses.
     
     Regarding board members, we have 3 official/voting members of our Board. Those three members are also registered on our IRS/990 documentation. In total, we have 6 members of the leadership team at BCHR, but only 3 out of the 6 are technically board members/voting members.