MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Therapy Ranch mission
     Empowering people of all ages to discover hope and resilience on their path to mental well-being by harnessing the healing power of horses.

Our organization conducts Equine Assisted Services in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS).
Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
Our organization relies on other organization(s) for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.

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

II. Statement on Human-Equine Interactions
     1) Ensuring Mutually Beneficial and Ethical Human-Equine Interactions:
      At Therapy Ranch, all human-equine interactions are intentionally designed to be respectful, safe, and mutually beneficial. Our equine-assisted services are grounded in trauma-informed practices and adhere closely to the Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions. Horses are never used as tools, but are treated as equal partners in the therapeutic process. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to the cues and needs of each equine, ensuring that interactions remain consensual, calm, and centered on the well-being of both horse and human. Sessions are structured to allow for choice, freedom of movement, and the emotional safety of the equine at all times.
     2) Equine Care and Living Conditions:
      Therapy Ranch is committed to providing the highest standard of care for our equine partners. Our practices include:
     Fresh, Clean Drinking Water: Nearly all turnout areas are equipped with the Drinking Post automatic watering system, ensuring 24/7 access to fresh water. Stall water buckets are cleaned and sanitized weekly.
     
     
     Nutritious Food: Horses are provided with a personalized feeding plan that includes measured pelleted feed twice daily, along with unlimited access to hay.
     
     
     Natural Forage and Turnout: Equines are turned out daily in either grassy pastures or a dry lot with covered and protected hay in round bales.
     
     
     Veterinary, Farrier, and Dental Care: We maintain regular care schedules for each horse, including veterinary checkups, farrier visits every 6–8 weeks, and annual dental care.
     
     
     Shelter and Weather Protection: Our horses have access to shelter in every turnout area to protect them from harsh weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
     
     
     Freedom of Movement and Social Interaction: Horses have daily ample space to move freely, graze, and engage in natural social behaviors with their equine herd companions.
     
     
     Through these standards and our commitment to ethical, relationship-based care, Therapy Ranch ensures that our horses are healthy, respected, and thriving—physically, emotionally, and socially.

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

2: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Stillwater Stables and Stays

     1 Henry Marcano

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Stillwater Stables and Stays

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Psychotherapy/Counseling

         Personal Development Learning

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Henry Marcano has his Master's Degree in mental health counseling. Henry is certified in Eagala as a mental health provider since 2024.

     2 Karianne Spens-Hanna

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Stillwater Stables and Stays

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Psychotherapy/Counseling

         Personal Development Learning

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Karianne Spens-Hanna is a registered Art Therapist, ATR, M.Ed, she is Eagala certified as a mental health provider since 2021.

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)
     Our therapists and equine specialists are certified in the Eagala model of care. All sessions are provided individually for 50 minutes sessions. Group sessions are also provided and scheduled for either 60, 90, or 120 minutes in length based on a customized program.
     
     Individual EAP sessions are individually scheduled and client led. Clients are encouraged to attend 3-6 sessions for a full impact of care.
     
     EAP is a fun, fast, and effective way to overcome mental and emotional challenges and live a happier, healthier life. Our trauma-informed mental health services are client-led, ensuring the clients and their families receive a custom experiential experience that addresses your specific needs.
     
     EAP sessions offer a unique approach and insights into your healing process by combining the therapeutic power of horses and nature with the guidance of an Eagala certified, mental health professional and eagala certified equine specialist. EAL sessions address problematic behavioral and social patterns and develop skills for changing them.
     
     Individual Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning
     Individual sessions cater to the needs and goals of one person. To begin, the client will identify their goals, and observe the horse’s behavior. Initially, the client and horse will engage in small interactions to get familiar and comfortable with each other and will then connect through a variety of activities.
     
     This can include massaging, feeding, and painting the horse, guiding the horse through an obstacle course, walking meditation, and so on. The horse can metaphorically represent a current issue the client is facing, such as setting boundaries or resolving conflict, and help them overcome it. Clients can also express themselves to the horse without fear of judgment and use its feedback for self-exploration and discovery.
     
     Sessions end with a reflection on insights and progress made, as well as future goals. The client’s story will grow and evolve each time. Prices for individual sessions start at $200 for 50 minutes, with scholarships available for youth.
     
     Group Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning
     A group session allows up to 10 people to work together to form a stronger bond and achieve a common goal. Sessions start with identifying objectives and observing the horse(s). Once everyone is comfortable, the group activities begin. Different props can be used to collectively build structures, boundaries for the horse not to cross, games, and so on.
     
     Through collaborative efforts, the group’s communication and social skills are strengthened to foster an enhanced sense of community and healthy relationships. Sessions end with each participant providing insights and goals for the future. The cost of group work depends on the group size and the session's length.
     
     Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development
     EAL builds connection and educational and professional skills. It aids in reducing the self-imposed barriers that often result from working in a building or office, and using technology. These barriers can cause feelings of disconnect from self and others, which hinders abilities like problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership.
     
     The entire EAP and EAL process takes place on the ground since the horses are positioned as equal partners in care. They remain unsaddled, which allows them to move around freely.
     
     Client comment on EAL - “I found out that I am a leader in a group setting”.
     Client comment on EAP - “I’m more aware of other’s boundaries and relearning my own boundaries”.

Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     We provide outreach for youth in elementary and high school ages. We transport equine partners and complete demonstrations of services with youth.
     
     We also provide mobile outreach services to adults for teacher professional development days. We take the equine to the teacher's development day. At the program we review services, allow teachers to interact with equine, introduce EAP and EAL services and provide an experiential opportunity to connect with our equine partners and team of care providers.

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

Trial Period: Check all that apply:
    Equines are on trial up to 60 days
    The trial period may be terminated by either the organization or the owner for any reason

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

The typical length of quarantine is:   10 to 20 days

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

Horses are assessed for following skills and behaviors:
    Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
    Leading with a halter and lead rope
    Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
    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
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by the veterinarian
    Vaccinations are administered at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    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:
    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:
    Temperature and/or weather conditions
    No equines are ridden; not applicable


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

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

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
Solution called fatal. The ingredients include:
     Pentobarbital Sodium, Propylene Glycol, Ethyl Alcohol, and Benzyl Alcohol

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

Re-homing Agreement not applicable.
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    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 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:
    Our organization does not have the authority to transfer ownership and/or does not own any of the equines involved with our programs.
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian


Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
The horses in the program are not owned by Therapy Ranch. They are leased by Therapy Ranch and in-kind donation of their time to the non-profit. Therapy Ranch pays board to cover their care, cost of vet, and farrier fees.

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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Stillwater Stables and Stays
2370 Granger Rd. ORTONVILLE MI 48462
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 4
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 1
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 15

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

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.
     Oakland County Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center 1200 N. Telegraph Rd. Building 42E Pontiac, MI 48341 petadoption@oakgov.com Phone 248-858-1070

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:  2

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

     1. Henry Marcano
     2. Karianne Spens-Hanna

When equine are fed grain in groups they are separated by spaced with their own feed pans and monitored to assure they each eat their own grain. The equine are fed covered round bales and are out on pasture while in their turn outs. The horses that cannot tolerate pasture, have a covered round bale of hay at all times.

We monitor equines overnight as needed with hourly visual checks.

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Stillwater Stables and Stays

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Dr. Crystal DeWitt
Clinic Name: Hadley Hills Equine Veterinarian
1344 S. Hadley Rd.
Ortonville   MI   48462
Phone: 248-627-2815

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Overview: Stillwater Stables and Stays (*Main) Currently operational
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 20
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 3
Pastures: 5  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 6
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 0


























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

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the barn/structure(s) or exclusively assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier?    Yes    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or restricted to these sheltered exclusive shelter locations? 0-3;
How often are the stalls/shelters cleaned, i.e., kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris? 6-7 Days a Week
Do all stalls/shelters allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around and provide protection from inclement weather (wind, sleet, rain, snow and extreme temperatures)?    Yes    
Are stalls/shelters kept in good repair, with adequate ceiling height, and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris?    Yes    
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?    Yes    
Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to allow free flow of air to control temperature, and humidity, and to prevent air stagnation?    Yes    
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety in all areas of facility?    Yes    
Are fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) maintained and in good working order?     Yes    
Is there adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas of facility?     Yes    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in if there is inclement weather

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    Pastures are rotated
    Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
    Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas 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

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
    There is a practice in place to monitor equines overnight
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    The property is fitted with motion lights

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Stillwater Stables and Stays (*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)
    Our organization utilizes a software application 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
    Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Equines are fed grain in individual stalls
    Equines are fed grain in groups
    Staff and/or volunteers are trained in proper feed measurements and protocols and observed periodically to ensure they are feeding correctly
    The feed chart is centrally located and updated as needed
    The area(s) where hay, feed, grain, and supplements are stored are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals in rodent-proof and mold-proof containers and grain bins
    Feed, supplements and hay types are clearly labeled
    Water sources, i.e., buckets, troughs, automatic waterers, etc. are kept clean, free of contaminants, debris and chemicals, protected from weather and other animals, and be positioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
    Medications are kept in a secure area

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

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

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

Horse checks: How often are equines visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility? Every day or 6 days a week

Our organization has the following parasite and fly/insect control protocols in place, including remedies used to control flies and insects:
    Our organization follows the parasite control guidelines of our veterinarian, including fecal testing and de-worming
    Fly/Insect Control Remedies:
    Fly parasites
    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
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    Staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    A specific individual is trained and assigned to care for sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Hand sanitizers 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 removed from the facility - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
    Quarantine areas, such as stalls, aisle ways, paddocks, and common areas, are cleaned (and needed, disinfected) after conclusion of the quarantine.
    Trailers/vans used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cleaned and disinfected after each use and cleaning takes place away from where equines are sheltered
    Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is not shared
    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

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    Equines are assigned the same exclusive stall/shelter location each day
    Name plates are located on the stall/shelter location
    Equines wear halters with nametags
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    Staff/volunteers are provided training on conformation, markings, colors, and breeds

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
     All equines have specifically assigned tack, apparel and equipment that is not shared
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are fitted and utilized for each equine appropriate to the equine's needs and the weather conditions
    Tack is cleaned only when needed
    No equines are ridden; not applicable.

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Emergency Preparedness: Stillwater Stables and Stays: *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 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


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: Semi-annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Semi-annually
Fence lines are checked: Daily
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: Annually
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Annually
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Semi-annually
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually

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