MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Our mission is to provide children and adults, with diverse needs, a solid foundation for developing life skills through equine-assisted activities and therapies in a safe and caring environment. We accomplish this through four programs: Therapeutic Riding Program, Operation Hope Veterans Program, Equine-Assisted Learning Youth Program, and Physical Therapy Services utilizing the Equine Movement.

Our organization conducts Equine Assisted Services in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS).
Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.
Summary of organization's recent accomplishments, goals, strategies to achieve the goals, and capabilities to meet the goals, including its long-term plans to sustain its programs:
Hooves of Hope has seen many great achievements over the past year. We were the chosen beneficiary of the annual Life Is A Ride Trail riding event for the 4th year in a row, raising over $17,000 for our programs. The Life Is A Ride team has been so impressed with our mission and passion for what we do, they have chosen to keep us as their beneficiary for the next two years. We launched our newest program, the Learning with Libby Literacy Program, which debuted at Crab Orchard Elementary in Lincoln County, serving 38 first-grade students. Since then, the program has expanded to include an elementary school in Garrard County. To date, 104 students have participated in the program, and we’re excited to see its continued impact on early literacy. This program will be provided to two additional schools in the fall of 2025, expanding our reach and improving literacy within our community. You can watch LEX18’s feature story on this innovative program here: https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/horsing-around-for-literacy-elementary-students-get-surprise-visit-from-mini-horse-promoting-literacy
     Additionally, we renewed our membership with the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, reinforcing our commitment to high standards in equine-assisted services.
     
     In 2024, Hooves of Hope served a total of 255 participants from across all programs—a record year of impact. Our Therapeutic Riding Program continued its steady growth, reaching 68 individuals ranging in age from 4 years old and up, representing 32 different diagnoses. We awarded 46 scholarships to make therapeutic riding accessible to low-income riders. In total, our team delivered 1,016 hours of service across five programs, including Therapeutic Riding, Equine Assisted Learning Youth Programming, Operation Hope Veterans Program, Physical Therapy, and Learning with Libby. Each of these programs reflects our commitment to offering meaningful, life-changing equine-assisted services to individuals and families in our region.
     
     Over the past year, we participated in and hosted many events both at our center as well as in our surrounding community. We hosted our annual “Trot N Treat”, a free Halloween event for our community which saw over 380 attendees, attended college and career fairs at Asbury University and University of Kentucky, presented at the local United Methodist church, attended Centre College’s “Delve Into Danville” community engagement event, horses to Keeneland to participate in Fayette County’s fifth grade field trip, hosted multiple field trips including Madison County’s Moderate to Severe Disabilities Class and Centre College’s Pre-Vet students, and attended Equine Festival hosted at Shaker Village. In addition to these community events, we have engaged with our community by hosting interns from various sending schools including University of Kentucky and Asbury University studying Social Work and Equine Studies.
     
     At Hooves of Hope, our mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with diverse needs through inclusive, high-quality equine-assisted services. We strive to be a welcoming community where acceptance, connection, and care are at the heart of everything we do. Our goals reflect this commitment: to serve individuals with a wide range of diagnoses, to uphold excellence in every aspect of our equine-assisted programs, and to set a gold standard in the care and respect we give our equine partners. Over the years, Hooves of Hope has continued to grow and thrive, consistently meeting our goals and expanding our impact within the community we proudly serve. Since 2015 we have increased our participant numbers by 1,400%. This incredible service increase would not be possible without the many sustainability initiatives and strategies that our staff and board have put into place over the years to ensure our mission can continue.
     
     A pivotal strategy of Hooves of Hope’s capability to reach our goals has been the quality of staff employed at Hooves of Hope. The high quality of each program is sustained by ensuring all staff are exemplary in their roles and are certified for what they do. Instructors are all PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors and are required to maintain their certification status throughout their employment which includes continued education. Staff hold degrees in Equine Studies, Equine Management, Communications, Social Work, Biology, and Physical Education. Each staff member brings unique talents to our programs and ensures the safety and care of all participants, volunteers, community members, and equine partners. Another strategy implemented to increase services and decrease costs is through building our volunteer force. Our center would not be able to run without the dedication of our amazing volunteer team! Hooves of Hope began putting a stronger focus on volunteer recruitment and retention in 2023 demonstrated by the hiring of a part time volunteer coordinator. Since 2023 we have increased our volunteer team by 20% and are thrilled that the increase in volunteer service has enabled us to also increase the number of participants served in our programming and even raise the level of equine care.
     
     Another crucial piece of Hooves of Hope’s long-term sustainability includes diversifying funding sources and continuing to seek new funding opportunities. Funds are maintained, increased and sustained, through various efforts such as:
     Service payments: Therapeutic Riding participants pay $45 per lesson, Physical Therapy patients pay for Physical Therapy Services based on a sliding scale
     Individual donors: donors in our community who are passionate about making an impact through equine assisted services
     Business partners: businesses who sponsor events such as the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, or donate to funds for specific programs
     Horse sponsorship: equine sponsorship program in which donors sponsor a horse for a year at $1,500 to provide the horse’s basic needs
     Rider sponsorship: specific funds raised for low-income riders who would otherwise be unable to participate in programming.
     Grants: continued efforts writing grants for all aspects of programming and equine care.
     Fundraisers: Life is a Ride, Cookie Fundraiser, Trot-N-Treat, etc.
     In-kind donations: equine product donations from Equithrive and Omega Alpha, as well as numerous donations of equine tack, equipment, and care items.
     
     At Hooves of Hope, we are proud of the impact we’ve made this past year and remain focused on expanding our reach in a sustainable, mission-driven way. With strong community support, a passionate team, and diversified funding strategies, we are well-positioned to continue serving those who benefit from our life-changing equine assisted programs.



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:

At Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center, we are committed to honoring our horses as valued partners in the work we do. HHEC staff assesses all program horses at least two times a day. Our facility has 7 fields outfitted with automatic waterers or 100 gallon rubber water troughs that are regularly cleaned, as well as run-in sheds to provide shelter. Stalls are available on an as needed basis when horses come in for programming, treatments, or are needing medical attention; otherwise, our horses live out 24/7 in small herd groups to promote physical and mental well-being. Our horses are fed a mix of natural forage, hay, and grain to support their normal gut function. We monitor their weight with the help of Hallway Feeds nutritionists to help us make educated changes to our horses’ diet if necessary. Our horses are fed a mix of orchard and timothy grass hay twice a day as needed, and hay is always made available when they are stalled in addition to two full buckets of water. Farrier care and hoof health is managed every 6-8 weeks by our farrier, Danny Rawlings, with Limestone Forge. Our local vet clinic, Nash, Cleveland, and Godfrey, and independent veterinarian, Dr. Martha Rodgers, manage our routine vet care, vaccinations, and lameness diagnostics and treatment. Dental maintenance is provided through Natural Balance Dentistry practitioner, Lia Ayoob. We also work to support our horses' physical function through the use of Dr. Jill Oliphant, our Equine Chiropractor, and our Equine Bodyworkers, MEND Equine and Joan Wilcoxen. Hooves of Hope is a PATH Intl. Member Center and holds to the PATH Standards of equine care.
     
     Within Hooves of Hope’s programming, we work to honor the horse as a non-verbal partner in our team. Our instructors assist with the initial pairing process of our horses and riders giving suggestions based on what they know of the rider’s personality and skill level. From there, we work to pair horses and riders based on the aforementioned criterion as well as skill level, personality, weight limit, and workload of the horse. Pairings can change when needed to allow the participant to develop a higher level of skills. Our PATH International certified instructors and trained lesson volunteers play an important role in monitoring the horse’s comfort level within each lesson. Adjustments can be made at any time if a horse starts to show signs of discomfort or stress. Our staff continuously evaluates our horses to ensure that they are still willing and able to perform the work we ask of them. If we feel a horse is getting tired of the job, we find a way to give them a break from the program that is causing an issue. This could be by switching them to only do a ground based program that they do enjoy, or having them only be with more independent riders if they are tired of having a full volunteer team around them in a lesson. Horses are re-fit for saddles at the beginning of each Therapeutic Riding Lesson Session to ensure that the saddles fit the horses current body conditioning and changes are made based on the horse’s physical body and functioning. Horses are ridden by participants in halters, side-pulls, and bridles dependent on the rider’s physical condition, skill, and the ability of the rider to adjust to the needs of the horse, ensuring that no horse is ever in a headpiece that is used incorrectly.
     
     Hooves of Hope is dedicated to ensuring everyone who works with our horses are equipped to do so by thorough training and supervision of volunteers as they learn how to care for, and interact with our herd. We place a strong emphasis on educating volunteers about equine behavior, helping them understand how it relates to the horses’ health and well-being. In addition, we incorporate regular tension-relieving practices—such as SureFoot pads, stretching, and massage—into each horse’s weekly routine. Volunteers trained in these techniques are taught to pay close attention to the horse’s signals and comfort level, ensuring that each session is guided by the horse’s needs. Our horses are ridden by skilled equestrians weekly to condition them physically and provide a mental break from the lesson setting. These rides often include trail walks to ensure our horses do not always work in the same physical location. All visitors, tours, and field trips are supervised and facilitated by our trained staff and volunteers ensuring that no individual is left unattended with one of our equine partners.

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
    Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding
    Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship
    Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology
    Academic Learning
    Personal Development Learning

6: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center

     1 Angela McKenzie

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center

         RELATIONSHIP: Volunteer

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Academic Learning

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from University of Kentucky
Masters Degree in Reading Specialist from Western Kentucky University

     2 Brielle Draper

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         CTRI through Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.)
Bachelors of Equine Management from Midway University

     3 Cindy Angel

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Licensed Physical Therapist by the Kentucky State Board of Physical Therapy
N.D.T Certified through NDT Association
Bachelors of Science from University of Kentucky

     4 Jenny Jackson

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         CTRI through Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.)
ESMHL through Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.)
Bachelors in Communications from University of Kentucky

     5 Laura Friday

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         Personal Development Learning

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         CTRI through Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.)
Master of Social Work from University of Kentucky

     6 McKenna Phelps

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         CTRI through Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.)
Bachelors of Equine Studies with a concentration in Equine Assisted Activities from Asbury University

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Therapeutic Riding:
     Therapeutic Riding is an equine-assisted activity for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with diverse needs. We serve any individual with a diagnosis who is aged four and up in Central Kentucky. The goal of the Therapeutic Riding Program is to provide individuals with various diagnoses a safe environment to improve physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially through learning horseback riding skills, something many of them never imagined possible.
     Therapeutic riding can benefit riders in many ways including coordination, core strength, concentration, social interaction, and self-confidence. A disability does not have to limit a person from riding a horse. In fact, experiencing the motion of a horse can be very therapeutic. Since horseback riding rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength."
     
     The Therapeutic Riding Program is an established program wherein each lesson is taught by a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Each instructor is credentialed to teach and follows the standards of PATH Intl. which include standards on equine care, facility regulations, lesson specifications, rider care, contraindications based on diagnosis, etc. Instructors are required to maintain certification which includes continuing education and competency testing. Each lesson is taught directly to the rider’s needs and their specific diagnoses as well as their horseback riding goals as decided by both rider and guardian.
     
     Physical Therapy Services provided by Cindy Angel, Licensed Physical Therapist, incorporates the movement of a horse as a treatment tool to meet therapy goals. Equine movement allows a multidimensional approach to addressing areas of need including gross and fine motor skills, sensory input, range of motion, core strength, balance, positioning, strengthening, muscle coordination, core stability, and sensory processing used for walking, and talking. Interested patients must have a prescription for Physical Therapy from their doctor in order to enroll in this service. This unique modality is used only in a few centers in the state of Kentucky.
     
     Equine Assisted Learning Youth Program:
     This structured program specifically targets teenagers aged 12-17 who are in diversion through the court system or have been identified by their schools as at-risk or homeless. The program spans six weeks, with weekly sessions lasting an hour and a half each. We run this program through the spring, summer, and fall season. By integrating equine-assisted activities and learning into the curriculum, the program offers unique opportunities for participants to build confidence, develop empathy, and acquire practical skills in a supportive environment. This curriculum was submitted and approved by the state of Kentucky for diversion.
     
     Description on website:
     "Hooves of Hope Equine-Assisted Learning Youth Program provides youth in the community with an alternative educational based program that encourages self-growth, character development, and responsibility through equine-assisted activities and learning. The goal is to increase individuals' social skills by working with others, team building, conflict resolution, encourage responsibility by learning correct horse husbandry skills, educate individuals about horse behavior, care, and training, promote leadership and cohesiveness by practicing decision making and relations with their peers, and develop a healthy outlet for emotions and personal development by journaling and group discussion time."
     
     Operation Hope Veterans Program:
     The Operation Hope Veterans Program supports local veterans receiving voluntary residential treatment for substance use disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder at the Lexington, KY VA. The veterans come out to our center with their recreational therapist, and while here, they connect with the horses and each other. Through the activities offered, such as trail walks, grooming, and leading horses through obstacle courses, veterans learn skills such as problem-solving, emotion regulation, group mediation, and communication. An equine specialist is tasked with educating on horse husbandry and ensuring the safety of both the horses and participants, with multiple trained volunteers on hand to assist during each session. We are proud to have kept our programs 100% free of charge for veterans since the founding of Operation Hope.
     
     Description on website:
     "Operation Hope helps promote healing, personal growth, and increased confidence in veterans and their families. We offer equine-assisted therapy that utilizes the ability of the horse to mirror our emotions, ultimately resulting in enhanced self-awareness. The horse, being a hypervigilant animal, has an innate ability to confront and address an individual’s emotional well-being. We want to share the peace that is felt in the presence of a horse with the men and women who have served our country."
     
     Learning with Libby:
     This is a pilot program and will be added to our main program list providing it is successful and well-received. Learning with Libby is a literacy program aimed at enhancing reading skills and comprehension, and fostering positive attitudes toward literacy in children. Libby, our miniature horse, serves as a source of motivation, visiting the students and bringing with her an 8-week curriculum consisting of weekly educational activities, a book to read, and a unique pen-pal correspondence with Libby.
     
     The first week, Libby visits the students in their classrooms, bringing with her a book to read and a curriculum containing weekly lessons all about horses! She encourages the students to read and write by acting as a “pen-pal”, responding to weekly letters written to her by the students. This encourages the students to use their reading and writing skills. Each week the teachers in the classroom follow a lesson designed to promote both equine learning and reading, writing, and vocabulary. On the final week of the program, students get to come out to Hooves of Hope farm to see Libby again and meet her friends! This day at the farm includes educational activity stations where they get to put their newfound knowledge into practice. They each leave with a goody bag that includes a new book in hopes of continuing to inspire their love of reading!

Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Libby Visits: Libby, our miniature horse, goes to college fairs in order to help with volunteer recruitment. She has visited school groups and camps where staff teach on a topic such as equine grooming or instincts in order to educate children about horse behavior and care. Staff also teach on careers students may find in the equine industry including the world of EAS. Libby has visited nursing homes and the homes of children with terminal illness in order to provide an equine experience to those who would otherwise not have the opportunity.
     
     Horse Visits: Hooves of Hope provides horses to various events as we are able to fulfill requests from the public. Often times the horses are a station in a rotation of stations that children visit to learn about equine care and behavior. Our horses are typically a grooming and or leading station so that children are enabled to learn how to groom and lead a horse.
     
     Filed Trips: Hooves of Hope hosts multiple field trips each year. We have hosted pre-vet college students and taught them about equine vital signs and basic care, special education groups that rotate through stations such as grooming, leading, feeding, and learning horse colors, high school career groups looking at careers in the equine industry, and homeschool co-op groups wishing to explore the EAS industry and what Hooves of Hope provides for our community. These field trips provide ample opportunity to talk about our amazing equine partners and how they can help serve the populations within EAS programs. Field trips are tailored directly to the group coming in as we have had broad ranges of ages, cognitive abilities, and themes within our field trip requests.
     
     Internships: Hooves of Hope hosts multiple interns every year. Interns are typically from Asbury University, University of Kentucky, Midway University, or Eastern Kentucky University and are studying either Equine Studies, Equine Assisted Services, or Social Work. Interns participate in EAS programs, field trips, grant writing, equine care, equine training, and other various needs of our center! Internships are the perfect opportunity to influence the next generation of leaders within our industry of the importance of exceptional equine care, the amazing horse and human bond experienced by our participants, thorough volunteer training, and an overall high standard of practice, through the lens of an EAS center.

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

Trial Period: Check all that apply:
    Equines are on trial for 60 or more days
    The trial period may be reduced based on the equine's progress
    During the trial period, the organization accepts financial responsibility for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care, up to a fixed amount agreed upon by the organization and the owner
    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:
    Physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a trained staff member upon arrival
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned by a veterinarian upon arrival
    Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
    Physical examination by a farrier

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
    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:
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by the veterinarian
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    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:
    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:
Horses must have core vaccinations and a current Coggins before they may come to our property; otherwise, they are not accepted until the owner has fulfilled those requirements and they are at least 2 weeks past when they were vaccinated.
     
     If we have concerns about their health during their quarantine period, we will call the vet out, but it is not a regular part of our intake procedure.
     
     Physical exams will be conducted by a vet as needed for the comfort and health of the horse, but they are not necessarily annual.

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
    A certified euthanasia technician

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
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility

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
    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
    The organization will accept financial responsibility for equines in the current care of the organization that need to be retired or are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization if all alternatives have been explored to find the equine an appropriate placement and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization.

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, the adopter must grant the organization first right of refusal prior to the equine being placed into the possession of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    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 should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that the terms of our organization's agreement will be binding on any future individual or organization taking and/or in possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
    The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make 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 as long as the adopter/purchaser is responsible for the care of the equine

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:
Not applicable; None received


Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Hooves of Hope chooses to only re-home equines to individuals that we personally know and trust such as staff, instructors, volunteers, etc. Horses have never been posted to public sites or advertised as "for sale". Horses may be donated to another 501(c)3 that we know well and work closely with. Therefore, there is not an average rehoming fee at this time.
     
     We would only choose to euthanize a horse at the recommendation of our vet after exhausting all other treatment options.

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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Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center
735 Chenault Bridge Rd LANCASTER KY 40444
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 13

Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 18

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.
     Brittany Fain, Animal Control Officer 210 Doty Heights Lancaster, KY 40444 Phone – (859) 792-1562

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? Yes

Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers AT THIS FACILITY, including instructors, specialists, therapists, counselors, coaches and/or facilitators (full-time, part-time, volunteer, independent contractors, and/or providers accompanying clients) that conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS) AT THIS FACILITY:  6

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

     1. Angela McKenzie
     2. Brielle Draper
     3. Cindy Angel
     4. Jenny Jackson
     5. Laura Friday
     6. McKenna Phelps

To ensure each horse receives its individualized feeding plan, they are fed by our staff daily in their fields which have anywhere from 2-4 horses per field. We prepare grain and supplements in separate buckets and feed one field at a time. Feed is placed into the ground or fence feeders in order of equine dominance, preventing the more dominant horses from taking food from the less dominant ones. A staff member remains with the horses while they eat to make sure each one receives their allotted feed.

Our barn does not have enough stalls for each horse to have their own so an erasable chalk board is present next to each stall. In the morning the names of the horses that are coming in for programing for that day are written on the chalkboard by our equine manager. Staff or volunteers then bring in horses throughout the day as they are needed and put them in their assigned stalls. Additionally, the horses labeled halter is hung outside the stall while the horse is in its stall.

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Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Dr. Martha Rodgers
Clinic Name: Shephard Hill Equine Clinic
N/A
Lexington   KY   40515
Phone: 859-533-7131

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Overview: Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center (*Main) Currently operational
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 25.5
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 6
Pastures: 7  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 0
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 2  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 1










































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

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the barn/structure(s) or exclusively assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier?    No    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or restricted to these sheltered exclusive shelter locations? 4-8
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
    Equines are out 24/7 except when they are being trained
    Equines are out 24/7 except when they are used for the conduct of the organization's programs

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for pasture management, which includes guidelines for seeding, fertilizing, irrigation, mowing, dragging, harrowing, manure removal, removal of debris, the control of poisonous plants, and a schedule for cleaning
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    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:
    This facility does not have turnout areas

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Authorized Personnel Only signs are posted
    Entrance gates are locked at night
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The property is fitted with motion lights
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center (*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
    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 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 Traps and Tapes
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fans

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    Staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    Volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    A specific individual is trained and assigned to care for sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy equines
    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
    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 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 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:
    Name plates are located on the stall/shelter location
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    A map/diagram is posted showing the location of each equine with equine names and photos
    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
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are fitted and utilized for each equine appropriate to the equine's needs and the weather conditions
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are cleaned regularly as needed
    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: Hooves of Hope Equestrian Center: *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 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
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans


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

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

Equine Transportation: 4= Onsite: 0 (0 + 0) + Offsite: 4
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    2 Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
    2 Access offsite;
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
    
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
    
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Financial Reporting
Budget:  $100K to $500K
Equine Budget:   $35K to $50K
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 12
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Compilation
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990


Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  4
Number of Board Members:  6  Number of Voting Board Members:  6

Board Compensation:
Is the Board Chair compensated?  No  Is the Treasurer compensated?  No
Are there any other Voting Board Members that are compensated?  Yes
If yes, provide the name, title and responsibility of each VOTING Board member who is compensated:
Pam Tiemeyer is an independent contractor with Hooves of Hope working part time as our bookkeeper and time staff. She is also a voting board member, but is not compensated for her time on the board.


Board/Staff Relationships:
Are any members of the Board, Staff or Program Participants related to each other through family or business relationships? Yes
If yes, provide the name, title, responsibility and family/business relationship of each Board, Staff member and/or Program Participant.
Lisa Maynard is a board member who's daughter is a program participant.

Board/Staff Affiliations:
Are any Board members providing services to your organization or compensated by your organization, or are any Board members or staff members associated with and/or compensated by another organization with a relationship or business affiliation to your organization? Yes
If yes, provide the name, title, responsibility and family/business relationship of each Board and/or Staff member, and the name of the related organization.
Blair Newsome, the former Executive Director and owner of the facility where programs are conducted, serves as a Board member. Pam Tiemeyer is an independent contractor with Hooves of Hope working part time as our bookkeeper and time staff. She is also a voting board member, but is not compensated for her time on the board.

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:  501(c)(3) designation, active May 2006.
     PATH Center Member 6887190

Organization documents available on our website:
    Equine Intake Guidelines
    Volunteer Handbook

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


Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Laura Friday, Executive Director
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  2  Part-Time:  8  Volunteers:  62
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    Prospective staff/independent contractors complete a written application/agreement
    Our organization has a practice in place to ensure that the organization has sufficient knowledge of the background of prospective staff and independent contractors that may impact the safety of your clients and your horses, such as whether prospective staff/independent contractors serving in the capacity as staff have been convicted of a sexual offense or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect. Such practices must comply with local, state, and federal mandates.
    Staff and/or contractors are required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Staff and/or contractors are required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Staff and/or contractors are required to sign a Photo Release
    Prospective staff/independent contractors are required to undergo a Background Check
    Staff and/or contractors provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Staff and/or contractors carry current health insurance
    Staff and/or contractors have a written job description
    Staff and/or contractors are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Staff and/or contractors are updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Staff and/or contractors receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Staff and/or contractors have a supervisor and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The organization provides a handbook to every member of the staff, including employees and/or independent contractors serving in staff positions;
    The handbook 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 are required to sign a Photo Release
    Prospective volunteers are required to undergo a Background Check
    Volunteers provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Volunteers have written job descriptions
    Volunteers are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Volunteers are updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Volunteers receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Volunteers are assigned a supervisor (staff member and/or senior volunteer) and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The supervisor assesses the volunteer's abilities and assigns specific duties to the volunteer based on their skills
    The organization records and maintains written attendance information and hours on every volunteer
    The organization provides a Volunteer Handbook to every volunteer
    The Volunteer Handbook includes volunteer-related information, such as hours of work, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    The Volunteer Handbook is reviewed annually and updated
    The organization holds regular orientation sessions for volunteers and prospective volunteers that includes an overview of the organization, its mission, activities, volunteer responsibilities and expectations, safety guidelines, and a tour of the facility