MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Unharnessed Potential is a veteran founded, veteran focused nonprofit organization in Fountain, Colorado. Its mission is to provide free equine-assisted mental health and learning services to veterans, helping them heal and thrive through therapeutic connections with rescue horses. The organization aims to continue serving the nation by supporting those who have served.

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.

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:

Commitment to Ethical and Compassionate Human-Equine Interaction
     
     At Unharnessed Potential, we are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical care, safety, and respect in all programs and activities involving equines. We recognize equines as sentient partners—not commodities—and center their dignity, comfort, and well-being in every aspect of our work. Our clinicians as well as our Equine Specialists are certified in both the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) models, which maintain the highest standards of human-equine interactions.
     
     Equine-Centered Design: All of our programs are intentionally designed to prioritize the physical and emotional comfort of the equine. Activities are never forced, coercive, or unnatural. We do not tolerate any practice that may cause distress or harm to our equine partners.
     
     Individual Welfare and Temperament: We ensure that each equine’s individual needs, temperament, and capabilities are carefully considered before participation. Equine involvement is tailored to reflect their personality, preferences, and well-being, ensuring that no equine is placed in a role for which they are not suited.
     
     Environmental Stewardship and Professional Oversight: All interactions take place in a manner that minimizes disruption to the equine’s environment. Our programs are supervised by experienced, trained professionals who are empowered to immediately withdraw an equine showing signs of stress, fatigue, or discomfort. We maintain a robust contingency and equine first aid plan to address unforeseen emergencies swiftly and effectively.
     
     Policy-Driven Ethical Framework: As a Premier credentialed PATH facility, our organization maintains a written policy outlining clear procedures for:
     
     The ethical selection of equines for specific programs
     
     Ongoing monitoring of each equine’s physical and emotional state
     
     Safe and humane mechanisms that allow equines to “opt out” of any activity
     
     Proactive safety protocols for both equines and humans
     
     Alignment of each program with our mission and core values
     
     This ethical framework ensures that our human-equine interactions are not only safe and effective but also deeply respectful of the unique nature and agency of the equines we are privileged to work alongside.

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

3: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Unharnessed Potential

     1 Hollie Christiansen

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Unharnessed Potential

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Psychotherapy/Counseling

         Personal Development Learning

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Social Work Candidate (SWC)- SWC.0000000632
EAGALA Certified
PATH Certified

     2 Mary Beaudin

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Unharnessed Potential

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Psychotherapy/Counseling

         Personal Development Learning

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Licensed Clinical Social Worker- CSW.09930075
EAGALA Certified
PATH Certified

     3 Melissa Muggli

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Unharnessed Potential

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Psychotherapy/Counseling

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor): LPC.0018029
EAGALA Certified (fundamentals)

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Unharnessed Potential
     Unharnessed Potential offers Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) sessions based on the EAGALA model—a structured, team-based approach that incorporates licensed mental health professionals, equine specialists, and equines as equal partners in the therapeutic process. Sessions are 60 minutes in length and focus on experiential, ground-based activities that support emotional healing, behavioral growth, and mental wellness. Disabled veterans struggling with mental health disabilities comprise most of our population served, however we also serve others in the community with our trauma-informed approach.
     
     Equine-Assisted Learning at Unharnessed Potential
     Unharnessed Potential conducts Equine Assisted Learning, a non-therapeutic, experiential approach that builds life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation through structured interactions with equines. Sessions are conducted by credentialed providers and equine specialists to ensure that every session is safe, goal-driven, and respectful of the equine as a sentient partner in the learning process—empowering participants to grow personally, academically, and professionally.

Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     At Unharnessed Potential we host quarterly 1-day outreach activities that focus on educating and promoting the horse-human bond, promoting the welfare and best care practices for equines, and how horses enhance peoples lives. These programs have focused on developmentally challenged and at-risk youth, military service members and their families, and the surrounding communities.

Research/Medical Use of Equines:
Our organization has never made, and would not ever consider making, equines available for research studies or medical training that involves invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine. 

Religious Affiliation:
Our organization does not promote religious education, religious purposes, or a specific religious faith or use donations for religious education or religious purposes; require participants to be of a certain faith; require participation in religious, instruction, activities or services; or require participation in prayer, worship, religious instruction or other religious activities as a condition of receiving social or secular services offered. 

Auction Donation:
Our organization has never allowed, or would not consider allowing, an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter. 

POLICIES: 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 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 not taken on trial

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 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
    Clipping

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 a trained staff member
    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 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:
    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:
    No equines are ridden; not applicable


Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   Weekly

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
NO EQUINES are ridden as part of our programs. Our mental health programs are ALL GROUND BASED; however, equines are ridden for exercise.

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
    Senior staff with appropriate training
    Employee of animal control shelter or humane society with appropriate training
    Veterinary student under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

Re-homing Agreement not applicable.
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines for their lifetimes.

Our organization 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:
    The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines for their lifetimes.
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    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.

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 1

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Unharnessed Potential
8655 Kane Rd FOUNTAIN CO 80817
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 5
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 0
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 7

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.
     El Paso County Sheriff's Office email: shrcommunity@elpasoco.com Address: 27 East Vermijo Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: 719-520-7100 Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region email: info@hsppr.org Address: 610 Abbot Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 phone:719-473-1741

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:  3

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

     1. Hollie Christiansen
     2. Mary Beaudin
     3. Melissa Muggli

Horses are turned out from 0900-1700 (8 hours) daily and have access to shelters 24/7 while turned out. Horses are confined to 2 acre dry lot with run-in shelters from 1700-0900 (16 hours).

We have 2 equines on senior grain. They are hand-fed grain daily.

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Grounds: Unharnessed Potential (*Main) Currently operational This section is required.
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 10
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 0  Run-in sheds: 3
Pastures: 3  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 3
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 2  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?    No    
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 4 to 8 hours per day

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
    Barbed wire is used for fencing
    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
    Turnout areas have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    The property owner, staff member or caretaker lives on the premises and ensures that public access is restricted and is responsible for the security of the facility and equines
    There is a practice in place to monitor equines overnight
    By Appointment Only signs are posted.
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Hold Harmless 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 property is fitted with a security system that is monitored internally by staff (or the property owner)
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Unharnessed Potential (*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 would use free cloud-based barn management software if available

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
    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:
    Feed Through Products
    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
    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

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure is piled in an area where equines are not located
    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:
    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
    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:
     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
    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 by trained personnel when an equine's body condition changes
    Assigned tack is clearly labeled
    Tack is stored in a climate-controlled location
    No equines are ridden; not applicable.

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Emergency Preparedness: Unharnessed Potential: *Main This section is required.
The following plans, policies, and procedures are in place at the facility to handle emergencies and address weather related issues, fire safety procedures, and/or any additional hazardous scenarios the facility could potentially experience:
    Emergency procedures are posted prominently
    Emergency phone numbers are posted prominently
    The facility owns or has access to a generator
    The facility maintains at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings and medications
    The facility collects and maintains medical information from staff, volunteers, and clients
    The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
    The organization has a written emergency preparedness/safety plan (EPP)
The written EPP addresses the following areas:
    Local fire department and/or the state's emergency planning department procedures
    Medical emergencies for clients, staff, and volunteers
    Medical emergencies for equines
    Evacuation plans
    Power outages
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans


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

How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Monthly
Smoke detectors are checked: Quarterly
Fence lines are checked: Weekly
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: Annually
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually

Equine Transportation: 2= Onsite: 2 (2 + 0) + Offsite: 0
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite  
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
    
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite  
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
    
10-horse van/trailer with truck: