MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Our Mission is to provide abandoned farm animals with permanent, healthy homes where they can live free of abuse or cruelty, to provide education for the local and broader communities about the well-being of animals, and to promote a culture of equity between animals, people, and the planet.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue & retirement
Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Over 50% 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:

1. The life and daily experience of the Sanctuary's equines are the first priority in the equine-human relationship at Merrymac Farm Sanctuary. Equine spaces are not accessible to visitors, and each equine's personal space is prioritized as well: visitors are not permitted to approach or enter an equine's personal space and instead must wait to be approached by an equine first. Exception to these two policies are Sanctuary staff, veterinarians, or farriers only when in the course of their professional work of providing care or medical attention to Sanctuary equines. Likewise, for the only program the Sanctuary operates that involves equines--introductory horsemanship, provided to staff as part of their training--only horses whose current health and general and current temperament indicate they would not be made uncomfortable or otherwise become taxed by participation are involved in this training. While not precisely a program, the Sanctuary does offer tours open to the public and a few annual events where the public is able to come to the Sanctuary to learn about its animal residents and the importance of humane treatment of animals. The Sanctuary's policy and guidelines detailed above apply explicitly during any and all of these tours and events. The Sanctuary does not transport equines off-site for educational activities or other programs.
     
     2. All equines at the Sanctuary have access to clean drinking water at all times. Those who are able physically to eat hay have access to it at all times. Those who are not receive mash multiple times a day. All equines have an individualized dietary plan and receive supplements and medications as directed and in consultation with our veterinarians. All equines at the Sanctuary--unless medically impaired from doing so--have access to pasture everyday, and likewise all equines at the Sanctuary receive regular and ongoing veterinary, farrier, and dental care. All equines have large, comfortable stalls or larger partitioned indoor areas in our barns, protecting them from inclement weather and allowing for safe and healthy movement while indoors (in additional to daily outdoor time in one of our several fenced pastures), and each equine has daily opportunities to interact freely and safely with other equines in those paddocks. The Sanctuary practices a careful, planned, organized rotation schedule to manage this each day throughout the year and its seasons, adjusting when the weather is such that it would be unhealthy for the equines to be outside (e.g., winter storms).

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     Merrymac Farm Sanctuary provides abandoned equines with permanent, healthy homes and lifetime care where they can live free of abuse or cruelty. The Sanctuary's primary goal is to provide a safe, long-term environment where equines can live out their lives in peace and dignity. The Sanctuary focuses on animal welfare and aims to offer a compassionate alternative to euthanasia or continued suffering in unfavorable conditions. Rather than aiming to find homes for adoptable equines, Merrymac Farm Sanctuary provides that lifetime care for equines in need, typically equines coming from abuse or neglect situations, as well as some equines from owners who--due to age, health, or economic hardship--are no longer able to care for their equines. In the latter cases, if the equines are adoptable, the Sanctuary upon being contacted regularly seeks to use its network to connect the owner with shelter and adoption organizations, in order to preserve Sanctuary space for equines who are un-adoptable. However, each equine in need has a unique story; in whatever way is in the best interest of the equine in question, the Sanctuary uses its resources to the greatest extent of its capacity.
     
     Equines who come to live at Merrymac Farm Sanctuary have their own stalls or indoor areas (sometimes joint larger areas when they prefer to be together, such as with two separate pairs of donkeys here). They receive daily care from a staff of animal care specialists and trained volunteers, which involves individualized dietary and feeding plans, daily cleaning of stalls, daily turnout, regularly veterinary and farrier care, and regular and seasonally appropriate grooming. When the sad day arrives that an equine resident is at the end of their life, they are under the care of our veterinarians and staff in whatever way is in the animal's best interest until the very end. To the extent possible, equines who have passed away are buried at the sanctuary; otherwise, their remains are managed in the most compassionate way available at the time, through one of a few local services in our area that help us with this.
Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Merrymac Farm Sanctuary offers a limited selection of educational programs to the public. Our equines are involved in these programs according to our internal policy and guidelines governing equine-human interaction (which always point favorably to the equine's interests). The Sanctuary's introductory horsemanship program provided to staff as part of their training is not a public education program but is specifically intended to educate staff members in positive, equine-favoring interactions, so that every staff member is onboarded understanding equines' needs and how to be kind, respectful, and caring at all times with them. Only horses whose current health and general and current temperament indicate they would not be made uncomfortable or otherwise become taxed by participation are involved in this training.
     
     The Sanctuary offers a few public education programs, specifically Sanctuary tours and a few annual events where the public is able to come to the Sanctuary to learn about its animal residents and the importance of humane treatment and overall welfare of animals. The Sanctuary's policy and guidelines detailed in our overview and mentioned above likewise apply explicitly during any and all of these tours and events.
     
     The Sanctuary's education programs discussed in our Overview section further our public education efforts.
     
     None of our programs, activities, or interactions with our equines are mounted activities.
     
     The Sanctuary does not transport equines off-site for educational activities or other programs.

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. 

Our Programs/Activities that are not equine-related and/or involving animals other than equines:
 Our Sanctuary operates humane education programs for students from late elementary through college age, and all of these programs involve both equines at the Sanctuary and the other Sanctuary animals (sheep, pigs, goats, cows, turkeys, chickens, ducks, and rabbits) in age- and developmentally-appropriate ways. Our after-school programs for the younger students are six-week sessions on Monday afternoons from 3:30-5:30 p.m. during which the students learn how to help care for the animals and also about animal welfare. Our high school internship programs run for seven weeks in the summer, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.. These interns learn about the care and wellbeing of our resident animals, assist in feeding, turnout, cleaning, medicating, observing any farrier/vet work that is happening at these times, have classroom time to learn about each of the species of animals that reside at the Sanctuary, and take a deeper look into the day-to-day operations of running a sanctuary and how best to care for individualized animals, as well as learning about herd management. Our college internships run for 12 weeks, 20 hours each week, during the summer and each semester, either from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. College interns work in the areas of animal care, marketing/social media, and educational programs.

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 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:   20 to 30 days

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a veterinarian upon arrival
    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

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
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    Clipping
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by the veterinarian
    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):   Not applicable; our horses are all retired

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
    Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

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

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

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.

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
As a Sanctuary, we do not adopt out our Equines.

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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The Merrymac Farm Sanctuary
490 LIME KILN RD CHARLOTTE VT 05445
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 23
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 0
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 30

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.
     Sgt. Dana Joyal, Essex District Office, 111 West Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452. dana.joyal@state.vt.us (802) 498-5469. dana.joyal@state.vt.us

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? No

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Grounds: The Merrymac Farm Sanctuary (*Main) Currently operational This section is required.
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 13
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 2  Run-in sheds: 2
Pastures: 5  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 3
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? 13-16
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
    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
    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

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
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Authorized Personnel Only signs are posted
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The property is fitted with motion lights
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: The Merrymac Farm Sanctuary (*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?
    Onsite computer with cloud-based backup storage system
    Our organization utilizes a software application to maintain records
    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
    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
    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
    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 piled in an area where equines are not located
    Manure is hauled, sold or given away
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by the state, local authorities, and/or our organization's veterinarian

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    Equines are assigned the same exclusive stall/shelter location each day
    Name plates are located on the stall/shelter location
    Photos are located on the stall/shelter location
    Equines wear halters with nametags
    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
    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:
    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
    No equines are ridden; not applicable.

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Emergency Preparedness: The Merrymac Farm Sanctuary: *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 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
    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: Annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Annually
Fence lines are checked: Weekly
Turnout Areas are checked: Weekly
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: Not at all/NA
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Quarterly
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Not at all/NA
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually

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