EQUUS Foundation

MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Special Equestrians, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to enrich the lives of people with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges through a relationship with a horse.

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 community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
100% of our total programs and services are horse-related.
Our organization does not use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
    Therapeutic Mounted Services
    Therapeutic Unmounted Services
    Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

6: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Special Equestrians, Inc.

     1. Ellen Davis

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Special Equestrians, Inc.

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Licensed Occupational Therapist
AHA Licensed Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist

2. Kathleen Claybrook

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Special Equestrians, Inc.

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health

3. Kelsey Thabes

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Special Equestrians, Inc.

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor, BA in Political Science & BS in Rehab & Disability Studies

4. Madison Pozzo

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Special Equestrians, Inc.

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

5. Matthew Bunt

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Special Equestrians, Inc.

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

6. Sally Cope

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Special Equestrians, Inc.

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Our Equine Assisted Activities consist of four programs; Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy, Horseabilities, and Horsemanship. They are designed to address the needs of individuals with differing stages of ability from outwardly appearing typical riders to someone who may be non-verbal or dependent on a wheelchair. Through the implementation of these diverse programs, Special Equestrians addresses the various cognitive, physical, and emotional needs of our community.

     Therapeutic Riding is geared towards participants with a broad group of diagnoses of primarily mild to moderate severity. Instructors focus on improving strength, balance, and cognition through teaching participants horseback riding skills you would learn in a typical riding lesson. They weave important focusing, processing, and decision-making skills into each lesson through the use of patterns and obstacles. Many classes include a trip through the sensory trail where “horse” washes made of swim noodles, wind chimes, and numerous activities are designed to promote sensory integration. Social skills are enhanced through interaction with volunteers, staff, and fellow riders. Each class is taught in groups of up to four riders to allow for shared experiences with peers that may have similar abilities and to encourage social interaction. Participants may start with up to three volunteers and work toward increasing their independence as their skills progress.

     Additionally, Summer Camps offer another therapeutic riding opportunity, giving riders an in-depth look at proper horse care. They learn to groom and tack their horses in preparation for their daily lessons, clean stalls, and complete barn chores. Classroom time includes lessons on horse anatomy, simple first aid, cleaning tack, and features a visit from our veterinarian. Riders achieve a sense of independence and confidence as they learn to care for their horses and equipment.

     Hippotherapy allows the client to receive Occupational Therapy from the back of a horse. These participants typically cannot sit independently or may not be able to stand or bear weight. For many individuals, poor postural control, decreased coordination, or impaired sensory processing may limit their independence in their home or school environment and negatively affect their quality of life. By combining the movement of the horse with specially designed activities and movement patterns, the therapist works to target specific muscles and improve sensory processing of the client. The rider is then educated on how to use these improvements to increase independence in functional tasks such as walking, dressing, eating, and work or school activities.

     Horseabilities is a transitional class for riders who previously received occupational therapy services at Special Equestrians and still need additional support but are ready for group activities. It is supervised by both a therapist and instructor. Volunteers are specially trained to give correct support and the riders are more carefully monitored for fatigue. Horseabilities classes consist of up to four participants who participate in activities on our Miracolt – a mechanical device designed to mimic the movement of a real horse. The Miracolt allows for increased support from the volunteers and therapist in a highly controlled setting, giving the rider time to stretch out before their ride or be supported after the ride in the case of early fatigue.

     Horsemanship is an experience for those not able to ride. They learn to lead and care for their horse through activities adapted for their level of mobility. This program provides interaction with the horse and volunteer team to promote increases in confidence, self-esteem, and possibly skills for future employment.

     The uniqueness and adaptability of the horse allows us to cater to the diverse needs of our participants so that all may benefit from our programs.

     Our organization conducts services 35 weeks annually, primarily in the spring and fall. With the majority of our lesson groups consisting of 3-4 riders, we provide over 1800 hours of EAAT in a typical year (with 2020 and 2021 being atypical due to COVID-19). We have found that a two-week break in between terms is optimum for keeping our horses mentally and physically sound. Because our arenas are not enclosed (although one is covered, for which we are grateful), we also consider the weather when determining when to hold session. Even in the south we have temperatures below freezing quite frequently in December and January. On the other end of the spectrum, August temperatures often rise above 100 with the heat index. Because these conditions make intensive outdoor activities unsafe for participants, volunteers, staff, and horses, so we refrain from holding sessions during these months.

     Our small staff uses time outside of program activities to address our other needs, which include evaluating prospective participants, training horses and volunteers, fundraising, and general administration of our programs. In January, we hold instructor workshops, the annual board planning meeting, and other necessary events to help keep our programs running smoothly. This year we are also hosting the PATH Region 5 Conference in July.

Community Outreach and/or Public Education:

Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
We are occasionally asked to speak to school age children and service organizations such as Kiwanis or Rotary Clubs about Equine assisted activities. We also participate in disability fairs and programs when available.

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: ACQUISITION

Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Donation
    Lease
    Purchase/Adoption from Owner
    Return

Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Auction
    Kill pen/Feedlot
    Surrender
    Seizure
    Abandonment

Our organization will accept the following:
    Geldings
    Mares

Not Checked:
    Pregnant Mares
    Foals
    Stallions
    Only Stallions to be castrated

Additional information about our acquisition policies and practices:
Special Equestrians takes careful consideration into how equines are selected to participate in our equine assisted activities and therapies, for the benefit of not only our participants but the horses themselves. Horse owners contact us when they believe they have a horse that may be good for our program. In order for the program to consider this acquisition, the owner must answer a detailed questionnaire about the horse and be available for trained staff from our program to meet and evaluate the horse in person. Horses that are taken in on our standard 90 day trial must show that they are comfortable working in an arena with other horses, several volunteers, and a variety of different riders. For the benefit of the horse, the staff slowly introduces the equine into daily programs and evaluates their comfort level with new situations. Horses that are quiet and confident in this new atmosphere after 90 days may be accepted into the program, and the previous owner may choose to lease or donate the horse to the program. Horses that exhibit signs of unease or stress in the therapeutic riding environment after 90 days (or prior if it is clear the horse will not work) are returned to the owner. If there is a possibility the horse could still be considered, the trial period may be extended.

POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAININING

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the horse:
    A current Coggins
    Vaccination records that have been administered within the last 12 months
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, the owner is responsible for having vaccinations administered.
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Not Checked:
A health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival attesting to the health status of the equine is provided to our organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine

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
    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 total financial responsibility for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care
    The trial period may be terminated by either the organization or the owner for any reason

Not Checked:
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    Equines are not taken on trial
    Equines are on trial for up to 30 days
    Equines are on trial up to 60 days
    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
    During the trial period, the owner/donor is financially responsible for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care

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

Not Checked:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian upon arrival and/or prior to quarantine departure
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Blood work other than Coggins
    The equine is scanned to check for a microchip
    The equine is microchipped if the scan indicates that there is no microchip

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

Not Checked:
The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine off-site for a prescribed period of time
The equine is not quarantined

The typical length of quarantine is:   Up to 10 days

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

Not Checked:
    Jumping
    Driving (Pulling a carriage)
    Clipping

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
    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
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually

Not Checked:
    Photographs are taken of each equine monthly and kept with the equine's health records
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records

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

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
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:
    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
    Temperature and/or weather conditions
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations

Not Checked:
    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
    Our organization does not evaluate 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:
In order for equines to be accepted on the premises, the previous owner must show proof of a negative Coggins test as well as up to date vaccinations. New horses are placed in a quarantine stall and turnout where there is no danger of nose-to-nose contact with the program’s current horses to avoid spreading any potential illness. Once a horse is settled, trained staff implements a training program to assess the equine’s readiness and adaptability to a career in equine assisted therapy. The Executive Director, Assistant Director, and other trained personnel are the only ones permitted to exercise the new addition until the horse is cleared for volunteer exercise staff. We have just started scoring on the Henneke Body Condition Score.

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, does NOT breed equines.

Not Checked:
The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, breeds equines
The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, are permitted to house stallions

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization may have a healthy equine euthanized if it is a threat to itself, other equines, or people and euthanasia is recommended by a veterinarian
    Our organization may 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

Not Checked:
Our organization will never have a healthy equine euthanized under any circumstances
Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility

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

Not Checked:
    A certified euthanasia technician
    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
    Not applicable. Our organization prohibits euthanasia under any circumstances

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
We would not typically euthanize a healthy horse in any circumstance. But if a horse became unmanageable and was a threat to others and itself, we would consider euthanasia if no suitable placement could be found.

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

View Re-homing Agreement
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Our organization does NOT re-home an equine to first time equine owners
    Our organization will only re-home an equine to a location where another equine resides
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility
    Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates

Not Checked:
Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that 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 unannounced visits
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year

Not Checked:
    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 re-homed equines CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances.
    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 adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization free of charge
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization for a fee
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for two years
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for three or more years
    None of the statements are included.
    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 does not have the authority to transfer ownership and/or does not own any of the equines involved with our programs.

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

Not Checked:
Farrier
Not applicable or no references required.

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:
$501 to $750

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer useful, 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 unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian

Not Checked:
    Equines may be sent to auction
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    If a suitable home cannot be located within 12 months, the equine may be euthanized
    If a suitable home cannot be located, and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization, the organization will secure a suitable home for the equine and accept financial responsibility for the lifetime of the equine

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Re-homing is only done when a horse is no longer suitable for Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies due to age, health, and/or change in suitability. Older horses who are retired are occasionally re-homed to suitable supporters of the program for the remainder of their lives. A re-homing agreement is drawn up for such circumstances.

     Younger horses who are still capable of work other than therapeutic riding may be sold if the previous owner is not interested in taking the horse back. In this case the horse is only sold to individuals who are known by the program or can provide excellent references.
     Rehoming/Bill of sale uploaded.