MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
White Bird is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, retraining where necessary, and the adoption of abused, neglected and at-risk Appaloosa and other equine breeds, specifically those in urgent need, in the local community, the State of Virginia, and nationally.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue, adoption & retirement
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:
In the past year we have taken in owner surrenders (on the rise) and Animal Control seizures. We have also had, as is our policy, a returning adoption. We have continued to provide a safe “landing” for horses in desperate need and regardless of age or condition, who have nowhere else to go. The fate of these, generally, unmarketable horses is uncertain, especially if they are no longer rideable. We rehabilitate, retrain and, wherever possible, rehome them. If they cannot be rehomed, for whatever reason (age, medical, blind) they will live out the remainder of their lives at the rescue in safety and dignity. These have been our goals for the past 23 years, and we continue to achieve them both factually and spiritually. The rescue has always been volunteer run, with no paid staff. This has enabled us to fully utilize funding (donations, grants) to the benefit of the horses. Revenue has been sustained through our Sponsorship program as well as an extensive donor base. Fund raising through events, or online call-outs to cover specific costs (for instance an enucleation) have continued maintain our bottom line. We maintain a strict intake policy to ensure both financial stability and the standards of care demanded by our Accreditation status at GFAS, and Guardianship at Equus. Whilst this means taking hard decisions on intake we also provide assistance to owners wherever possible in their attempts to rehome. We continue to work with other rescues both within Virginia, through VAERO and the Virginia Partnership for Horses, and also rescue groups in other states. The rescue is assured of a home as it leases barn and paddock space for a peppercorn rent on the farm owned by the President and Vice-President. This situation will continue through a trust fund set up to ensure the wellbeing of the horses who mare in residence at the point of its implementation. The plight of older horses who have little value as they have come to the end of their working life is dire. Our typical calls for help are from an owner who can no longer afford to look after a horse they have had for many years, or from the family (who have little or no horse care ability) of an owner who has died and left them his horses. This is my segway into your second statement question, as these horses actually have value at White Bird through their interaction with our volunteers.


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:

The core of our volunteer interaction with the rescued horses is Trust. That is the equine trusts the handler to protect them from perceived dangers, and the handler trusts the equine to behave correctly in all situations. Our rescues come from a variety of backgrounds, some might have a complete history going back 20 years for an equine with one owner. Others may have little or no history after being seized. Assessing both physical and behavioral aspects of each rescue is carried out on intake, through our veterinary, farrier, and our experienced equine handler. During the quarantine period our handler works with the equine to establish trust and identify any behaviors that might preclude general handling by all volunteers. A special routine will be set up for such equines. Once through initial handling (which includes basic groundwork and may need some desensitizing) volunteers are encouraged to get to know the equine prior to its joining one of the herds. The rescue maintains a range of paddocks suited to the particular requirements of each equine. There are several two-horse paddocks with a combination of blind horse and sighted companion, or two blind or partially sighted horses. These are generally bonded pairs and would not be adopted out except as a pair. Two larger paddocks are dedicated, one for geldings and one for mares. An adjacent paddock allows for newcomers (once their quarantine time is over) to have proximity to the herd they may be joining, thus reducing the trauma of the necessary “pecking order” activities. Veterinary and farrier care are established as regular routines. Once in a herd, handling work continues, with volunteers carrying out daily turnout and evening feed routines as well as grooming and other seasonal activities. The rescue has an inclusive policy for volunteering, from children from the age of 6 years old to octogenarians, and of all shapes and sizes. All volunteers, regardless of experience, go through an orientation on interaction with equines, and instruction on Equine Injury Protocols and Biosecurity, as well as the importance of nutrition, clean water, fresh hay, and clean stalls and bedding. It is a major rule that once in the rescue site, attention is on the horses at all times. Handling training is carried out by our experienced handler, to ensure consistency in interaction with the horses. Routine handling is carried out by individual volunteers and, unless there is a perceived risk they haven’t noticed occurring, no interference or conversation should take place. Ear buds are not allowed when handling horses, and volunteers are instructed on signs to look for that may prewarn them of a change in a horse’s behavior. Safety is paramount and both the facilities and handling conform to the AAEP Care Guidelines for Rescue and Retirement Facilities. We are proud that we can take volunteers with no experience of horses and provide training that will ensure their safety, and the safety of the horses they handle, so that they can enjoy the value of this interaction. It has been said (attributed to Winston Churchill) that “there is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man”. We know that all our volunteers would say “amen” to that.

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     The Rescue is mainly concerned with catching at-risk horses before they are picked up by dealers and headed for the auction feed lots. This can be by working with owners to find homes, if there is no room at the rescue. The Rescue has excellent relations with local ACOs as another source of at-risk horses. Once at the Rescue each horse is given a thorough appraisal by our vet and any needed treatment, provided farrier care, and remains in quarantine until declared healthy. Rehabilitation is carried out under the oversight of our veterinary, especially with the care of underweight horses. Retraining and handling is undertaken by an experienced handler, for the safety of volunteers, and where little is known about the horse's prior life. Rehoming and adoption are also activities of the rescue and receive critical inspection before release to adopter.
Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     The Rescue interacts with local organizations. These include: Boy and Girl Scouts, elder and disabled groups, students in secondary and higher education, including college service fraternities and sororities, the local justice system, as well as sports teams. Visitors are educated about the rescue and rescued horses, and as volunteer groups they can work with the horses and learn about their care and welfare.
     The rebuilding of the donated truss and pvc/canvass covered building to be used as an indoor arena, continues but contractor problems have delayed the rebuild. Funding for the construction phase was, we felt, adequate to carry out all the main work, but has not been acceptable to contractors we have met with. We will also need some additional fund raising before completion. When finished it will enable the Rescue to work with horses and volunteers in all weathers, a vast improvement on our outdoor facilities. It will also be a venue for events and education programs for those groups already identified. The Rescue volunteer training continues to concentrate on our young women's leadership and self-esteem, with a continuing high level of mother/daughter volunteers.
     Specific programs include:
     1. Concentration on leadership, self-esteem and motivational experience through horses for young women.
     2. Community Service opportunities for both juveniles and adults within the court services justice system, and for students in secondary and higher education.
     3. Venue for Boy and Girl Scouts to learn about horse care and rescue issues.
     4. Venue for special needs and cognitively impaired groups to enjoy the company of horses.
     5. Venue for veteran involvement.

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
    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
    Physical examination by a farrier
    The equine is microchipped if the equine has not been microchipped

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
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by the veterinarian
    Vaccinations are administered at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine 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):   As needed; no set schedule

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Equines received from Animal Control are not evaluated prior to arrival, but are required to be quarantined at the facility in accordance with our procedures.
     Rescues are taken in by the rescue on the basis of need. This means most are older, have medical conditions that preclude riding. However, we do assess for rideability and at the moment we have no rideable equines, with one awaiting test rides upon rehabilitation.

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.

Additional information about our breeding policies and practices:
Our Adoption contract also stipulates no breeding of mares.

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian if the equine is a threat to itself, other equines, or people
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

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

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
All euthanized horses are interred on the premises according to the Code of Virginia for disposal.

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 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
    Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine

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
    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 states that the re-homed equine CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances and must be returned to our organization should the adopter decide that he/she is no longer able, or no longer wishes, to care for the equine.
    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 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 can return an equine to our organization free of charge
    Our organization microchips all equines that are not already microchipped before the adoption and/or transfer of the equine if the organization has the authority to microchip the equine.
    The agreement includes the microchip number of the equine.

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

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Our organization retains ownership of the equine for its lifetime

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
$501 to $750

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
In that the Rescue retains the right to have the horse returned for a variety of reasons, the Rescue retains co-ownership of the horse throughout the rest of its life. The rescue provides sufficient available paddock and/or stall space as an emergency facility that no returned adoption has been refused. With an aging population of senior equines we expect to maintain spare capacity by attrition, and there is no scenario where the number of returning adoptions would be too great to house.

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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White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue
1688 Burkes Tavern Road Burkeville VA 23922
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: 27

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.
     Nottoway County Sheriff's Office Mailing address: P.O. Box 6 Nottoway, Virginia 23955 Physical address: 266 West Courthouse Road Crewe, VA 23930 (434) 645-9044 (434) 645-1915 Fax rjones@nottowaysheriff.org

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

The perimeter of the paddocks holding the rescue horses is fully fenced, and the only gate with direct access to the driveway and road entrance is locked. Our 4 barns are spread across roughly 1/4 mile of driveway. Each barn has a feed room and a centralized feed checklist covering all the horses in that barn. The Barn Manager keeps a master list for all the barns.

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Grounds: White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue (*Main) Currently operational This section is required.
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 40
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 5  Run-in sheds: 8
Pastures: 2  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 11
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? 9-12
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 9 to 15 hours per day
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in if there is inclement weather

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    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
    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 a security system that is monitored internally by staff (or the property owner)

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue (*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?
    Our organization utilizes a software application to maintain records
    The organization utilizes its own system 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
    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
    Premise Sprays/Insecticides
    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
    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
    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

Additional information on biosecurity:
We have a plan in place for incoming horses and their handling, under our Quarantine Procedure. We also have procedures for volunteers and visitors that cover biosecurity.

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 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/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 only when needed
    No equines are ridden; not applicable.

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Emergency Preparedness: White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue: *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: Annually
Fence lines are checked: Daily
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: Annually
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Not at all/NA
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Annually
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Quarterly

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

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Financial Reporting
Budget:  $10K to $100K
Equine Budget:   $50K to $100K
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 12
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Compilation
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990
View the IRS Form 990/Pro Forma 990

Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  2
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?  No
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.
Jorg Huckabee-Mayfield, President and Thomas F. Mayfield, Vice President, are husband and wife. Thomas F. Mayfield also serves as CFO. Please note that both Officers can be removed from the BOD by simple majority vote, should the Board ever decide this to be in the best interests of the organization.

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.
Founders (Board President/CSO & VP/CFO) own the facility used by the organization. The organization operates on the property under a lease agreement of $1/yr for 10 years.

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:  GFAS Accredited- full Accreditation in 2012, 2016,2020 and 2024. Winner of 2014 Carole Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence. The Rescue is a member of the Homes for Horses Coalition, and the President is an HfH Council Member.
     
     Registered with Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the VA Department of Taxation. IRS 501c3.

Organization documents available on our website:
    Most recent IRS Form 990
    Adoption/Foster Agreement

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 & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Jorg Huckabee-Mayfield, President
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  0  Part-Time:  0  Volunteers:  30
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    Not applicable; We do not have paid staff or utilize contractors to perform staff functions.

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
    Volunteers provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    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 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

Additional explanation regarding governance, staffing and volunteer practices or further explanation of the answers above.
The Rescue has 6 Board positions but currently 4 are filled and 2 are vacant, and are jn the process of finding suitable candidates.
     The Rescue has no paid employees but 2 board members who work full time in the operation of the Rescue, plus other Board Members who work part-time.
     The volunteer handbook has been distributed as a folder of Volunteer Notes. It currently contains sections on volunteer responsibilities, health and safety policies, emergency policies, our policy on photos and printed information, and the care, feeding and treatment of rescued horses.