EQUINE WELFARE NETWORK PROFILE
Shining Hope Farms



Shining Hope Farms
328 Whippoorwill Lane
Mt. Holly, NC 28120

Mailing Address:
P.O Box 1036
Mount Holly, NC 28120


Phone: 704-827-3788  MAKE AN INQUIRY

View our WEBSITE

EIN: 30-0067482
Founded: 2002

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Profile Last Updated April 30, 2022

Public Charity


Equine Welfare Network Guardian
AWARDED ANNUALLY
Effective Date
May 2022

The Guardian Seal of Transparency is awarded annually to recognize an organization's commitment to transparency and accountability by their willingness to make comprehensive data about their programs, horse care practices, and governance available for public scrutiny. The Guardian Seal of Transparency is NOT an endorsement.
Awarded Annually
Effective Date: May 2022
Last Updated: July 07, 2022

Shining Hope Farms has not attained the Guardian designation for 2023. To view the 2022 Guardian information, click here.

MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Shining Hope Farms is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enable children and adults to reach their full potential through the use of equine assisted activities and therapies.

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.
95% of our total programs and services are horse-related.
Our organization uses satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities which adhere to all the policies, procedures and practices of our organization

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following equine assisted services (EAS):
    Therapeutic Mounted Services
    Therapeutic Unmounted Services
    Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)
    Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology
Not Checked:
    Therapeutic Driving Services
    Therapeutic Vaulting Services
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development


Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Since 2002 our ultimate goal has been to foster quality of life improvements for children and adults with disabilities and to serve these individuals without discrimination, including that of finances as 40% of our clients are below 200% of the poverty line. The majority of our clients pay no out of pocket costs for our services. We aim for 85% of these clients to make functional gains during their time in our programs.
     
     The horse's 3-dimensional gait mimics the human gait(or walking)pattern more so than anything else natural or man-made. Our clients (and their muscles) learn this normal pattern just by straddling the horse, which has led to many of our clients to learning to walk.
     
     Therapeutic Riding Program - A PATH Intl. certified instructor conducts these group lessons where individuals are taught horseback riding skills as well as participate in games and activities that aid in balance and coordination. The lessons are recreational in nature and the riders are assisted by a horse leader and side walkers which provide a safe and enjoyable social environment.
     
     Therapy Services Program - This program, conducted by licensed healthcare professionals, provides rehabilitative therapy (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Speech Therapy) that uses the equine movement as a treatment tool -- a treatment strategy called Hippotherapy. Onsite clinics are also used for off-mounted activities to help achieve certain goals. An emphasis is placed on serving low-income families in the community and most of the participants are able to access our program free of charge.
     
     Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) - In 2019, Shining Hope Farms launched a mental health program at the Conover location. EAP is defined as an interactive process in which a licensed mental health professional works with, or as, an appropriately credentialed equine professional partner, using suitable equine(s) to address psychotherapy goals set forth by the mental health professional and the client in group and individual sessions.
     
     Saddles and Salutes is a program at Shining Hope Farms that serves Veterans as a part of their community support system for Veteran wellness. Veterans are able to select from any of our above service offerings including group PTS mental health counseling.
     
     In a previously conducted study, patients in our Therapy Services Program were assessed to see their functional gains after receiving treatment. The outcome showed that 90% of clients had a significant increase in functional capacity from pre-evaluation to post-evaluation.
     
     Through our programs, our clients build strength, life skills, and independence resulting in them becoming more productive citizens in the community. This benefits their families, neighborhoods, and schools and contributes to a stronger, healthier community overall.
     
     Our clients find strength and wellness on the back of a horse.


Community Outreach and/or Public Education:
Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Community Service Programs - Shining Hope Farms hosts many workdays both with local organizations and Charlotte based corporations such as Hands-On-Charlotte, a local chapter of the national Hands-On Network. Additionally, Shining Hope Farms hosts numerous Eagle Scout projects, helping Boy Scouts to obtain their Eagle Scout award, and Girl Scout projects to help Girl Scouts to achieve their Girl Scout Gold Award. Volunteers also participate in the horse-related programs throughout the year. We are collaborating with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public School system, particularly with the Emerald School of excellence and the judicial system in the counties where our facilities operate to provide mandated community service hours for offenders.

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:
 All three farms have small animals used for interaction as part of treatment strategies (including a bunny and cat(s) at each location) or lesson plans in our therapeutic programs.
     
     We also treat our patients in our OT, PT, and SLP Programs in our clinic during a portion of their weekly session, as well as one week a month during our "clinic week."


EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICE PROVIDERS


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

10: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Shining Hope Farms Mecklenburg Location

15: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

6: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Shining Hope Farms Conover Location

     1. Alicia Newell

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Mecklenburg Location

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         Shining Hope Farms Conover Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Alicia is a LMFT-A contract counselor with us.
Provider License: LMFT #1541, LCMHS #8685, LMFT-S #144266

She is supervised by Linda V. Hanby, MA, LMFT, LCMHC-S who is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor with:
Hope Garden Counseling Center
4232 Shopton Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28217
704-488-4889
therapistlindahanby@gmail.com


     2. Amber Costello

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Conover Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Amber is a Dr. of Occupational Therapy and has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Treatment Principles Part 1 workshop. She also has extensive horsemanship training. Amber works at Broughton Hospital and is a Behavioral Health specialist and supervisor.


     3. Ashley Seal

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Mecklenburg Location

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Ashley is an Occupational Therapist and has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Treatment Principles Level 2 workshop.


     4. Carmen Costa

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Carmen is a Registered Riding Instructor with PATH, Intl.


     5. Carolyn Lindsay

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Carolyn is a Physical Therapy Assistant and also a PATH, Intl. Registered Therapist. She has completed the American Hippotherapy Assocation Treatment Principles Level 2 workshop.


     6. Claudia Hunter

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Mecklenburg Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Claudia Hunter is a OTR/L and is currently supervising our OTA Rachel Walker.


     7. Dawn Hancock

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Dawn is an Occupational Therapist that is an American Hippotherapy Association Clinical Specialist, one of only 133 in the world. She is working towards becoming a PATH, Intl. Riding Instructor.


     8. Debbie Cloy

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Conover Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Debbie is our retired Program Director and is a PATH, Intl. registered certified riding Instructor. She worked with special needs children for four years in a classroom setting and also has an RN degree.


     9. Delane Clark

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Delane is a Dr. of Physical Therapy and has completed the Level 2 American Hippotherapy Assoication Treatment Principles workshop.


     10. Elisabeth Larson

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Mecklenburg Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Elisabeth is a Registered PATH, Intl. Riding Instructor. She also holds a certification in vaulting from Germany. Elisabeth serves as our Program Director at our Charlotte, Mecklenburg farm location and facilitates a very successful working-student program there.

Elisabeth is working on her Master's degree in Counseling at the University of North Carolina Charlotte.


     11. Francesca Nixon

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Conover Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Francesca is a PT and has completed the AHA Treatment Principles Part I course.


     12. Holly Heller

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Mecklenburg Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Holly is a Registered Riding Instructor with PATH Intl. and also an Occupational Therapist Assistant. She is an accomplished rider and trainer. She provides OT services under the supervision of Dr. Amber Costello.


     13. Jessi Culbertson

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Mecklenburg Location

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Jessi Culbertson is a United States Pony Club, (USPC) H-A graduate. She is also a PATH, Intl. Registered Riding Instructor. She is our in-house trainer and has started many of our program horses from the beginning of their training as the first person to ride them. We have been using several of the young horses that she trained for nearly two decades now as program or therapy horses. She is a consultant/clinician for performing ratings of candidates for the USPC. Her strengths are trouble-shooting problem areas in horses, both physically and mentally for riding or use in the programs which greatly helps with the equine's ability to perform its job well with confidence as well as being comfortable.


     14. Jill Schwab

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Jill is a PATH INTL. CTRI as well as a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Instructor of Riders with Disabilities (IRD) who has completed Level 2 in Cognitive and Physical.


     15. Kassi Rose

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Kassi Rose is a doctor of physical therapy and has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Treatment Principles Part 1 workshop.


     16. Kelly Coney-Pacious

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Mecklenburg Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Dr. Kelly Coney Pacious PT, DPT, HPCS
Therapist Supervisor
Shining Hope Farms

Kelly is one of only 133 in the world that is a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist with the American Hippotherapy Association. She serves on their Board.


     17. Kristen VanHoose

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Conover Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Kristen is a PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructor and a PATH Intl. certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and is also a Physical Therapy Assistant.


     18. Lucia Pasquel- Lefebvre

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Lucia is a CCC-SLP who has completed the AHA Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Part II course.


     19. Madison Hood

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Madison Hood-Bowker
PATH Intl. Registered Riding Instructor
CHA Level 3 with Jumping Instructor
ASA Certified Instructor, Judge, and Clinician

Madison has been teaching lessons for the past 8 years. She has completed 2 courses through www.coursera.org, "Equine Nutrition" and "The Horse Course: Introduction to Basic Care and Management",offered by the University of Edinburgh and the University of Florida, respectfully. She also had an internship with Judge My Ride. Madison's specialty is Dressage.


     20. Mary Lynne Knox

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Lynne is an Occupational Therapist that has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Treatment Principles Level 2 workshop. She has over 20 years of experience in her field and competes with her horse.


     21. Milinda Kirkpatrick

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Milinda is the Executive Director and Founder of Shining Hope Farms. She is a registered Riding Instructor with PATH Intl.


     22. Morgan Helms

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Mecklenburg Location

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Morgan is a PATH INTL. CTRI.


     23. Rachel Walker

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Mecklenburg Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Rachel is a licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant, NC License #11886, that works under the supervision of one of our Occupational Therapists, Claudia Hunter
Rachel has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Part 1 and is planning to attend the Part 2 workshop in the near future. Rachel is enrolled in college to complete her education to become an Occupational Therapist. She is also working towards her PATH, Intl. CTRI.


     24. Sherri Beckman

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Gaston Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Sherri Beckman is an OT/L, and has completed the American Hippotherapy Assoication Treatment Principles Part I course.


     25. Stephanie Piatt

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Mecklenburg Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

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

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Stephanie is an Occupational Therapist and has completed the American Hippotherapy Association Treatment Principles Level 2 workshop.


     26. Wendy Seykowski

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Shining Hope Farms Conover Location

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Wendy is a LCMHC.



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:
We would consider any breed as long as it meets the criteria to be utilized for our programs.


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 up to 30 days
    Equines are on trial up to 60 days
    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
    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 a veterinarian upon arrival and/or prior to quarantine departure
    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
    Fecal test
Not Checked:
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Coggins test
    Blood work other than Coggins
    Vaccinations
    De-worming
    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
    Clipping
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time
Not Checked:
    Jumping
    Driving (Pulling a carriage)

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    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 massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
Not Checked:
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least monthly
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine monthly and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    
    
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
    Nature and pace of work, repetitive or varied, radius of turns, degree of incline and regularity of footing when equine is subject to maximum weight-carrying capacity
    Temperature and/or weather conditions
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations
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


Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   2-3 times per week


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
    Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours
Not Checked:
    Our organization will never have a healthy equine euthanized under any circumstances

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


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

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 if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization free of charge
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 re-homed equines cannot be bred
    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 for a fee
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year
    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
Not Checked:
    Farrier
    Personal/Other
    Not applicable or no references required.

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase)

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
Not applicable; None received

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 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
Not Checked:
    Equines may be sent to auction
    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

DISCLAIMER: The listing of this organization on this site is not an endorsement. If you have concerns about this organization, please contact us here.

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