MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
The mission of Special Equestrians is to improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals with disabilities through the equine experience. We harness the healing power of horses to transform lives. Partnering with a horse allows our clients to reach greater heights as they build strength, confidence and emotional connection. Being a therapeutic riding horse is a second career for most of the equines in our program, having been trained for a specific job such as pulling a cart, racing or show jumping.

Our organization conducts Equine Assisted Services in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS).
Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.

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:
For Special Equestrians, 2024 was a year of successes for our therapeutic riding center. Our three organizational outcomes were all exceeded:
     
     • OUTCOME: SPECIAL EQUESTRIANS WILL ADD 2 THERAPEUTIC INSTRUCTORS AND/OR CLINICAL PROFESSIONALS BY AUGUST 2024 WHO ARE TRAINED TO WORK WITH A RANGE OF DISABILITIES IN A SAFE AND ENGAGING WAY. Our center was busy expanding programming, which resulted in 4 new program staff and 2 independent contractors joining the program team. Jo Wood, a former Executive Director and instructor, joined the team as a therapeutic riding instructor on April 3. Marsha Berger-Grant, who left during COVID, returned as a volunteer physical therapist on April 9, Alicia Fox joined the staff as a therapeutic riding instructor over the summer, and Lea Feldman began as a part-time therapeutic riding instructor on June 3. Special Equestrians also introduced two mental health programs for low-income children in the child welfare system, in partnership with the Bucks County Department of Behavioral Health/Developmental Programs: Therapeutic Horsemanship and Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP). Two licensed counselors from Lenape provide mental health support during EFP sessions while one of our Equine Specialists in Mental Health & Learning works alongside a counselor to ensure proper equine-human interactions. Weekly sessions take place during our 44-week program year.
     
     • OUTCOME: SPECIAL EQUESTRIANS WILL SERVE 120 PARTICIPANTS IN OUR INDIVIDUAL THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS BY JANUARY 2025. Special Equestrians surpassed this goal, ending 2024 serving 128 unduplicated riders. This includes 77 people in the Therapeutic Riding program, 22 in occupational therapy, 18 in Silver Saddles, and 11 in mental health programs.
     
     • OUTCOME: SPECIAL EQUESTIRANS WILL BRING ON 3 NEW HORSES AS PART OF PROGRAM EXPANSION. With the large increase in participants came the need for additional therapy horses, so 3 equines joined the herd. Opus, a 20-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, joined the program on February 3, 2024 and supports riders in our Therapeutic Riding program. Vanilla, a 20-year-old Welsh Cross gelding, joined the program on March 4, 2024 and works mainly in our occupational therapy program. Lugnut a 13-year-old Miniature Horse, joined the herd on November 11, 2024 and provides riding lessons to very young clients and supports participants in unmounted mental health and group programs.
     
     Key Achievements in 2024
     
     • Special Equestrians served a record 777 participants in 2024, the largest number of unduplicated people in individual and group programs in our history. This included 128 people in individual programs, 14 people in our able-bodied program, 1 unduplicated child in our traditional one-week summer camp for children and adolescents with disabilities, 10 children in our new one-week mental health summer camp, and 624 participants in our on and off-site community partner group programs. We could not have done it without the help of our 220 volunteers who donated more than 10,000 hours of their time as session leaders, side walkers, barn helpers. Nearly 60% of our riders were low income and receive government assistance.
     
     • Bear, the longest-tenured horse at Special Equestrians, was inducted into the EQUUS Foundation Horse Stars Hall of Fame for his 20 years of outstanding work as a therapy horse supporting thousands of children and adults with special needs. “Bear was born to be a therapy horse,” says one of Special Equestrians’ three occupational therapists. “He has excelled in tolerance, patience, and intuitively knowing what his riders need.” Bear continues to support mounted and unmounted riders even after having his right eye removed in 2024 due to an abscess. Even as a senior, he remains active and engaged with all who cross his path.
     
     • Special Equestrians received funding from the Opioid Settlement Funds, administered through the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, to provide two programs: 5 weekly therapeutic riding sessions to delinquent juveniles residing at the Bucks County Youth Center, and a weeklong mental health summer camp for children impacted by substance use disorder. Both take place outside of our 44-week program year.
     
     • With help from Lenape Valley Foundation and the Bucks County Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Programs, Special Equestrians began offering Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy for low-income youth who reside in Bucks County. Most session costs are reimbursed by Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and the county. This is not only a new funding stream for Special Equestrians, but also a testament to what we can achieve when multiple organizations and agencies work together to serve better serve our community. Sessions take place during our program year.
     
     In addition to expanding mental health programming, two key Year 2 goals in our strategic plan were met. A training program was implemented for first responders on equine handling and safety, and we received funding approval to create a new sign to make our location more easily identifiable from the road.
     
     With all the interest in our programs our wait list continues to grow. Just over 400 people are awaiting services, mainly for our therapeutic riding and occupational therapy programs. We found out at the end of 2024 that Special Equestrians would be awarded a $200,000 True Inspiration Awards grant from Chick-fil-A awarded in early 2025 to help address this key need. This funding will allow us to build a second covered arena.
     
     Special Equestrians’ mounted and unmounted equine-assisted programs are at the heart what we do. Participant fees typically cover one-third of our revenue, while income from grants, donations, and special events cover the 50% cost reduction given to all riders, scholarships for low-income riders, and operating costs. Fundraising takes place year-round, focused on generating diversified revenue streams through appeal campaigns, corporate support, foundation funding, major-donor cultivation, and special events. We actively cultivate corporate and local business sponsorships and in-kind partnerships.
     
     Below is a breakdown of revenue sources for 2024:
     
     • Participant fees – 36%
     • Foundations – 23%
     • Individual contributions – 21%
     • Special Events – 12%
     • Corporate contributions – 6%
     • Other – 2%


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:

Special Equestrians’ equine management policy is built on the foundational belief that horses must be fit, healthy and handled well to be happy in their jobs. Therapy horses have their own special needs — dealing with physically unbalanced, intellectually challenged, and occasionally emotionally traumatized individuals, is a challenging job. With special needs riders, we have safety concerns above and beyond those for able-bodied riders. We only accept horses who are serviceably sound with no history of ongoing vices or misbehaviors; who are tolerant of being handled by a number of people with varying levels of equine knowledge; and who are comfortable dealing with the sights, sounds, and activities associated with therapeutic riding and equine-facilitated learning. Our Program staff has created spreadsheets to manage the health and work schedule of each horse. Spreadsheets include vaccination and dental records, monthly horse usage totals, and exercise outside of lessons. Information and paperwork on each horse is also stored online on our Equi-Force Content Management System.
     
     Horses are eased into the routine of our program over a two- to three-month trial period that gives us a chance to analyze their strengths and weaknesses and prepare them for our riders—or determine that they are not suited to be therapy horses. Our facility is closed to the public one day a week so horses can rest from the week’s activities, and daily equine use is capped based on each horse’s age and how much they can tolerate physically and/or emotionally. They are ridden by experienced riders to maintain their mental and physical fitness a few days a week, often under the tutelage of professional dressage and jumper trainers who offer their expertise to plan the ongoing exercise program. Horses are taken on trail rides and off the property to keep them fresh. Horses are assigned only to instructors and riders deemed compatible and changed if/as problems present themselves.
     
     Horses’ own abilities are matched to riders’ weight, height, skill level, and personality. As the riders or horses change over time, partnerships are changed when appropriate. We are as respectful of a horse's mental soundness and of his/her physical soundness. If a horse demonstrates soreness or unease, we immediately investigate need for medical attention, rest, rehab, and/or change in routine or training. Because we use many volunteers in our programs, Special Equestrians offers extensive volunteer training on appropriate horse handling and signs of illness to notify staff. We keep a large enough active herd so that if a horse needs to be pulled from lessons for recovery time, the other horses bear no unreasonable extra burden.
     We have been bringing on new horses as our current herd ages and as we expand programming. In 2024 3 geldings joined the program: Lugnut, a 13-year-old Miniature Horse; Opus, a 20-year-old Thoroughbred; and Vanilla, a 20-year-old Welsh pony. A longtime therapy horse, JZ, was discharged from the program as he was exhibiting signs that he was no longer happy as a therapy horse. His owner pays to board him at our barn as a retired horse.

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

13: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Special Equestrians

     1 Dana Fielding

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor in Training, PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning, B.S. in Biological Psychology

     2 Debbie Saffren

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         PATH Intl. Registered Therapist in Hippotherapy, American Hippotherapy Association Level I certification

     3 Janice Witt

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Registered & Licensed Occupational Therapist, B.S. in Psychology, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

     4 Jessica Kohn, MSW

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         Psychotherapy/Counseling

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         MSW, West Chester University
PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning

     5 Kate Connor, LPC

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Psychotherapy/Counseling

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Licensed Professional Counselor employed by Lenape Valley Foundation

     6 Kathy Harris

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructor

     7 Kira Kraiman

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         PATH Int. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor in training

     8 Lara Feldman

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         PATH Intl Advanced Level 1 Certified Instructor, Certified Equine Massage Practitioner, B.S. in Equine Science, M.S. in Animal Science, an MBA and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Organizational Business Leadership.

     9 Laurie Kelso, LPC

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Psychotherapy/Counseling

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Licensed Professional Counselor employed by Lenape Valley Foundation

     10 Leslie Mangigian

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, Master’s Degree in Special Education, PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor in training

     11 Megan Glenn

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation, M.S in Occupational Therapy, in the process of Hippotherapy Certification from the American Hippotherapy Association.

     12 Sally Hibbert

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Certified Centered-Riding Instructor-Level 1

     13 Valerie DiPasquale

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Special Equestrians

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Special Equestrians operates year-round with 15 therapy horses, 25 full- and part-time staff members, and 220 volunteers. 58% of our riders are aged 18 or younger. Special Equestrians offers a range of private, semi-private and group lessons targeted to specific physical, mental, and emotional needs:
     
      INDIVIDUAL LESSONS
     
     Therapeutic Riding is Special Equestrians’ largest program, offered to individuals who have challenges associated with a physical, cognitive or social-emotional disability. Students in our therapeutic riding program build confidence and independence as they develop mastery of different riding skills at their own pace. Lessons are structured to provide students with educational and hands-on opportunities to promote the development of horsemanship skills such as basic horse care and riding skills.
     
     Hippotherapy is an evidence-based practice conducted at our barn by specially trained occupational and physical therapists for children and adults with neuromotor, cognitive and/or sensory difficulties. Instructors use the horse’s movement as a therapy tool to achieve individualized goals aiming to facilitate overall function in a person’s everyday life. The three-dimensional movement of the equine can improve the flexibility, posture, balance, core strength and mobility of the rider.
     
     Special Equestrians offers two ground-based programs for children and teens with a mental health diagnosis in partnership with the Bucks County Department of Behavioral Health/Developmental Programs. Therapeutic Horsemanship program is conducted as weekly 30-minute sessions run by a PATH International certified equine specialist. Sessions involve working with the equine on the ground and learning horsemanship skills to build confidence, self-esteem, coping skills and social-emotional skills. Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is conducted as weekly therapy sessions by independent contractors employed by Lenape Valley Foundation or Special Equestrians' licensed social worker and a certified equine specialist. Working through these challenges allows the equine specialist and mental health professional opportunities to teach coping skills for daily life.
     
     Silver Saddles is a program specially focused on improving overall strength, endurance and flexibility for people over the age of 55 with age-related disabilities. Lessons are focused on partnership with the horse through the use of classical dressage principles, which increases students’ range of motion, endurance, and core strength.
     
     Special Equestrians offers a one-week summer horse camp in August for children with disabilities ages 8 to 16. Many already participate in weekly programs. Activities include group therapeutic riding lessons and unmounted instruction on horse care and stable management, arts and crafts, team-building activities, and downtime to relax with therapy dogs. At the end of the week, campers participate in a horse show to demonstrate their new skills to family and friends.
     
     
      GROUP LESSONS
     
     Special Equestrians is offering two types of equine-assisted activities that meet community partners’ needs as well as our safety protocols:
     
      1) Off-site, ground-based programming. Special Equestrians brings two horses directly to community partners for ground activities. The goal is to provide enjoyment and learning opportunities for individuals with developmental, intellectual and emotional disorders. For students on the autism spectrum these sessions provide a unique opportunity for growth and development in social communication through activity-based learning that harnesses the transforming power of interaction with horses. For all participants, it helps them overcome a fear of the horses and regulate behaviors. They will learn safety awareness around horses, and how to groom and a general overview of horsemanship.
     
     2) Small groups of on-site visits to Special Equestrians for mounted and unmounted programming. These programs operate in close collaboration with local alternative schools, adult programs for individuals with autism/intellectual disabilities, children in foster care, cancer support groups, and at-risk youth. Lessons and workshops help promote team building with peers, positive communication skills, increasing awareness of others, and empathy. The trusting nature of the horse-human connection encourages participants to lower their defenses and their habitual reactivity and become more receptive to new ideas and positive relationships with others.
     
     In additional we provide community engagement activities, working with various youth organizations as well as students whose high school curriculums include community service hours. We also host corporate volunteer outings where large groups or teams come to assist with various projects around the barn or on the property.
     
     Finally, Special Equestrians hosts area groups within the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Eagle Scouts organizations. Some are looking to earn horseback riding badges, while others assist with various projects around the barn or on the property.

Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Special Equestrians holds two student horse shows every year: one in the spring and the other in the fall. These events introduce the community to the power of therapeutic riding and the programs offered at SE and give families and community members an opportunity to see riders build confidence by displaying their talents and receiving ribbons for showing their horse. In addition, we offer a Holiday with the Herd open house in December that allows the community to get an up-close look at our horses and get their photo taken with a horse.
     
     Special Equestrians also transports one or two of our therapy horses to area schools, human service agencies and senior living communities, during which attendees are able to interact with the horses for one hour in an open-house format. During these off-site visits, we have witnessed many meaningful connections occur between humans and our horses. Attendees respond well to the calm and trusting nature of horses and their bright, soulful eyes reinforce the deep synergies between human and equines.
     
     Finally, Special Equestrians attends local community day events and brings 1-2 horses for attendees to groom, pet and take pictures with.

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

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

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

POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAINING

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
    The owner of a potential equine is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the equine
    The equine is evaluated at its place of residence
    The owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization when the equine is acquired from the equine's owner other than by seizure or by abandonment
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Trial Period: Check all that apply:
    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
    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
    The trial period may be terminated by either the organization or the owner for any reason

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
    The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time

The typical length of quarantine is:   10 to 20 days

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

Horses are assessed for following skills and behaviors:
    Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
    Leading with a halter and lead rope
    Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
    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

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:
    Our organization evaluates the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden at least annually
    Our organization maintains a written record of the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden

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


Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   Daily

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    Our organization does not conduct breeding of equines owned or under the care of our organization.
    Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

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

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

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
    Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates

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
    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

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, the adopter must grant the organization first right of refusal prior to the equine being placed into the possession of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    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.

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

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:
Not applicable; None received

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Rehoming other than returning free-leased horses to their owners occurs only for horses retired completely from our programs. Our rehoming contracts are individualized agreements. We do not advertise horses needing to be rehomed nor have a standard application; we look within our SE community for a suitable home.

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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Special Equestrians
2800 Street Road Warrington PA 18976
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 17
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 0
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 21

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.
     Bucks County SPCA 1665 Street Road PO Box 277 Lahaska, PA 18931 info@bcspca.org 215 794-7425

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? Yes

Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers AT THIS FACILITY, including instructors, specialists, therapists, counselors, coaches and/or facilitators (full-time, part-time, volunteer, independent contractors, and/or providers accompanying clients) that conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS) AT THIS FACILITY:  13

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

     1. Dana Fielding
     2. Debbie Saffren
     3. Janice Witt
     4. Jessica Kohn, MSW
     5. Kate Connor, LPC
     6. Kathy Harris
     7. Kira Kraiman
     8. Lara Feldman
     9. Laurie Kelso, LPC
     10. Leslie Mangigian
     11. Megan Glenn
     12. Sally Hibbert
     13. Valerie DiPasquale

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Grounds: Special Equestrians (*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: 1  Run-in sheds: 7
Pastures: 8  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 2
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 1


























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 16+ hours per day

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for pasture management, which includes guidelines for seeding, fertilizing, irrigation, mowing, dragging, harrowing, manure removal, removal of debris, the control of poisonous plants, and a schedule for cleaning
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    Pastures are rotated
    Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
    Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for the maintenance of turnout areas, which includes a schedule for cleaning, manure removal, and dragging
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
    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:
    There is a practice in place to monitor equines overnight
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Authorized Personnel Only signs are posted
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The property is fitted with motion lights
    The property is fitted with a security system monitored by police or a professional service
    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: Special Equestrians (*Main) 2025 and 2024 This section is required.

Horse Health Care/Barn Management Records: What system is used to collect and store health/horse care records?
    Onsite computer with cloud-based backup storage system
    The organization utilizes its own system to maintain records

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:
    Fly/Insect Control Remedies:
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fly Sheets
    Fans

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    Staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    Volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy equines
    Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Hand sanitizers are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is removed from the facility - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
    Quarantine areas, such as stalls, aisle ways, paddocks, and common areas, are cleaned (and needed, disinfected) after conclusion of the quarantine.
    Trailers/vans used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cleaned and disinfected after each use and cleaning takes place away from where equines are sheltered
    Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is not shared
    Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is cleaned of organic debris and disinfected after each use
    Latex gloves, or equivalent gloves, are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure is piled in an area where equines are not located
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by the state, local authorities, and/or our organization's veterinarian

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    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
    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
    Saddle pads are 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 after each use
    Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's body condition changes
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's disposition changes
    Assigned tack is clearly labeled
    Tack is stored in a climate-controlled location
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are cleaned/disinfected after each use
    Helmets are replaced after a fall
    Helmets are replaced at least every five years.

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Emergency Preparedness: Special Equestrians: *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 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
    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: Semi-annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Quarterly
Fence lines are checked: Daily
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Semi-annually
Fire drills are conducted: Not at all/NA
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Quarterly
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Monthly
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually

Equine Transportation: 6= Onsite: 2 (1 + 1) + Offsite: 4
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite  1 Access onsite but not owned  3 Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  1 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:  $500K to $1M
Equine Budget:   $50K to $100K
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 12
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Audit
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990
View the IRS Form 990/Pro Forma 990

Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  4
Number of Board Members:  11  Number of Voting Board Members:  9

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? No

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? No

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:  We are a Premier Accredited PATH Intl. Center. Our annual membership for 2023 expires on 12/31/24.

Organization documents available on our website:
    Most recent IRS Form 990
    Most recent Annual Report

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 Handbook
    Bylaws

Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Janice Witt, Executive Director
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  4  Part-Time:  21  Volunteers:  220
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    Prospective staff/independent contractors 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 staff and independent contractors that may impact the safety of your clients and your horses, such as whether prospective staff/independent contractors serving in the capacity as staff have been convicted of a sexual offense or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect. Such practices must comply with local, state, and federal mandates.
    Staff and/or contractors are required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Staff and/or contractors are required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Staff and/or contractors are required to sign a Photo Release
    Prospective staff/independent contractors are required to undergo a Background Check
    Staff and/or contractors provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Staff and/or contractors carry current health insurance
    Staff and/or contractors have a written job description
    Staff and/or contractors are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Staff and/or contractors 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
    Staff and/or contractors receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Staff and/or contractors have a supervisor and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The organization provides a handbook ((available either online or in print) to every member of the staff, including employees and/or independent contractors serving in staff positions;
    The handbook includes information, such as hours of work, vacation, sick leave, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    One or more staff members or contractors are trained in CPR and human first aid
    One or more staff members or contractors are trained in equine first aid

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
    Prospective volunteers are required to undergo a Background Check
    Volunteers provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Volunteers carry current health insurance
    Volunteers have written job descriptions
    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 (available either online or in print) includes volunteer-related information, such as hours of work, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    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.
Employee handbook is reviewed and updated every other year.