Equine Welfare Network Member, Guardian and Mentor Requirements Outlined below is a comparison of the requirements for organization designated by the Internal Revenue Service as 501c3 tax-exempt public charities to participate on the Equine Welfare Network. There are three categories of participation, one of which is an accreditation. I. Business Practices

Member	Guardian	Mentor	Requirement
✔	✔	✔	The organization is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as tax-exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) to which contributions are tax deductible pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 170(c)(2) as a public charity and the organization is not a private foundation.
✔			The organization has operated as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity for at least one full operating year.
	✔		The organization has operated as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity for at least two full operating years.
		✔	The organization has operated as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity for at least five full operating years.
✔	✔	✔	The organization conducts publicity and promotional activities based upon its actual program and operations, and that these activities are truthful and non-deceptive, include all material facts, and make no exaggerated or misleading claims.
✔	✔	✔	The organization has a presence on the internet, i.e., a unique domain/url address that clearly defines its equine programs and ensure that the content displayed is kept current and based on actual programs and operations. A Facebook page is not acceptable.
✔	✔	✔	The organization effectively uses funds contributed for its announced purposes.
✔	✔	✔	The organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, national origin, disability, handicap, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
	✔	✔	The 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.
✔	✔	✔	The organization maintains its GuideStar profile annually at https://www.guidestar.org/ with the required minimum information to display the Guidestar seal reflecting the current year.
✔	✔	✔	The organization abides by the EQUUS Foundation Code of Conduct.
✔			The organization prepares and submits to the IRS a complete copy of the organization's IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N in accordance with IRS regulations.
	✔		The organization prepares and submits to the IRS a complete copy of the organization's IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N in accordance with IRS regulations that is no more than two (2) years old.
		✔	The organization prepares and submits to the IRS a complete copy of the organization's IRS Form 990 (not 990-EZ or 990-N) in accordance with IRS regulations that is no more than two (2) years old.
✔	✔	✔	The organization prepares an annual financial statement.
✔	✔	✔	The organization provides its annual financial statement to its governing body as soon after the close of the organization's fiscal year as possible.
✔	✔	✔	The organization has an operating budget of at least $10,000.
	✔	✔	The organization's total expenses are at least $10,000, such that 5% of the organization's total expenses exceeds $500.
	✔	✔	The organization has a liquidity ratio of at least one (1) month and/or has sufficient cash reserves to offset net losses in any given year.
	✔	✔	The organization tracks its direct equine costs in writing.
✔	✔	✔	The organization's programs and activities are directed by an active and responsible governing body.
✔	✔	✔	The governing body of the organization consists of at least three voting members.
		✔	The governing body of the organization meets at least three times annually.
		✔	The organization's governing body consists of a majority of members who have no material conflict of interest and a majority of which who serve without compensation.
		✔	The organization's Chair of the Board is not compensated.
✔	✔	✔	The organization has 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. The organization may be required to provide its written conflict of interest policy and/or the signed statement of any Board member with conflicts of interest.
	✔		The organization carries General Liability Insurance and may be requested to provide a Certificate of Insurance.
		✔	The organization carries General Liability Insurance which also includes Property and/or Renter's Insurance and Directors & Officers Liability Insurance and may be requested to provide a Certificate of Insurance.
		✔	The organization has a practice in place whereby prospective and existing staff and/or independent contractors serving in staff functions complete a written application or agreement.
		✔	Staff and/or contractors receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
		✔	The organization has a practice in place whereby prospective and existing volunteers complete a written application or agreement.
		✔	Volunteers receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific.
✔	✔	✔	The organization attests in writing annually to the accuracy of its information displayed on the EQUUS Foundation Equine Welfare Network.
		✔	The organization has been a recipient of an EQUUS Foundation Grant for at least one year.

II. Equine Welfare Practices

Member	Guardian	Mentor	Requirement
✔	✔	✔	The organization provides or conducts real services, benefits, assistance, or program activities involving equines in the United States.
✔	✔	✔	The organization must provide programs that involve one or more of the following:
			a - Shelter and rehabilitation for America's equines subjected to abuse and neglect, and at risk for slaughter
			b - Retraining and re-homing of America's equines in transition with careers as athletes, companions, teachers, and healers
			c - Peaceful and humane retirement and end of life for aged equines that ensures that they are able to live out their lives in comfort and with dignity
			d - Mutually beneficial opportunities for people and equines to partner for the purpose of contributing positively to cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being
✔	✔	✔	The organization has practices in place to ensure that all equines in the care of the organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program have access to clean drinking water at all times, or at least twice daily; 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; and sufficient safe space for equines to move around comfortably and where equines have contact with other equines.
✔	✔	✔	The organization has practices in place to ensure that all equines in the care of the organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program are afforded immediate veterinary care if known or suspected to have an injury, accidental or deliberate, or exhibiting such signs as shock, colic, founder, tremors, swelling, broken bones, open wounds, inability to eat or drink, blistering as a result of fire, acid, etc., irregular or abnormal breathing, partial or total paralysis, abnormal discharge or bleeding, signs of disease, severe parasitic infestation or infection, loss of appetite, weight loss, abnormal skin condition or hair loss, temperature fluctuation, persistent diarrhea, inability to bear weight on a limb or lameness, or other such signs.
✔	✔		The organization conducts programs involving at least three equines.
		✔	The organization conducts programs involving at least five equines.
✔	✔	✔	Equines involved with the organization's programs are cared for or sheltered at one or more facilities.
✔	✔	✔	The organization does not engage in any activity that disregards the welfare of animals of any kind, causes an animal to feel pain or fear, exploits or harms an animal to benefit the organization, or willfully slaughters an animal to benefit the organization.
✔	✔	✔	The organization has not made and would not 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.
✔	✔	✔	The organization abides by the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions.
✔	✔	✔	The organization does not conduct breeding of equines owned or under the care of the organization that participates in the organization's programs.
✔	✔	✔	The organization adheres to a policy which does not permit euthanasia of equines on the sole basis of needing space.
✔	✔	✔	The organization has a practice in place that an equine will be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored.
✔	✔	✔	The organization has a practice in place to euthanize an equine upon the recommendation of the veterinarian that the equine is a threat/danger to itself, other equines, other animals or people after all other remedies have been explored, excluding if, upon the recommendation of the veterinarian, the only remaining remedy is isolation from other equines, animals, and people, and that the safety of other equines, animals and people can be guaranteed.
		✔	Prior to a horse (equine) being accepted and/or arriving at the organization, vaccination records must have been administered within the last 12 months, or if health records are not available or are out-of-date, either the owner will have appropriate vaccinations administered, or the organization will have its veterinarian administer appropriate vaccinations.
	✔	✔	On the equine's arrival, the organization has its veterinarian or a trained staff member conduct a physical exam upon the equine's arrival to include temperature, pulse, respiration and body condition score or the organization requires a health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival be provided to the organization attesting to the health status of the equine.
		✔	The organization has its veterinarian conduct a physical exam at least annually of all equines under the organization's care with a length of stay of 365 days.
		✔	The organization assesses an equine by using the Henneke Body Conditioning Score or another body conditioning score as needed at least annually. Equines should score no less than a body condition score of 3 on the Henneke Condition Scoring Chart to be considered of adequate weight.
	✔	✔	An organization that conducts programs where riding is or will be a key component has a mechanism in place to assess the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine to include but not limited to evaluating the limitations at least annually and maintaining a written record for each equine that documents the results of each evaluation of weight-carrying and workload limitations.
		✔	Prior to a horse (equine) being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, if the equine is acquired from the equine's owner other than by purchase from an auction or kill pen, or by seizure or by abandonment, the owner completes a written application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and the organization.
✔	✔	✔	All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury.
✔	✔	✔	All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury.
		✔	The organization has a practice in place to check and/or monitor the fence lines daily or weekly depending on the total acreage dedicated specifically to equines and the number of hours per day on average that equines are turned out.
		✔	The organization has access to equine transportation in the case of an emergency.
✔	✔	✔	The organization operates in compliance with the biosecurity guidelines of the organization's veterinarian.
✔	✔	✔	To ensure that an equine is free of contagious diseases on arrival, the organization adheres to a practice that either 1) quarantines an equine for a minimum of 7 days if the equine is arriving from a facility with minimal perceived risk or 21 days if the equine is arriving from a facility of unknown risk or 2) requires that a health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival is provided to the organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine attesting to the health status of the equine.
✔	✔	✔	The organization has a mechanism in place to ensure that sick, affected, and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines, and that all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent spread of disease by humans, equipment, and/or disposal of potentially contaminated substances.
		✔	The organization follows the parasite control guidelines of our veterinarian, including fecal testing and de-worming.
		✔	The organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by state and/or local authorities.
		✔	Permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled are kept free of dust, cobwebs, trash, cleaning rags, and other flammable items.
✔	✔	✔	The organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) and emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information are conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations.
		✔	The organization has a written emergency preparedness/safety plan.
✔	✔	✔	Human and equine First Aid kits easily accessible.
		✔	There is adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas, wiring is inaccessible to equines, and electrical systems and fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) are maintained for safety.
		✔	All equines are visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility at least six days each week.
		✔	Hoof care is provided for each equine at least every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises.
		✔	Dental care for all equines is provided at least annually and when an issue arises.
		✔	Water sources, i.e., buckets, troughs, automatic waterers, etc. are kept clean, free of contaminants, ebris and chemicals, protected from weather and other animals, and be positiioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
		✔	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, supplements and hay types are clearly labeled.
		✔	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.
		✔	The feed chart is centrally located and updated as needed.
		✔	Medications are kept in a locked, climate-controlled area.
		✔	Staff and volunteers are trained in proper feed measurements and protocols and observed periodically to ensure they are feeding correctly.
		✔	The organization maintains or has immediate access onsite or offsite to at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings, and medications in the event of an emergency at its facility or facilities where the organization's equines are cared for and sheltered.
		✔	Shelters for equines have at least a roof and three sides, are kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects, and debris, provide protection from inclement weather conditions (i.e., wind, sleet, rain, snow, and temperature extremes) allow equines to lie down, stand up and turn around, have adequate ceiling & beam height (a minimum of 12" above the tip of the equine's ear) when standing, have good drainage and traction and have an adequate ventilation and circulation system in place to allow free flow of air to control temperature, and humidity, and to prevent air stagnation.
✔	✔	✔	The organization has not allowed, and 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.
✔	✔	✔	If an organization re-homes equines for any reason, the organization requires that all potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between the potential adopter/purchaser; such contract must state or reflect 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.
			It is the position of the EQUUS Foundation that including this verbiage in the agreement reflects the shared recognition of the organization and the adopter that equines continue to be inhumanely 'slaughtered' and the shared commitment of the organization and the adopter to ensure that the equine be protected from slaughter for his or her lifetime.
			1. This statement is not required to be included in the organization's re-homing agreement if the organization:
			a - retains ownership of re-homed equine;
			b - requires that the re-homed equine CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances and must be returned to the organization should the adopter no longer wish to, or cannot, care for the equine;
			c - includes a statement in its re-homing agreement that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, the 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 AND includes one of the two statements below:
			1 - This agreement shall remain in effect until the death of the equine. The terms of this agreement are binding on any future adopter or any third-party person or entity taking possession of the equine and this agreement must be incorporated as an addendum to any future agreement.
			2 - This agreement shall remain in effect until the death of the equine. The terms of the agreement are binding on any future adopter or any third-party person or entity taking possession of the equine. Any future adopter or any third-party person or entity taking possession of the equine must re-sign an agreement with the organization prior to the equine being placed into the possession of any future adopter or any third-party person or entity.
		✔	For organizations that re-home equines for any reason, the organization has a mechanism in place to track the whereabouts of equines when they are no longer under organization's care - also known as traceability.
		✔	The organization has a practice in place and the financial means to accept financial responsibility for equines in the current care of the organization that need to be retired or are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization if all alternatives have been explored to find the equine an appropriate placement and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization.
✔	✔	✔	The organization acknowledges that approval may be denied if the organization has been investigated by any animal control or protection authority - federal, state or local - depending on when the investigation was conducted as well as the circumstances and outcome of the investigation.
✔	✔	✔	For organizations that conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS), until such time there is consensus in the EAS community on terminology and enforcement of guidelines for conducting EAS, the organization conducts its EAS programs in compliance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines for Conducting Equine Assisted Services.

Other Considerations:

I. Business Practices

The organization prepares and submits to the IRS a complete copy of the organization's IRS Form 990 (not 990-EZ or 990-N) in accordance with IRS regulations that is no more than one (1) year old.

The organization provides documents such as its most recent financials, most recent IRS Form 990.most recent Annual Report, equine intake guidelines, adoption/foster agreements, volunteer handbook, staff handbook, and bylaws, on request.

The organization provides documents such as its most recent financials, most recent IRS Form 990.most recent Annual Report, equine intake guidelines, adoption/foster agreements, volunteer handbook, staff handbook, and bylaws, on its website

The organization has a liquidity ratio of at least three (3) months.

The organization has sufficient cash reserves of at least three (3) months to offset net losses in any given year.

The organization's program expense ratio is at least 65%.

The organization's Treasurer is not compensated.

Members of the governing board are compensated by the organization.

Members of the governing board are related.

Members of the governing board are associated with or compensated by related organizations.

The organization's Board of Directors is listed on the organization's website.

The organization's key staff is listed on the organization's website.

An insurance claim has been filed against the organization with consideration given depending on when the claim was filed as well as the circumstances and outcome of the claim.

The organization employs staff or contractors serving in staff functions to conduct its operations.

The organization employs full-time staff or contractors serving in staff functions to conduct its operations.

The organization employs part-time staff or contractors serving in staff functions to conduct its operations.

The 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 equines, such as whether prospective and existing staff and/or 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.

The organization enlists the aid of volunteers to conduct its operations.

The organization has a practice in place to ensure that the organization has sufficient knowledge of the background of prospective and existing volunteers that may impact the safety of your clients and your equines, such as whether these 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.

The organization has been a recipient of an EQUUS Foundation Grant for at least three consecutive years.

II. Equine Welfare Practices

The main facility where equines are involved with the organization's programs is owned by the organization.

The organization utilizes multiple facilities to conduct its operations, such as foster, satellite and overflow facilities.

The organization has onsite access to equine transportation not owned by the organization.

The organization has onsite access to equine transportation not owned by the organization.

The organization has offsite access to equine transportation.

The organization has a biosecurity practice in place whereby equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is not shared, is clearly labeled, and is cleaned of organic debris and disinfected after each use.

The organization has a biosecurity practice in place whereby latex gloves or equivalent are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines.

The organization has a biosecurity practice in place whereby hand sanitizers and footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines.

The organization has a biosecurity practice in place whereby sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy equines.

The organization has a biosecurity practice in place whereby staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity and/or a specific staff member is trained and assigned to care for sick, affected and/or quarantined equines.

The organization has a biosecurity practice in place whereby restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines.

The organization has a biosecurity practice in place whereby manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is disposed of in specific areas designated for infectious materials - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures.

The organization has a biosecurity practice in place whereby stalls, aisle ways, and common areas are disinfected after conclusion of the quarantine.

The organization has a biosecurity practice in place whereby 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.

The organization has a written biosecurity plan.

The organization has a sprinkler system which is checked at least quarterly.

There is a practice in place to monitor equines overnight.

Equines are stalled on average no more than 17 hours daily.

The organization's re-homing agreement includes one of the two following statements:

a - should the adopter elect to sell, transfer, release or otherwise place the equine into the possession of another person or organization, any future adopter must agree to the terms of the organization's agreement either by requiring that the agreement between the adopter and your organization be incorporated as an addendum to any future agreement or by requiring that any future adopter re-sign an agreement with your organization;

b - the equine CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances and the equine must be returned to the organization should the adopter no longer wish to, or cannot, care for the equine.

For those organizations that conduct Equine Transition Services (ETS) and that are eligible to attain verification or accreditation status with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), an EQUUS Foundation Alliance member, the organization may be required to attain verification to participate. To learn more about GFAS Accreditation and Verification for equine organizations, visit the GFAS website at https://www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

Last modified: September 21 2024. Subject to change without notice. Back To Top