Age Range:
Aged 10-14  Aged 15-20  

Gender:
Geldings  

Size Preference:
Small Pony (under 12.2h) Medium Pony (12.2 to 13.2h) Large Pony (13.3 to 14.2h) Any size pony

Temperament:
We are seeking a tolerant, willing, curious and confident partner.

Activities that the equine will be expected to perform:
    English Walk/Trot/Canter
    Horsemanship (grooming, tacking up & handling by individuals with disabilities)
    Hippotherapy
    Trail riding

Current/former experience/training which could make the equine suitable for your program:
    Dressage
    English Pleasure
    Hunter
    Hunter Seat Equitation
    Jumping
    Parade Horse
    Trail Riding
    Western Pleasure
    Western Seat Equitation

Other Experience/Training:
Should have experience with varied environments and people. Horses coming out of competition backgrounds tend to be comfortable in our program.

The organization has the following policies about horses who are sound and healthy but have the following chronic conditions that require medication:
Lyme Disease: Accept
Cushing's Disease: Accept
Thyroid Disease: Accept
Navicular Disease: Accept with financial assistance for medication
Inflammation: Accept

More about where will the equine be located?

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Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 20
The organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 4
Pastures: 8  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 1
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: *Missing
Indoor Rings: 1

Horses do not have assigned stalls in the structure(s).
Horses are stalled for 4-8 hours per day, on average.
Horse Turn Out Practices:
    Equines are out 9 to 15 hours per day
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in to feed

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
    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
    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


Horses have access to clean drinking water at all times

Hoof care is provided for each horse: Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises

Dental care is provided for each horse: Annually and when an issue arises

Each horse is visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility: Every day or 6 days a week

Acquisition, Breeding, Intake & Training Policies

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The organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the equine prior to acceptance and arrival at the organization:
    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, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

The organization has the following policies in place prior to an equine being accepted and/or arriving at the facility:
    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
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    Equines are on trial up to 60 days
    The trial period may be reduced based on the equine's progress
    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

The organization assesses equines 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
    Jumping
    Driving (Pulling a carriage)
    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

Following arrival at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian upon arrival
    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
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Fecal test
    The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
    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
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually

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

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


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


Additional information about intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Sprout utilizes a scoring system for the trial horses' response to turn-out, stalled time, herd dynamics, ground manners, ridden/driven education and training and tolerance of various riders/drivers. This is performed by a minimum of 3 staff members and scores are averaged.

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.

Re-homing Policies

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Rehoming
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
    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
    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 if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for three or more years


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

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase) or less than one year

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 unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian

View Re-homing Agreement

Equine Retirement and Euthanasia Policies

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The 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 unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian

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
    Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

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

Additional information about the euthanasia policies and practices:
Sprout Euthanasia Policy Sprout accepts that humane euthanasia of a horse deemed unfit for a Retirement Home is an acceptable procedure once all available alternatives have been explored. A horse should not have to endure conditions of care erosive of the animal’s quality of life. This is in accord with the role of the veterinarian and organization as animal advocates. The following are guidelines Sprout uses to assist in making humane decisions regarding euthanasia of horses: • A horse should not have to endure continuous or unmanageable pain from a condition that is chronic and incurable. • A horse should not have to endure a medical or surgical condition that has a hopeless chance of survival. • A horse should not have to remain alive if it has an unmanageable medical condition that renders it a hazard to itself or its handlers. • A horse should not have to receive continuous analgesic medication for the relief of pain for the rest of its life. • A horse should not have to endure a lifetime of continuous individual box stall confinement for prevention or relief of unmanageable pain or suffering. The decision-making process for humane euthanasia for a Sprout equine will happen between the veterinarian, Sprout staff and Executive Director. If the equine is on a free lease, the owner will be notified as soon as the condition of the horse deteriorates. The Sprout Board of Directors will be notified within forty-eight hours of the euthanasia. If possible, the euthanasia will occur at the veterinary clinic. If on the Sprout facility, the euthanasia will occur away from the activity site if possible. A tarp will be placed over the horse while waiting for pick up. Techniques for Euthanasia – The following techniques for performing euthanasia of horses by properly trained personnel are deemed acceptable: A. Intravenous administration of an overdose of barbiturates B. Intravenous administration of a solution of concentrated potassium chloride (KCl) with the horse in a surgical plane of general anesthesia. All Sprout equines will be cremated and the ashes will be buried on the farm during a life-honoring service.

More About Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center

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Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center 40685 Little River Turnpike ALDIE VA 20105 703-965-8628 Last Updated 2023-08-16 Public Charity Mission/How we are involved with horses: Our Mission: Sprout provides equine assisted services to individuals seeking opportunities for growth. Our Vision: Hope, healing, empowerment and recovery through partnerships with horses. Primary Focus involving horses (Horse Welfare, Public Service, Sport & Recreation):  Public Service The organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in the organization's programs. The organization conducts Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine-Assisted Services (EAS)). The organization provides community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses. 100% of our total programs and services are equine-related. The organization conducts its horse-related programs at one facility.

EIN: 27-3045516 Founded: 2010 2023

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