Age Range:
Aged 6-9  Aged 10-14  

Gender:
Geldings  Mares  

Size Preference:
Medium Pony (12.2 to 13.2h) Large Pony (13.3 to 14.2h) Small Horse (14.3 to 15.3h)

Temperament:
People friendly, tolerant of objects and noises, not claustrophobic, medium to low energy level, beginner safe.

Activities that the equine will be expected to perform:
    English Walk Only
    English Walk/Trot
    English Walk/Trot/Canter
    Horsemanship (grooming, tacking up & handling by individuals with disabilities)
    Unmounted activities including handling when at liberty in a round pen or arena
    Being lunged with a rider
    Being long-lined with a rider
    Trail riding

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 subject to severity of condition
Cushing's Disease: Accept subject to severity of condition
Thyroid Disease: Accept subject to severity of condition
Navicular Disease: Not Accept
Inflammation: Accept subject to severity of condition

More about where will the equine be located?

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Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 12
The organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 8
Pastures: 4  Paddocks/Pens: 3
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0
Indoor Rings: 1

Horses 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 16+ hours per day
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in to feed
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in if there is inclement weather
    Equines are out 24/7 except when they are being trained
    Equines are out 24/7 except when they are used for the conduct of the organization's programs

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, the owner is responsible for having vaccinations administered.
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations
    A health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival attesting to the health status of the equine is provided to our organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine

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
    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

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
    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 and/or prior to quarantine departure
    Physical examination by trained barn staff
    Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Blood work other than Coggins
    Fecal test
    Vaccinations
    De-worming
    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):   Daily

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:
If the horse passes the trial period and is accepted into the program, any veterinary or hoof care work that they need is then performed (e.g., vaccinations, deworming, trimming, dentistry).

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, does NOT breed equines.

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 will only re-home an equine to a location where another equine resides
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility
    Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates
    The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must be notified of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization.


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

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

The organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer useful, or are no longer manageable:
    Equines may 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


Additional information about rehoming policies and practices:
-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.

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 useful, or are no longer manageable:
    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 never have a healthy equine euthanized under any circumstances
    Our organization may have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    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

More About Special People United to Ride/Monmouth County Park System

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Special People United to Ride/Monmouth County Park System 628 Middletown-Lincroft Road Middletown NJ 07738 732-224-1367 Last Updated 2022-07-07 Public Charity Mission/How we are involved with horses: Working in conjunction with the Monmouth County Park System, Special People United to Ride (SPUR) is a non-profit 501(3)(c) organization that provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to achieve personal goals through therapeutic horseback riding. The park system's Sunnyside Equestrian Center provides a safe environment where personal strengths are accentuated by the freedom of riding and handling a horse. Students work to improve self-esteem, social skills, balance, muscle tone and posture, as well as to process sensory messages sent to the brain. It is the mission of the Board of Directors of SPUR to raise funds for the assistance of individuals with disabilities through need-based scholarships for SPUR therapeutic horsemanship programs. In addition, the Board of Directors will provide material assistance to the Monmouth County Park System for the implementation of its therapeutic horsemanship programs, when deemed necessary by the SPUR Board of Directors. Primary Focus involving horses (Horse Welfare, Public Service, Sport & Recreation):  Public Service The organization relies on other organization(s) 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 the organization's total programs and services are horse-related. The organization conducts its horse-related programs at one facility.

EIN: 22-2389766 Founded: 1981 AWARDED ANNUALLY Effective Date May 31, 2022

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1022/0294/418