2019

Not Checked:
    Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)
    Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
    Interactive Vaulting
    Therapeutic Driving
    Therapeutic Riding (Adaptive Riding)

Our organization provides services for the following specific populations:
Young Adults (19-21)
Adults (Over 21)

Our organization provides services to individuals with:
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Behavioral disorders, Cognitive disabilities, Economic disadvantages, Emotional disabilities, Head Trauma/Brain Injury, Learning disabilities, Mental health disabilities

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAAT to individuals with special needs:
     We provide EAAT to men and women who have suffered and survived trauma in one form or another. Our program is trauma-sensitive in that we understand and respect both the external and internal manifestations of trauma in the minds, emotions and bodies of those whose nervous systems have been flooded with too much adrenaline, cortisol or pain at once. We use body-based practices along with experiential learning with horses and didactic material to empower veterans and other adults move beyond the limitations in thought and behavior that keep them from enjoying success and fulfillment in their lives.
     
     We believe that healthy relationships are foundational in terms of providing meaning and satisfaction in life and our primary purpose is to give men and women the tools they need to return to their lives with a renewed sense of capacity for self management, energy and focus.
     
     We also believe that horses accelerate this process by helping participants see the ways in which hyper-arousal, inability to understand and handle emotions, anger and anxiety hinder their movement forward in life. Gaining the trust and willingness to collaborate from a horse is not easy and we feel very strongly that the process of doing so gives clients a renewed sense of competence, confidence and optimism. They frequently report feeling that they have built the capacity to bring out the best in themselves.
     
     Trauma takes people out of the present and into the world of fight or flight reactions to non-threatening situations. Their world is one of memories, reactivity, aggression or isolation. Trauma sufferers often put up barriers instead of healthy boundaries. They also lack the capacity to respond appropriately to others in their lives...at home, work or school. So, while they may live with others, have jobs or go to school, but have a very difficult time maintaining these aspects that give meaning and purpose to life.
     
     Horses are amazing teachers of almost all of what is needed for an individual to build and maintain healthy relationships. Since how they feel is what they do, their trust is transparent and their willingness to cooperate (given the choice) is based on their honest assessment of any given person or situation. As is the case with most people, horses prefer honesty, fairness and finesse over force.
     
     We have taught our curriculum to and certified new facilitators at 4 locations and plan to train more this year. These include the following:
     
     2016-17
     Brewster, NY - Pegasus
     Old Lyme, CT - High Hopes
     Brewster, MA - Emerald Hollow
     Fairfield, CT - Pilot House
     Port Deposit, MD - Freedom Hills
     
     2018
     Chapel Hill, NC - Spring Reins of Hope
     Spokane, WA - Free Rein
     
     2019
     Dallas, TX - Equest (proposed)
     Colorado Sprngs, CO - Pikes Peak TR (proposed)

At a time when equestrian sports are under pressure to protect horses while making those sports more accessible, so too must all equine organizations ensure that horses are treated humanely when interacting with people with and without special needs. Our organization takes the following steps to ensure that horses are benefiting from their interactions with people:
     Prior to working with veterans and other populations, we assess them for their interest in and affinity for working with clients who are not skilled horse people and who may have cognitive and emotional issues. Our main concern is safety for them and for those we serve. In order to ensure client safety and since our program involved ground-based activities, our primary concern for our horses is that they are introduced properly to clients, that they are asked, not told what to do and that they are respected when they seem to be tired of an activity. We know that horses are amazing teachers of almost all of what is needed for healthy relationships, but are also aware that they can become bored or frustrated when asked to work with novices for too long. To that end, we give our horses plenty of time to play, graze and socialize with each other. Since how they feel is what they do, their willingness to cooperate (given the choice) is based on their honest assessment of any given person or situation. We trust their feedback and take our roles as advocates for their mental, emotional and physical well being very seriously.
     
     During our sessions clients and horses are always supervised by certified facilitators.


Community Outreach and/or Public Education:
Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     STUDENTS - We are launching a program for seniors in high school here in Litchfield County in order to teach young women and men how to set and respect healthy boundaries before leaving for college.
     
     FEMALES ONLY - We also offer our program to women who prefer to see us separately from men and to both men and women in the healing arts in order to mitigate the compassion fatigue that accompanies 'serving those who have served'.
     
     FIRST RESPONDERS - Our program in Fairfield, CT is going to serve first responders in that community who need to gain new skills and tools to return to life at home every day of the week no matter what they have faced during their time at work.
     
     CANCER SURVIVORS - We are also planning to offer programs for cancer survivors in CT and New York State as the need and interest arises.
     
     OTHER APPLICATIONS - While our curriculum is consistent and repeatable, we know that there are many applications and have used our approach with cancer survivors, those who are grieving and those who are in transitions of all kinds from one phase of life to another.

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GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Jane A. Strong
Employees:   Full-Time:  2  Part-Time:  3  Volunteers:  4

Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes:
    Prospective staff complete a written application
    Every member of the staff is required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Every member of the staff is required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Every member of the staff is required to sign a Photo Release
    Every member of the staff provides parent/guardian information if applicable
    Every member of the staff is evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Every member of the staff is updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on a annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Every member of the staff receives training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, horse handling, horse identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    One or more staff members are trained in CPR and human first aid
    One or more staff members are trained in equine first aid

Volunteer Recruitment, Screening and Training processes:
    Every volunteer is required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Every volunteer is required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Every volunteer is required to sign a Photo Release
    Every volunteer provides parent/guardian information if applicable
    Every volunteer is evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Every volunteer is updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on a annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Every volunteer receives training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, horse handling, horse identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    The supervisor assesses the volunteer's abilities and assigns specific duties to the volunteer based on their skills
    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

Please provide any additional explanation regarding your governance, staffing and volunteer practices or further explanation of your answers above.
We are small and are very thorough in our orientation and training with volunteers here at our own facility. We also assess and recommend people who we believe will be a good fit for our program at other facilities. We are very clear about this and insist that all volunteers have a level of emotional maturity...not age specific...that we believe will be a good fit for veterans and people in recovery.

Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  6
Number of Board Members:  7  Number of Voting Board Members:  7

Board Compensation:
Is Board Chair compensated?  No  Is Treasurer compensated?  No
Are there any other Voting Board Members that are compensated?  Yes
If yes, provide the name, title and responsibility of each VOTING Board member who is compensated:
Jane Strong - E.D. is also a senior instructor, program developer
     David Sonatore, LCSW is the program director, head staff trainer
     Christine Goulding - senior instructor

Board/Staff Relationships:
Are any members of the Board or Staff related to each other through family or business relationships? No

Board Affiliations:
Are any Board members or Staff associated with and/or compensated by another organization with a relationship or business affiliation to your organization? Yes
If yes, provide the name, title, responsibility and family/business relationship of each Board and/or Staff member, and the name of the related organization.
Executive Director's partner owns the property at which programs are conducted.

Conflict of Interest:
Does your organization have a written conflict of interest policy and regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy, including requiring officers, directors or trustees, and key employees to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts?  Yes

Organization documents available on our website:
    None

Organization documents available on request:
    Most recent Financials
    Most recent IRS Form 990
    Volunteer Handbook
    Employee Handbook
    Bylaws

Additional Comments:
We are small and are very thorough in our orientation and training with volunteers here at our own facility. We also assess and recommend people who we believe will be a good fit for our program at other facilities. We are very clear about this and insist that all volunteers have a level of emotional maturity...not age specific...that we believe will be a good fit for veterans and people in recovery.
Financial Reporting:
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 12
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Compilation
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990
Does the uploaded Pro Forma 990/990 represent 2018? Yes
View The IRS Form 990/Pro Forma 990

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POLICIES

Acquisition Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):     Donation       Free Lease       Return   Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):     Purchase/Adoption from Owner       Purchase from auction, kill pen or feedlot       Surrender       Seizure       Abandonment   Our organization will accept the following:     Geldings     Mares     Only Stallions to be castrated Not Checked:     Pregnant Mares     Foals     Stallions

Definitions: Donated: The ownership and custody of the horse is transferred to the organization by its owner/trainer/responsible agent utilizing a donation document. Free Lease: The ownership of the horse is maintained by the owner/trainer/responsible agent; the custody and responsibility for the shelter and care of the horse is transferred to the organization utilizing a free lease document. Purchased: The ownership and custody of the horse is transferred to the organization by its owner/trainer/responsible agent utilizing a purchase document. Surrendered: The ownership and custody of the horse is relinquished to the organization by its owner/trainer/responsible agent without the use of a donation document. Seized: The ownership and custody of the horse is transferred to the organization as a result of the horse being seized by law enforcement or another agency and removed from the owner. Abandoned: The ownership and custody of the horse is transferred to the organization as a result of the horse being abandoned by the owner or the owner was unable to be located. Returned: The horse was previously a part of the organization, was adopted, and ownership and custody of the horse has been transferred back to the organization. Feral/Wild Horse: Free-roaming horses that are descendants of the domesticated horse and have no or limited human contact. Foal: An equine up to one year old; a colt is a male foal and a filly is a female foal. Mare: A female equine. Stallion: A male equine that has not been castrated. Gelding: A castrated male equine.

Our organization will accept the following breeds:
    American Saddlebred
    Appaloosa
    Arabian
    Draft
    Friesian
    Hackney
    Morgan
    National Show Horse
    Paint
    Quarter Horse
    Standardbred
    Tennessee Walking Horse
    Thoroughbred
    Warm Blood
    Mixed Breed
    Other
    Andalusian/Lusitano
    Gypsy Vanner
    Paso Fino
    Pinto
    Appendix Quarter Horse
    Rocky Mountain Horse

Not Checked
    Donkey/Mule/Burro
    Mustang
    Miniature Horse
    Icelandic Horse
    Haflinger
    Norwegian Fjord
    Feral/Wild
    Missouri Fox Trotter

Intake, Assessment & Training
Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian
    Physical examination by trained barn staff
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Coggins test
    Vaccinations
    De-worming

The organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the horse 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

The organization has the following policies in place prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility:
    The owner of a potential horse is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the horse
    The horse 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 horse to and from the organization
    Horses are not taken on trial

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
    Lunging
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    Riding at the canter
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing

The typical length of quarantine is:   Horses are not quarantined

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

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Since our program is based on groundwork, our primary concern is social in nature. Our horses have to be safe to work with for staff, volunteers and for the participants, most of whom are beginners. We would hope that horses are sold with an honest assessment of their abilities and limitations. We are not averse to most, but would want to know up front what we are facing.


Breeding
The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    Our organization does NOT breed horses.


Euthanasia
The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have a horse euthanized for space
    Our organization will never have a healthy horse euthanized under any circumstances
    Our organization may have a horse euthanized 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

Horses will be euthanized upon the recommendation of:
    Veterinarian

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

The organization utilizes the following methods of euthanasia:
    Intravenous administration of an overdose of barbiturates

Rehoming
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    Our organization does not re-home horses under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our horses and ensures care of the horses for their lifetimes.

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer useful, or are no longer manageable:
    Horses may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    In the case a horse is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the horse may be euthanized
    In the case a horse is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the horse may be euthanized

Does your organization provide horses to any facility to use in research or medical training? 
     No

Does your organization sell, donate or give a horse to an auction? 
     No
Rehoming Application/Agreement not applicable.

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FACILITY INFORMATION

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 1
The Equus Effect

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The Equus Effect
37 Drum Road Sharon CT 06069
Contact: Jane Strong
Contact's Phone: 203-803-9507
Contact's Email: janeastrong@gmail.com

Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Lease

If not owned, provide the name, address, phone, email and contact person of the organization(s) and/or individual(s) who owns the facility:
John Brett
33 Drum Road
Sharon, CT 06069
jgb11359@gmail.com
203-912-5463

If not owned, does your organization have a written agreement with the owner? Enter Yes or No.   Yes

If not owned, please provide the following information below: Start date and end date of current written agreement (term) and what is the organization's plan for the end of the written agreement? 
     Present written agreement is an in-kind donation from owner. As of June 1, 2018, The Equus Effect will lease with an option to buy the barn, caretaker's cottage, pastures and round pen from owner. Lease will be a 10-year term at which time (if not before) The Equus Effect will purchase the facility or move the program to another location in Fairfield or Old Lyme, CT.

If not owned, please provide the details as to what services are provided by the owner and if and how the owner is compensated. 
     Owner supplies land and buildings. The Equus Effect pays utility bills and maintains the property and horses. Owner will be compensated by direct lease payments as of June 1, 2018

Is the facility in compliance with the Care Guidelines for Rescue and Retirement Facilities prepared by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (whether or not your organization is directly involved with rescue and retirement)? Yes
If no, please explain and specifically describe the areas in which the facility is not compliant. Not Applicable

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.
     Sharon Animal Control 57 Main Street Sharon, CT 860-364-0504

Other than the animal control authority noted above, provide the contact information for all local, state and/or national authorities with whom your organization engages to address issues impacting horse welfare, including mailing address, email address, and phone information.
     Godspeed Horse Hostel 5214 Route 22 Amenia, NY 12501 845-242-2069 Maria Genovesi Godspeed55@gmail.com

Does your organization operate programs involving horses AT THIS FACILITY that serve individuals with special needs, including but not limited to equine assisted activities and therapies? Yes

Enter the total number of instructors/trainers (full-time and part-time) involved with your organization's horse-related programs at this facility: 5

Instructors Assigned to this Facility: (see Instructor Section below for details)
     1. Instructor: Christine Goulding
     2. Instructor: David Sonatore, LCSW
     3. Instructor: Jane Strong
     4. Instructor: Leslie Wilcox
     5. Instructor: Tracie Shannon

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The Equus Effect

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Grounds
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 8
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 1
Pastures: 2  Paddocks/Pens: 1
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 0







Regarding structures at this facility where horses are stalled:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s)?    Yes    
Do all stalls/enclosures allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around?    Yes    
Is there adequate ceiling & beam height (a minimum of 12 feet above the tip of the horse's ear) when standing in all stalls/encosures?    Yes    
How often are the stalls/enclosures cleaned? 6-7 Days a Week
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?    Yes    
Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to control temperature and prevent buildup of toxic gases?    Yes    
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety?    Yes    
Are fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) maintained and in good working order?     Yes    
Is there adequate lighting to insure safety in all areas of facility?     Yes    
Are emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes    

How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled? 4-8
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Horses are out 9 to 15 hours per day

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
✔    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
✔    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 man-made protection for horses (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 horses (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:
✔    The property owner, staff member or caretaker lives on the premises and ensures that public access is restricted and is responsible for the security of the facility and horses
✔    Horses are checked overnight
✔    By Appointment Only signs are posted.
✔    Visitors are only permitted at specific times

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The Equus Effect

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Veterinarian Information
Vet Assessment  conducted on 05/01/2019
Veterinarian: Dr. Angell
Clinic Name: Bentley Veterinary Practice    Street: 2826 Church Street Ste. A    City: Pine Plains  State: NY    Zip: 12567
Phone: 518-398-0888  

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Equine Care
Horse Health Care/Barn Management Records: What system is used to collect and store health/horse care records?
    Notebook or equivalent (technology not utilized)
    The organization utilizes its own system to maintain records

The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
✔    Horses are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to age and any health issues
✔    Feed plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
✔    Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
✔    Horses are fed in individual stalls
✔    Staff and 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 debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals
✔    Medications are kept in a locked, climate-controlled area

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
✔    Horses are assigned a Henneke Body Condition score upon arrival at the facility
✔    The Henneke Body Condition score is updated with each visit by the veterinarian
✔    A weight limit of no more than 20% of the horse’s weight is established for each horse and is kept with the horse’s records and updated when needed
✔    Horses at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
✔    Horses at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
✔    Horses at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
✔    Horses at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist

Do horses have access to clean drinking water at all times?     Yes    

Hoof Care: How often is hoof care provided for each horse? Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises

Dental Care: How often is dental care provided for each horse? Annually and when an issue arises

Physical Examinations: How often is each horse given a physical exam by a veterinarian? Annually and when an issue arises

Horse checks: How often are horses visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility? Every day or 6 days a week

Parasite Control: Our organization has the following worming protocols in place: (Check all that apply
    The protocol for each horse is determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    A de-wormer is used without fecal testing

Fly/Insect Control: What remedies are used to control flies and insects?
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fans

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
✔    Our organization follows the AAEP's Biosecurity Guidelines and/or the UC Davis Biosecurity Guidelines
✔    All staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
✔    All volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
✔    Sick, affected and/or quarantined horses are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy horses
✔    Hand sanitizers and footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined horses
✔    Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined horses is disposed of in specific areas designated for infectious materials - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
✔    Stalls, aisle ways, and common areas are disinfected after conclusion of the quarantine
✔    Horse trailers/vans used by sick, affected and/or quarantined horses are cleaned and disinfected after each use and cleaning takes place away from where horses are sheltered
✔    Horse-specific equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined horses is not shared and is clearly labeled
✔    Latex gloves are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined horses

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
✔    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures
✔    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by state and/or local authorities

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property::
✔    Horses are assigned the same stall/location each day
✔    Name plates are located on the stall

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
✔     All horses have specifically assigned tack, apparel and equipment that is not shared
✔    Saddles are shared
✔    Saddle pads are shared
✔    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are fitted and utilized for each horse appropriate to the horse's needs and the weather conditions
✔    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are cleaned regularly as needed
✔    Tack is cleaned weekly
✔    Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
✔    Assigned tack is clearly labeled
✔    Tack is stored in a climate-controlled location
✔    Helmets are replaced after a fall

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Emergency Preparedness
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 phone numbers are posted prominently
✔    The facility owns or has access to a generator
✔    The facility maintains at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings and medications
✔    The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
✔    All staff/volunteers are briefed regularly on emergency preparedness/safety procedures
✔    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 horses
✔    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
✔    Building/facility exit plans

The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
✔    Smoking is strictly prohibited
✔    Hay is stored away from permanent or temporary structures where horses are stalled
✔    Permanent or temporary structures where horses are stalled are kept free of dust, cobwebs, trash, cleaning rags, and other flammable items
✔    Aisles and doorways are kept clear
✔    Heaters with automatic shutoff settings are used

How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Monthly
Smoke detectors are checked: Annually
Electrical Systems are checked: Semi-annually
Fencelines are checked: Weekly
Turnout Areas are checked: Weekly
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: Not at all/NA
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Semi-annually
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Quarterly
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually

Horse Transportion
2-horse trailer with truck or van:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  1 Access offsite;
3-horse trailer with truck or van:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
4-horse trailer with truck or van:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  1 Access offsite;
6-horse trailer with truck or van:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
8-horse trailer with truck or van:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  1 Access offsite;
10-horse trailer with truck or van:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;

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Equine Assisted Activities & Therapies (EAAT)
Total number of individual clients (not lessons) served annually: 75
Total number of individual clients participating in unmounted activities per week: 18
Total number of individual clients participating in mounted activities per week: 0
Total number of horses participating in EAAT programs at this facility: 3
Number of horses aged 3-8:
Number of horses aged 9-14: 2
Number of horses aged 15-20: 1
Number of horses aged over 20:
Average number of mounted hours per day each horse works: 0
Average number of unmounted hours per day each horse works: 3
Total number: 3
Total number of mounted horse hours per week: 0
Total number of unmounted horse hours per week: 18
Number of days per week that mounted programs are conducted at this facility: 0
Number of weeks per year that mounted programs are conducted at this facility: 0
Number of days per week that unmounted programs are conducted at this facility: 3
Number of weeks per year that unmounted programs are conducted at this facility: 20
Additional explanation: Our curriculum runs for five consecutive weeks. Therefore, if we do not have room for a veteran or other participant during one session, this person can join the next one in five weeks. No one has to wait longer than that.

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The Equus Effect

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Equine Costs and Inventory

2018 Operations: This facility was operational during 2018.

2018 Horse Care Costs

Actual Horse Care Costs $9170     Feed (Grain/Hay) $0     Bedding $1208     Veterinarian $1200     Farrier $122     Dentist $400     Other Therapies $0     Manure Removal $1209     Medications & Supplements $0     Horse Transportation $1724     Maintenance $3846     Horse/Barn Supplies $28060     Horse Care Staff $0     Horse Training $0     Other direct horse-related costs not including overhead or other program costs. $46939     2018 Total Horse Care Costs

Donated Horse Care Costs $     Feed (Grain/Hay) $     Bedding $     Veterinarian $     Farrier $     Dentist $     Other Therapies $     Manure Removal $     Medications & Supplements $     Horse Transportation $     Maintenance $     Horse/Barn Supplies $     Horse Care Staff $     Horse Training $     Other direct horse-related costs not including overhead or other program costs. $     2018 Total Donated Costs

Average cost per day per horse: $43
Average length of stay for an equine: 365 days
Based on a total of 1095 days equines were in the care of this facility during 2018

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The Equus Effect

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Equine Inventory

2018 Operations: This facility was operational during 2018.

2018 Horse Care Costs

2018 The Equus Effect Horse Inventory
3 Total number of horses involved with your programs on January 1, 2018
PLUS: Horse Intake during 2018
0 Donated
0 Free Lease
0 Purchase/Adoption from Owner
0 Purchased from Auction/Kill Pen/Feedlot
0 Surrendered
0 Seized
0 Abandoned
0 Returned
0 Total intakes
LESS: Horse Departure during 2018
Horses adopted/sold:
Horses transferred/returned
Horses deceased
0 Total departures
3 Number of horses involved with your programs on December 31, 2018
3 Total number of active horses (not retired) including
horses undergoing rehabilitation and/or retraining.
 Total number of horses permanently retired.

Summary: 3 on 1/1/2018+ 0 Intakes - 0 Departures = 3 on 12/31/2018

3 Total number of all horses at this facility on December 31, 2018
5 Maximum capacity of horses at this facility on December 31, 2018

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FACILITY INVENTORY SUMMARY

Total Facilities: 1
The Equus Effect

3 Total number of horses involved with your programs on January 1, 2018
PLUS: Horse Intake during 2018
0 Donated
0 Free Lease
0 Purchase/Adoption from Owner
0 Purchased from Auction/Kill Pen/Feedlot
0 Surrendered
0 Seized
0 Abandoned
0 Returned
0 Total intakes
LESS: Horse Departure during 2018
0 Horses adopted/sold:
0 Horses transferred/returned
0 Horses deceased
0 Total departures
3 Number of horses involved with your programs on December 31, 2018
3 Total number of active horses (not retired) including
horses undergoing rehabilitation and/or retraining.
0 Total number of horses permanently retired.

Summary: 3 on 1/1/2018+ 0 Intakes - 0 Departures = 3 on 12/31/2018

3 Total number of all horses on December 31, 2018
5 Maximum capacity of horses on December 31, 2018

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FACILITY COST SUMMARY

Total Facilities: 1
The Equus Effect

Actual Horse Care Costs $9170     Feed (Grain/Hay) $0     Bedding $1208     Veterinarian $1200     Farrier $122     Dentist $400     Other Therapies $0     Manure Removal $1209     Medications & Supplements $0     Horse Transportation $1724     Maintenance $3846     Horse/Barn Supplies $28060     Horse Care Staff $0     Horse Training $0     Other direct horse-related costs not including overhead or other program costs. $46939     2018 Total Horse Care Costs

Donated Horse Care Costs $0     Feed (Grain/Hay) $0     Bedding $0     Veterinarian $0     Farrier $0     Dentist $0     Other Therapies $0     Manure Removal $0     Medications & Supplements $0     Horse Transportation $0     Maintenance $     Horse/Barn Supplies $0     Horse Care Staff $0     Horse Training $0     Other direct horse-related costs not including overhead or other program costs. $0     2018 Total Donated Costs

Average cost per day per horse: $43

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INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

V. INSTRUCTORS

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     1. Christine Goulding

         Facility Participation:

         The Equus Effect

Is the instructor certified by an organization that provides training in the programs, activities and/or services conducted by the organization? Yes
Certification 1:
Provide the name of the certifying organization: The Equus Effect
Enter the year that the certification was awarded: 2016
Is the instructor's certification considered 'Active' by the certifying organization? Yes
Briefly describe the nature/level of the certification: The Equus Effect certifies instructors who demonstrate the emotional maturity required to facilitate healing and growth in veterans and other trauma survivors.
Certification 2:
Provide the name of the certifying organization: IM School of Healing Arts
Enter the year that the certification was awarded: 2005
Is the instructor's certification considered 'Active' by the certifying organization? Yes
Briefly describe the nature/level of the certification: The IM school is a multi-disciplinary approach to healing through the body and breath to release trauma and promote wholeness. This school gave Christine the tools she needs to use her intuition and skills as a healer to help clients identify and process difficult emotions as well as to develop their groundwork skills with horses in a safe and supportive way.
Additional information about this instructor: Christine spent her early years training hunter jumpers, continued into the academic world where she earned a masters degree in art history, went on to publishing and then began her study and professional life as a breath work facilitator and a senior instructor for The Equus Effect. She brings a great deal of knowledge and wisdom to our work because of her multi-disciplinary background and is a great asset to our team.

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     2. David Sonatore, LCSW

         Facility Participation:

         The Equus Effect

Is the instructor certified by an organization that provides training in the programs, activities and/or services conducted by the organization? Yes
Certification 1:
Provide the name of the certifying organization: Eponaquest International
Enter the year that the certification was awarded: 2007
Is the instructor's certification considered 'Active' by the certifying organization? Yes
Briefly describe the nature/level of the certification: Trained at the Eponaquest Worldwide Headquarters in Equine Experiential Learning. Yearlong apprenticeship in the art and science of facilitating Equine Experiential Learning sessions.
Certification 2:
Provide the name of the certifying organization: Somatic Experiencing Training Institute
Enter the year that the certification was awarded: 2015
Is the instructor's certification considered 'Active' by the certifying organization? Yes
Briefly describe the nature/level of the certification: Somatic Experiencing is an approach to working with trauma that uses body-based exercises to develop self awareness, disengage and process trauma and restore goodness to the body. Founded by Dr. Peter Levine, it is one of the most effective forms of trauma therapy that is 100% natural and is a perfect pairing for EAAT
Certification 3:
Provide the name of the certifying organization.Hunter College, MSW program
Enter the year that the certification was awarded: 2009
Is the instructor's certification considered 'Active' by the certifying organization? Yes
Briefly describe the nature/level of the certification: Graduate degree from Hunter College School of Social Work
Additional information about this instructor: David combines the academic and experiential training necessary to empower clients with what they need to move beyond trauma. He combines this with his keen intuition around horses and helps veterans and others in transition realize that they can become whole again.

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     3. Jane Strong

         Facility Participation:

         The Equus Effect

Is the instructor certified by an organization that provides training in the programs, activities and/or services conducted by the organization? Yes
Certification 1:
Provide the name of the certifying organization: Eponaquest Worldwide
Enter the year that the certification was awarded: 2004
Is the instructor's certification considered 'Active' by the certifying organization? Yes
Briefly describe the nature/level of the certification: This apprenticeship-based training is an extremely comprehensive one that shifts one's perspective away from traditional views and into a more relational engagement with them as teachers and partners in moving a client toward well-being. Author of The Tao of Equus, Linda Kohanov takes a unique and sophisticated view of the horses' perspective in helping humans rediscover their own true nature.
Certification 2:
Provide the name of the certifying organization: P.A.T.H. ESMHL
Enter the year that the certification was awarded: 2015
Is the instructor's certification considered 'Active' by the certifying organization? Yes
Briefly describe the nature/level of the certification: ESMHL ensures that students are able to make distinctions that are germane to the field of all aspects of EAAT that involves mental health.
Certification 3:
Provide the name of the certifying organization.Somatic Experiencing Training Institute
Enter the year that the certification was awarded: 2015
Is the instructor's certification considered 'Active' by the certifying organization? Yes
Briefly describe the nature/level of the certification: Somatic Experiencing is an effective approach to healing trauma and restoring goodness to the body. Dr. Peter Levine based his theories on the nature of prey animals in the wild and students are taught many sophisticated and subtle techniques for helping clients renegotiate traumatic events and become able to restore their capacity for social engagement and become more present in their lives.
Additional information about this instructor: Jane Strong's background includes cultural anthropology, market research, coaching, training and facilitating groups. She has also worked with several skilled 'natural' horsemanship trainers whose work informs every exercise we do at The Equus Effect. Our approach is unique in that we use techniques that are both fair and respectful to the horses as well as our clients. Not only do participants benefit from the experience on a personal level, but they also develop useful skills with horses should they decide to pursue further engagement in the form of riding or volunteering at therapeutic riding facilities. Jane designed The Equus Effect program for veterans and created variations for other participant populations from her continuing education and professional development as a facilitator and skilled horsewoman.

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     4. Leslie Wilcox

         Facility Participation:

         The Equus Effect

Is the instructor certified by an organization that provides training in the programs, activities and/or services conducted by the organization? Yes
Certification 1:
Provide the name of the certifying organization: P.A.T.H. ESMHL
Enter the year that the certification was awarded: 2016
Is the instructor's certification considered 'Active' by the certifying organization? Yes
Briefly describe the nature/level of the certification: Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning - offered by P.A.T.H. to ensure that instructors know the potential and limitations of their roles as either facilitators or assistants in various EAAT settings
Certification 2:
Provide the name of the certifying organization: The Equus Effect
Enter the year that the certification was awarded: 2017
Is the instructor's certification considered 'Active' by the certifying organization? Yes
Briefly describe the nature/level of the certification: The Equus Effect offers a training program for prospective facilitators to learn how to deliver this curriculum consistently and clearly to a range of trauma survivors.
Additional information about this instructor: Before joining The Equus Effect, Leslie worked as a veterinary assistant for over 10 years, so she brings experience and sensitivity to issues that might arise with any one of our three horses. She has worked with some innovative techniques that ensure our horses are looked after very well. She is also our newest instructor who can deliver our curriculum flawlessly. We are very grateful to have her.

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     5. Tracie Shannon

         Facility Participation:

         The Equus Effect

Is the instructor certified by an organization that provides training in the programs, activities and/or services conducted by the organization? Yes
Certification 1:
Provide the name of the certifying organization: The Equus Effect
Enter the year that the certification was awarded: 2015
Is the instructor's certification considered 'Active' by the certifying organization? Yes
Briefly describe the nature/level of the certification: The Equus Effect trains facilitators to deliver our program effectively and consistently across a wide range of trauma survivors. Tracie is our first graduate and has been delivering our program and assisting at trainings delivered in 2016, 2017 and 2018
Certification 2:
Provide the name of the certifying organization: Equine Massage Therapy of NW CT
Enter the year that the certification was awarded: 2005
Is the instructor's certification considered 'Active' by the certifying organization? Yes
Briefly describe the nature/level of the certification: Horse massage and reiki training
Additional information about this instructor: Tracie offers Reiki Training, Mindfulness Meditation classes and Intuitive Development workshops. Her “Conversations with Spirit” evening sessions have garnered an enthusiastic following. Born with highly-developed intuitive skills, Tracie combines her deep understanding of the physical and emotional balance that is essential for horses to work effectively with people. Tracie makes sure that our horses maintain both. She has also studied with many modern masters to refine her ability to work with people and animals. Among her many mentors: James Van Praagh, Spirit Mediumship Donna Eden, Energy Medicine Mona Lisa Schultz, MD, Medical Intuition William Lee Rand, Reiki John Perkins, Shamanic Practice Lynn Roberts, Shamanic Reiki Tracie is a volunteer member of Hartford Hospital's Reiki Program in Hartford, Ct and The Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center in Avon, CT., and provides Reiki for hospice patients through Salisbury Visiting Nurses Hospice Care in Salisbury, CT.

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