Not Checked:
    Therapeutic Mounted Services
    Therapeutic Driving Services
    Therapeutic Vaulting Services
    Therapeutic Unmounted Services
    Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)
    Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning

1: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at The Equus Effect

---

     1. David Sonatore, LCSW

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         The Equus Effect

         RELATIONSHIP: Other

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         David holds a LCSW, is a Eponaquest Equine Experiential Learning instructor, a Somatic Experiencing® advanced training graduate and a certified Martha Beck Coach. 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.

---

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Jesi Sarno
Employees:   Full-Time:  2  Part-Time:  3  Volunteers:  10
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
    Every volunteer is assigned a supervisor (staff member and/or senior volunteer) and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The supervisor assesses the volunteer's abilities and assigns specific duties to the volunteer based on their skills
    The organization records and maintains written attendance information and hours on every volunteer
    The organization 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

Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  9
Number of Board Members:  13  Number of Voting Board Members:  10

Board Compensation:
Is Board Chair compensated?  No  Is Treasurer compensated?  No
Are there any other Voting Board Members that are compensated?  No

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.
Co-Founder Jane Strong's partner owns the property where our facility is located.

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 explanation regarding governance, staffing and volunteer practices or further explanation of the 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.

Financial Reporting:
Budget:  *Missing
Equine Budget:   *Missing
Month Fiscal Year Ends: *Missing
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): *Missing
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): *Missing
Does the uploaded Pro Forma 990/990 represent 2020? *Missing
IRS Form 990/Pro Forma 990 has not been uploaded for this facility.

---

EQUINE COSTS

Total Facilities: 1
The Equus Effect: 2019 - Yes

Actual Horse Care Costs $10104     Feed (Grain/Hay) $4000     Bedding $5000     Veterinarian $1500     Farrier $1500     Dentist $1000     Other Therapies $6917     Manure Removal $1500     Medications & Supplements $0     Horse Transportation $14238     Maintenance $2866     Horse/Barn Supplies $0     Horse Care Staff $0     Horse Training $0     Other direct horse-related costs not including overhead or other program costs. $48625     2019 Total Horse Care Costs

Donated Horse Care Costs $0     Feed (Grain/Hay) $0     Bedding $0     Veterinarian $0     Farrier $0     Dentist $5000     Other Therapies $0     Manure Removal $0     Medications & Supplements $0     Horse Transportation $0     Maintenance $0     Horse/Barn Supplies $0     Horse Care Staff $0     Horse Training $0     Other direct horse-related costs not including overhead or other program costs. $5000     2019 Total Donated Costs

Average direct cost per day per horse: $41
Average total cost per day per horse: $41
Average length of stay for an equine: 294 days (1175/4)

---

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  
    Purchase 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
Intake, Assessment & Training
Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the horse:
    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

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
    The owner of a potential 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

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
    The horse is not quarantined

The typical length of quarantine is:   Horses are not quarantined

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

Following arrival at the facility, the horse is 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

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:
    The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, does NOT breed horses.
    Our organization prohibits the breeding of horses/equines when re-homed or this statement is not applicable as all horses/equines remain at our organization for their lifetimes and are not re-homed under any circumstances.

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 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

Re-homing Agreement not applicable.

---

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

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

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to foster, overflow and/or satellite facilities: Not Applicable. Our organization does not use foster, overflow and/or satellite facilities

---

The Equus Effect

---

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

Please list all local, state and federal licenses held by the organization, including the expiration dates, or indicate that no licenses are required at the local, state or federal level. Please also list if this facility is accredited and recognized as compliant with the published standards of an accrediting organization, including the name of the organization and the date of the accreditation.
     *Missing

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

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

Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers AT THIS FACILITY, including instructors, specialists, therapists, counselors, coaches and/or facilitators (full-time, part-time, volunteer, independent contractors, and/or providers accompanying clients) that conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS) AT THIS FACILITY:  1

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

     1. David Sonatore, LCSW

---

The Equus Effect:

---

Grounds
Total number of horses involved with your programs at this facility: 4
Of the total number of horses involved with your programs at this facility, the number of horses that are microchipped:
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those not involved with your programs: 4
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 5
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 8
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 2
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/enclosures?    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 ensure 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
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas

---

The Equus Effect

---

Veterinarian Information
*Vet Assessment Not Current.

Veterinarian: Dr. Angell
Clinic Name: Bentley Veterinary Practice
2826 Church Street Ste. A
Pine Plains   NY   12567
Phone: 518-398-0888

---

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
    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

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines in our care:
    Equines are not ridden; not applicable

The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine:
    Equines are not ridden; not applicable

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:
    Horses/equines are not quarantined.

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
    Staff/volunteers are provided training on confirmation, markings, colors, and breeds
    Team leaders work with new staff/volunteers until they are able to identify the horses

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
    Equines are not ridden; not applicable.

---

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 procedures are posted prominently
    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
Fence lines 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

Equine Transportation
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;

---

Equine Assisted Services (EAS)

2020 EAS Operations	Mounted Only	Unmounted Only	Both Mounted & Unmounted	Total
Horses/Equines participating in EAS programs at this facility
Number of horses/equines aged 3-8	0	0	0	0
Number of horses/equines aged 9-14	0	0	0	0
Number of horses/equines aged 15-20	0	0	0	0
Number of horses/equines Over 20	0	0	0	0
Total number of horses/equines participating in EAS programs at this facility	0	0	0	0
	Mounted	Unmounted
Number of hours per day each horse works	0	0
Number of days per week each horse works	0	0
Clients participating in EAS programs at this facility	Mounted Only	Unmounted Only	Both Mounted & Unmounted	Total
Total number of individual clients (not lessons) served annually
Average number of clients (not lessons) participating in activities per week
	Mounted	Unmounted
Number of days per week programs are conducted at this facility	0	0
Number of weeks per year programs are conducted at this facility	0	0
	Mounted	Unmounted
Average wait list time for a client		0

---

EQUINE CENSUS SUMMARY

Total Facilities: 1
The Equus Effect: 2019 - Yes

2 Total number of horses involved with your programs on January 1, 2019
PLUS: Horse Intake during 2019
0 Donated
0 Free Lease
2 Purchase/Adoption from Owner
0 Purchased from Auction
0 Purchased from Kill Pen/Feedlot
0 Surrendered
0 Seized
0 Abandoned
0 Returned
0 Transfer
0 Born at facility
2 Total intakes
LESS: Horse Departure during 2019
0 Horses adopted/sold:
0 Horses transferred/returned
0 Horses deceased
0 Horses euthanized
0 Total departures
4 Number of horses involved with your programs on December 31, 2019
4 Total number of active horses (not retired) including
horses undergoing rehabilitation and/or retraining.
0 Total number of horses permanently retired.

Summary: 2 on 1/1/2019+ 2 Intakes - 0 Departures = 4 on 12/31/2019

Total days that equines were in the care of The Equus Effect during 2019: 1175

---

2019 The Equus Effect Equine Census
2 Total number of horses involved with your programs on January 1, 2019
PLUS: Horse Intake during 2019
0 Donated
0 Free Lease
2 Purchase/Adoption from Owner
0 Purchased from Auction
0 Purchased from Kill Pen/Feedlot
0 Surrendered
0 Seized
0 Abandoned
0 Returned
0 Transfer
0 Born at facility
2 Total intakes
LESS: Horse Departure during 2019
0 Horses adopted/sold:
0 Horses transferred/returned
0 Horses deceased
0 Horses euthanized
0 Total departures
4 Number of horses involved with your programs on December 31, 2019
4 Total number of active horses (not retired) including
horses undergoing rehabilitation and/or retraining.
0 Total number of horses permanently retired.

Summary: 2 on 1/1/2019+ 2 Intakes - 0 Departures = 4 on 12/31/2019

---

2 Horse Intake Detail during 2019 0
0 Donated 0
0 Free Leased 0
2 Purchased from Owner 0
1Quarter Horse1 Aged 10-14  1 Geldings
1Warm Blood1 Aged Over 20  1 Mares
0 Purchased from Auction 0
0 Purchased from Kill Pen/Feedlot 0
0 Surrendered 0
0 Seized 0
0 Abandoned 0
0 Returned 0
0 Transferred 0
0 Born at facility 0

---

---

---

Definitions:
Donated: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization by its owner/trainer/responsible agent utilizing a donation document.
Free Lease: The ownership of the equine is maintained by the owner/trainer/responsible agent; the custody and responsibility for the shelter and care of the equine is transferred to the organization utilizing a free lease document.
Purchased from Owner: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization by its owner/trainer/responsible agent utilizing a purchase document.
Purchased from Auction: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization by purchasing the equine at an auction.
Purchased from Kill Pen: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization by purchasing the equine from a kill pen.
Surrendered (Hardship): The ownership and custody of the equine is relinquished to the organization by its owner/trainer/responsible agent with or without the use of an intake document.
Seized: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization as a result of the equine being seized by law enforcement or another agency and removed from the owner.
Abandoned: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization as a result of the equine being abandoned by the owner or the owner was unable to be located.
Returned: The equine was previously a part of the organization, was adopted, and ownership and custody of the equine has been transferred back to the organization.
Transferred: The custody of the equine is transferred within an organization or from one organization to another non-profit or foster organization to provide retirement, retraining, rehabilitation and/or adoption services with no change in ownership.
Born: The equine was born at the facility.

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.

Equine Assisted Services (EAS): Any activity that incorporates equine interactions and/or the equine environment, mounted or unmounted, to include 1) psychotherapy and/or mental health counseling aimed at achieving goals set forth by the licensed mental health professional and the client, 2) occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology treatment strategies utilizing equine movement set forth by the licensed therapist and the client, 3) horsemanship instruction adapted to the ability/disability of those receiving services, for the purpose of contributing positively to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being conducted by a certified professional, and 4) experiential learning approaches that promote the development of life skills to achieve educational, professional and personal goals conducted by a licensed educator, mental health professional or coach. Please refer to our Guidelines for Conducting EAS for additional information.

Special Needs: Any difficulty or difficulties (such as a physical, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive disability or impairment) that require or benefit from instructors, specialists, counselors, trainers and/or facilitators who have certified training for their scope of practice applicable to the people participating in the programs and specific to the program offerings. The difficulty may not be limited to a health issue but may result from the interaction between the individual and the society in which he or she lives arising from an abusive or unhealthy environment or situation and/or a lack of resources, including economic resources, placing them at risk of a future with less than optimal outcomes.

At-Risk: Refers to being at-risk of a future with less than optimal outcomes. Youth are considered at-risk for a number of reasons, such as if they are homeless or transient, involved in drugs or alcohol, abused sexually, physically or emotionally, mentally ill, neglected at home or live in stressful family environments, lacking social or emotional supports, and involved with delinquent peers. At-Risk youth are likely to be involved in a number of risky behaviors, such as running away, skipping school, drinking underage, engaging in sexual behavior, displaying disruptive behavior, bullying/harassment, fighting, and committing acts of vandalism.

Community Outreach: Refers to public education programs aimed at educating the public about the horse-human bond, issues impacting the welfare of horses, and how horses change lives and activities that include, but are not limited to, any activity OTHER THAN Equine Assisted Services (EAS) that require a credentialed service provider, such as off site visits with horses at hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, crisis response, workplace well-being, on site tours, seminars and clinics, camps, community service hours, able-bodied mounted and unmounted lessons, etc.