We are proud to be an EQUUS Foundation Guardian and share our horse care & use practices
with the public.
To provide veterans, first responders, frontline health workers and others in high-stress situations with essential tools to build renewal and resilience into their lives through purposeful engagement with horses.
Our aim is to help the populations we serve move beyond self-limiting patterns in their attitudes and behaviors in order to enjoy productive, successful and satisfying lives at home, work and school.
All of our programs entail groundwork with horses, resilience tools and didactic material we call Emotional Agility.
. For additional information on the Optimal Terminology Summit, click
.
Our organization provides community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of some of the equines involved in our programs and some of the equines in our programs are cared for and sheltered by other organization(s).
100% of our total programs and services are horse-related.
Our organization does not use foster, overflow, outreach and/or satellite facilities
Number of facilities/locations where horses used in our programs are HOUSED AND CARED FOR or were HOUSED AND CARED FOR during 2021: 1
1. The Equus Effect (*Main)
Our aim is to offer this program on a national basis - at military bases and at therapeutic riding centers where veterans and others in high stress environments will be able to 'reboot' for life at home and in their communities. We are currently using research instruments under the auspices of the VA in CT to measure the impact of our program. A $200,000 research grant has been approved by the VA for a senior team at the VA and Yale to undertake a pilot research program in 2022. We hope that findings will prove our model as one that has a significant impact on veterans' ability to become thriving members of their families and communities.
We have grown substantially in the past five years: from serving 21 vets in 2013 to over 600 as of November 2020. We have also graduated over 1,000 men and women in recovery from substance abuse, depression, anxiety and other traumas. We have expanded our training of facilitators from one location in 2013 to six locations, including Pegasus, Brewster, NY, High Hopes, Old Lyme, CT, Emerald Hollow, Brewster, MA, Freedom Hills, Port Deposit, MD, Spring Reins of Hope, Chapel Hill, NC and Free Rein, Spokane, WA.
We have strong relationships with Veterans Administration Healthcare Systems and Veterans Centers in Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina, New York and Massachusetts. We work with the VA as well as with two national Veteran Service Organizations - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and Team Red, White and Blue. We have also been teaching the principles and tools of this program to veteran students at the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) at UConn Business School in Hartford, CT. We also started a program this year with veteran students at Western Connecticut State University. Three years ago, we presented our work to at the 29th Annual International Trauma Conference in Boston, MA
This year, due to Covid-19, our research project with the VA/Yale was postponed until 2022. In response to this situation, we applied for and were granted status as an essential business and have since launched a program in Sharon, CT with front line workers who benefit from our resilience tools as well the opportunity to do hands-on work with our horses. We also plan to serve clinicians and healthcare workers in Fairfield County through the Yale Polo Club. We expect support for these programs from our current donors, have already been awarded a grant for the program in Sharon, CT from the Foundation for Community Health and a private donor who is sponsoring our work with the Nuvance Healthcare System in CT.
We have five instructors/horse handlers and administrative staff at our main facility in Sharon who serve our current populations and who assist at facilitator trainings.
In 2020, we initiated a capital campaign and were able to build a covered space to work so that our facility will be open year-round. We can now train new facilitators here at our location, double our capacity to serve veterans and first responders in CT and provide revenue-generating programs year round to clinicians and people in recovery. This will add at least $20,000 to our tuition fund for veterans and save at least $10,000 per year for space we now rent in order to train new instructors.
We also earn partial support for veterans' tuition by offering fee-based programs to people in the recovery community. We would like support in the form of monetary contributions as well as insight and ideas from veterans in leadership positions in the 'Sea of Goodwill (non-government organizations that offer support and services to veterans)
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
Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
We provide Equine-Assisted Learning 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 also provide a certification program to men and women in the coaching and healing arts at other organizations who wish to become professional facilitators of The Equus Effect curriculum.
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.
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 prospective facilitators 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, the horses 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. We also teach our clients how to work with horses using natural horsemanships according to highly respected professionals like Buck Brannaman, Jim Masterson and others who advocate for a horse's physical, emotional and mental wel-being above all else.
During our sessions clients and horses are always supervised by certified facilitators and skilled horse handlers.
Community Outreach and/or Public Education:
Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
Covid-19 has raised the stress levels among many members of our community. We have offered afternoon workshops for these people as well as to parents of students whose lives have been put on hold for this past year. We understand that mental health and well-being has become an issue among many this past year, so we have responded by offering our work to these people as well as to frontline health workers who have been and continue to serve our communities.
Veterans of Color - This past year has made it painfully clear to all of us that people of color experience the world much differently than others in this country. Therefore, we are initiating two programs - one for male and one for female veterans of color.
Clinicians and others in the healing arts - We offer programs to 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 those who are grieving and those who are in transition from one phase of life to another for any number of reasons.
Research/Medical Use of Equines:Our organization has never made, and would not ever consider making, equines available for research studies or medical training that involves invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine.
Religious Affiliation:Our organization does not promote religious education or religious purposes or use donations for religious education or religious purposes; require participants to be of a certain faith; require participation in religious, instruction, activities or services; or require participation in prayer, worship, religious instruction or other religious activities as a condition of receiving social or secular services offered.
Auction Donation:Our organization has never allowed, or would not consider allowing, an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES CENSUS
The Equus Effect
Current EAS Providers: 1
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2021 EAS Operations |
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Number of horses/equines aged 3-8 |
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EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICE PROVIDERS
Equine Assisted Services (EAS):Our organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development
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 is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is an 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): Jane Strong, Co-founder, Executive Director
Employees/Independent Contractors: Full-Time: 2 Part-Time: 3 Volunteers: 10
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
Prospective staff/independent contractors complete a written application/agreement
Staff and/or contractors are required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
Staff and/or contractors are required to provide Emergency Medical Information
Staff and/or contractors are required to sign a Photo Release
Staff and/or contractors provide parent/guardian information if applicable
Staff and/or contractors are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
Staff and/or contractors are updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
Staff and/or contractors receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
One or more staff members or contractors are trained in CPR and human first aid
One or more staff members or contractors are trained in equine first aid
Not Checked:
Prospective staff/independent contractors must provide in writing if they have ever been convicted of a felony, convicted of a sexual offense, or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect
Prospective staff/independent contractors are required to undergo a Background Check
Staff and/or contractors carry current health insurance
Staff and/or contractors have a written job description
Staff and/or contractors have a supervisor and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
The organization provides a handbook to every member of the staff, including employees and/or independent contractors serving in staff positions;
The handbook includes information, such as hours of work, vacation, sick leave, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
The handbook is reviewed annually and updated
Staff and/or contractors are subject to Random Drug Screening
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 an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
Every volunteer receives training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine 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
Not Checked:
Prospective volunteers complete a written application/agreement
Prospective volunteers must provide in writing if they have ever been convicted of a felony, convicted of a sexual offense, or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect
Prospective volunteers are required to undergo a Background Check
Every volunteer carries current health insurance
Every volunteer has a written job description
The organization provides a Volunteer Handbook to every volunteer
The Volunteer Handbook includes volunteer-related information, such as hours of work, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
The Volunteer Handbook is reviewed annually and updated
Every volunteer is subject to Random Drug Screening
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? No
Conflict of Interest:
Does your organization have a written conflict of interest policy that ensures that any compensated board member is a NON-VOTING (Independent) board member or that any compensated board member or any board member related to a compensated staff member, independent contractor, or any individual or organization that might benefit from a board decision, abstains from voting on issues impacting such compensation and requires officers, directors or trustees, and key employees to disclose at least annually in writing interests that could give rise to conflicts? Yes
Compliance:
Below is a list all local, state and federal licenses held by the organization, and/or accreditations or compliances with the published standards of an accrediting organization, if applicable: We are compliant and current with the state, registered with the IRS and the town of Sharon, CT as a non-profit.
Organization documents available on our website:
None
Organization documents available on request:
Most recent Financials
Most recent IRS Form 990
Volunteer Handbook
Staff Handbook
Bylaws
Additional explanation regarding governance, staffing and volunteer practices or further explanation of the answers above.
The Equus Effect, Inc. purchased the property in September, 2020 from the partner of the co-founder, Jane Strong.
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.
Budget: $100K to $500K
Equine Budget: $25K to $35K
Month Fiscal Year Ends:
*MissingType of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation):
*MissingType of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N):
*MissingDoes the uploaded Pro Forma 990/990 represent 2021?
*MissingIRS Form 990/Pro Forma 990 has not been uploaded for this facility.
POLICIES: ACQUISITION
Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):
Donation
Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
Lease
Purchase/Adoption from Owner
Auction
Kill pen/Feedlot
Return
Surrender
Seizure
Abandonment
Our organization will accept the following:
Geldings
Mares
Not Checked:
Pregnant Mares
Foals
Stallions
Only Stallions to be castrated
POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAININING
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
Not Checked:
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 equine is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the equine
The equine is evaluated at its place of residence
The owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization
The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
Equines are not taken on trial
Not Checked:
Following arrival of the equine 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
A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
Physical examination by a farrier
Physical examination by a dentist
Coggins test
Vaccinations
De-worming
Not Checked:
Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
Blood work other than Coggins
Fecal test
The equine is scanned to check for a microchip
The equine is microchipped if the scan indicates that there is no microchip
Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine
at the facility for a prescribed period of time
Not Checked:
The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine off-site for a prescribed period of time
The equine is not quarantined
A health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven (7) days is required prior to the arrival of the equine
The typical length of quarantine is:
Up to 10 days
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
Not Checked:
Saddling
Bridling
Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
Jumping
Driving (Pulling a carriage)
Clipping
Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same 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 is updated or other body conditioning score with each visit by the veterinarian at least annually
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
Not Checked:
The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least monthly
The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
Photographs are taken of each equine monthly and kept with the equine's health records
Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
Photographs are taken of each equine with each visit by the veterinarian and kept with the equine's health records
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:
No equines are ridden; not applicable
Not Checked:
Our organization evaluates the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden at least annually
Our organization maintains a written record for each equine that documents the results of each evaluation of weight-carrying and workload limitations
Our organization does not evaluate 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:
No equines are ridden; not applicable
Not Checked:
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
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
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.
Were we to take in a new horse, we have two places to quarantine for 10 or more days: the open and covered round pen - depending upon the weather and the covered pen is 25' from the nearest pasture and the open round pen is at least 150' from the nearest pasture.
We always have a vet examine horses before they arrive and check them after quarantine. While we have not acquired any new horses for the past 2 years, we would require a signed report from the vet before arrival and a veterinarian visit after quarantine.
POLICIES: 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 equines.
Not Checked:
The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, breeds equines
The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, are permitted to house stallions
POLICIES: EUTHANASIA
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 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
Not Checked:
Our organization may have a healthy equine euthanized if it is a threat to itself, other equines, or people and euthanasia is recommended by a veterinarian
Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility
The following are authorized to administer the procedure for your organization in accordance with state laws:
Veterinarian
Not Checked:
A certified euthanasia technician
Senior staff with appropriate training
Employee of animal control shelter or humane society with appropriate training
Veterinary student under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian
Not applicable. Our organization prohibits euthanasia under any circumstances
POLICIES: RE-HOMING
Re-homing Agreement not applicable.
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines 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:
Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized
In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized
Not Checked:
Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
Equines may be returned to their owners
Equines may be sent to auction
If a suitable home cannot be located within 12 months, the equine may be euthanized
If a suitable home cannot be located, and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization, the organization will secure a suitable home for the equine and accept financial responsibility for the lifetime of the equine
EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION
Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs:
1Our organization does not use foster, overflow, outreach and/or satellite facilities
MANAGEMENT: The Equus Effect: *Main
Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Own
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:
1Equine Assisted Service Providers Assigned to this Facility: (see Equine Assisted Service Provider Section below for details)
1. David Sonatore, LCSW
VETERINARIAN INFORMATION: The Equus Effect: *Main
The Equus Effect : Vet Assessment Not Current/Upload current Vet Assessment.
Veterinarian: Dr. Angell
Clinic Name: Bentley Veterinary Practice
2826 Church Street Ste. A
Pine Plains NY 12567
Phone: 518-398-0888
GROUNDS: The Equus Effect: *Main
Total number of horses involved with your programs at this facility: 4
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 inches 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 WeekAre 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:
Equines 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
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 equines (i.e., shelters)
Not Checked:
This facility does not have pastures where equines can graze on pasture grass
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
All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
Barbed wire is used for fencing
Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
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
Not Checked:
This facility does not have turnout areas
Barbed wire is used for fencing
Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
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 equines
Equines are checked overnight
By Appointment Only signs are posted.
Visitors are only permitted at specific times
Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
Not Checked:
A security guard is present at night
No Trespassing signs are posted
Hold Harmless signs are posted
Authorized Personnel Only signs are posted
Entrance gates are locked at night
Visitors are always accompanied by staff (or volunteers)
The property is fitted with motion lights
The property is fitted with a security system monitored by police or a professional service
The property is fitted with a security system that is monitored internally by staff (or the property owner)
The perimeter of the property is fully fenced
Additional information about our grounds:
All of our fences are wood with three slats of white oak with 6" posts.
EQUINE CARE: The Equus Effect: *Main
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:
Equines 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
Equines 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
Not Checked:
Equines are fed in groups
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 equine is determined in consultation with a veterinarian
A de-wormer is used without fecal testing
Not Checked: Fecal testing is performed prior to the use of a de-wormer.
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:
Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
Not Checked: Our organization follows the
AAEP's Biosecurity Guidelines and/or the
UC Davis Biosecurity Guidelines The organization has a written biosecurity plan
All staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
All volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
A specific individual is assigned to care for sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy equines
Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Hand sanitizers and footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is disposed of in specific areas designated for infectious materials - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
Stalls, aisle ways, and common areas are disinfected after conclusion of the quarantine
Trailers/vans used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cleaned and disinfected after each use and cleaning takes place away from where equines are sheltered
Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is not shared and is clearly labeled
Shared equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is cleaned of organic debris and disinfected after each use
Latex gloves are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Personnel are required to leave the facility (or shower and change clothing) after working with quarantined equines
Equines are not quarantined on arrival.
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
Not Checked:
Manure is stored in dumpster(s)
Manure is piled in an area where equines are not located
Manure piles are covered
Manure is hauled, sold or given away
The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
Equines are assigned the same stall/location each day
Name plates are located on the stall
Staff/volunteers are provided training on conformation, markings, colors, and breeds
Team leaders work with new staff/volunteers until they are able to identify the equines
Not Checked:
Photos are located on the stall
Equines wear halters with nametags
A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
A map/diagram is posted showing the location of each equine with equine names and photos
Equine photos and profiles are available on the website
Staff and volunteers are provided with an information packet with equine profiles, including photos and detailed descriptions
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
All equines 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 equine appropriate to the equine'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
No equines are ridden; not applicable.
Not Checked:
Bridles are shared
Bits are shared
Blankets are shared
Sheets are shared
Turnout apparel is shared
Halters are shared
Tack is cleaned after each use
Tack is cleaned only when needed
Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's body condition changes
Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's disposition changes
This facility enlists the services of a professional saddle fitter at least once a year
Helmets are shared
Helmets are cleaned/disinfected after each use
Helmets are replaced at least every five years.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: The Equus Effect: *Main
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)
Not Checked:
The facility collects and maintains medical information from staff, volunteers, and clients
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 equines
Protocols to notify emergency personnel
Building/facility exit plans
Not Checked:
Evacuation plans
Power outages
Fire
Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
Terrorist attacks
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 equines are stalled
Permanent or temporary structures where equines 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
Not Checked:
NO SMOKING signs are posted prominently
How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: MonthlySmoke detectors are checked: AnnuallyElectrical Systems are checked: Semi-annuallyFence lines are checked: WeeklyTurnout Areas are checked: WeeklySprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NAFire drills are conducted: Not at all/NAReview of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Semi-annuallyReview of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: QuarterlyThe Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually
Equine Transportation
Access offsite: 1 2-horse van/trailer with truck
Access offsite: 1 4-horse van/trailer with truck
Access offsite: 1 8-horse van/trailer with truck
EQUINE CENSUS SUMMARY
Total Facilities: 1
Total number of horses involved with your programs on January 1, 2021
PLUS: Horse Intake during 2021
Donated
Lease
Purchase from Owner
Auction
Kill Pen/Feedlot
Surrendered
Seized
Abandoned
Returned
Transfer
Born at facility
Adoption from Rescue
Total intakes
LESS: Horse Departure during 2021
Horses adopted/sold:
Horses transferred/returned
Horses deceased
Horses euthanized
0 Total departures
Number of horses involved with your programs on December 31, 2021
Total number of active horses (not retired) including
horses undergoing rehabilitation and/or retraining.
Total number of horses permanently retired.
Summary: on 1/1/2021+ Intakes - 0 Departures = on 12/31/2021
The Equus Effect 2021 Prior Year information not updated.
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