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 veterans, military family members, first responders, frontline Health workers and others who have experienced shock or trauma in one form or another. Our program is trauma-sensitive in that we understand and respect both the external and internal manifestations of those whose nervous systems have been flooded with too much adrenaline, cortisol or pain at once. We use body-based practices along with ground-based natural horsemanship skills and didactic material to empower veterans and other adults move beyond self-limiting patterns of thought and behavior that keep them from enjoying success and fulfillment in their lives.
     
     We also provide a rigorous training program to men and women in the coaching, horsemanship and healing arts at who wish to become professional facilitators of The Equus Effect curriculum at their own facilities. So, The Equus Effect is both a location (Sharon, CT) and a program that is hosted by trained facilitators at other locations with horses that belong either to the individuals or to the facilities where our curriculum is delivered.
     
     We believe that healthy relationships are foundational to 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 renewed capacity for self management, energy and presence.
     
     We also believe that horses accelerate this process by helping participants see the ways in which anger, depression, grief and agitation hinder their ability to move 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 fight, flight or freeze 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, trauma survivors often have a very difficult time maintaining the relationships that give meaning and purpose to life.
     
     Horses are amazing teachers and models 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 the horses, those we serve and for facilitators who deliver our curriculum. 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 well-being above all else.
     
     During our sessions clients and horses are always supervised by certified facilitators and skilled horse handlers.

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. In response to this, We have offered afternoon workshops for these people as well as to parents and students whose lives have been impacted by remote learning over the course of the past two years. 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. We have also added a black woman veteran who attended our program in 2019 to our board of directors in order to better understand and serve the particular needs of this population.
     
     MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS - We offer programs to men and women in the healing arts in order to mitigate the compassion fatigue inherent in serving those who serve veterans during this time when we are all struggling with issues around fear, isolation and the inability to connect with loved ones who might be sick and suffering.
     
     FIRST RESPONDERS - We have been working with a group of law enforcement professionals who were wounded in the line of duty and who are at risk of taking their own lives. We are also initiating a program through a mental health group in Fairfield County whose mission is also to serve men and women in uniform in those communities. While these programs are geared specifically to meet the acute needs of first responders who live in the same communities they serve, the basic principles of our curriculum remain the same.
     
     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, at risk youth 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, religious purposes, or a specific religious faith 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

2021 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
Number of horses/equines aged 9-14	0	1	0	1
Number of horses/equines aged 15-20	0	0	0	0
Number of horses/equines Over 20	0	3	0	3
Total number of horses/equines participating in EAS programs at this facility	0	4	0	4
	Mounted	Unmounted
Number of hours per day each horse works	0	3
Number of days per week each horse works	0	2
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	0	300	0	300
Average number of clients (not lessons) participating in activities per week	0	10	0	10
	Mounted	Unmounted
Number of days per week programs are conducted at this facility	0	2
Number of weeks per year programs are conducted at this facility	0	48
	Mounted	Unmounted
Average wait list time for a client	0	0

Additional explanation: As of 2021, we are able to see clients year round in a 4-5 session curriculum.

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:  4  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

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

Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  9
Number of Board Members:  10  Number of Voting Board Members:  8

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, Staff or Program Participants 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 related board members, 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, military families and people in recovery.

Budget:  $100K to $500K
Equine Budget:   $35K to $50K
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 2021? Yes
View The IRS Form 990/Pro Forma 990

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

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

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

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

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

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
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

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


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.

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.

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 upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

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

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:
    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.

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 1
Our organization does not use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach 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:  1

Equine 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 conducted on 2022-05-23

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: 1  Indoor Rings: 1
















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 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:
    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
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    Pastures are rotated
    Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for the maintenance of turnout areas, which includes a schedule for cleaning, manure removal, and dragging
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Turnout areas have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly

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


Additional information about our grounds:
All of our fences are wood with three slats of white oak with 6" posts. Timber Frame Run-In Sheds and 4 stall Barn


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

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

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