MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Begin Again Horse Rescue is a 501 c-3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of all equine. Its goal is to make a difference one animal at a time, by providing care and rehabilitation to abused, abandoned or neglected horses and intercepting horses potentially at risk of being sent to slaughter. We do this through the charitable works of our volunteers, sponsors, and staff, and the use of foster/adoptive homes. Surrendered horses will be accepted without judgment. The organization seeks to better the lives of horses by providing rescue care and safe haven, as well as by the promotion and education of responsible horse ownership and neuter programs.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue & adoption
Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.

Our organization CURRENTLY uses satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities which adhere to all the policies, procedures and practices of our organization or did in the previous year. Facility information is provided for the organization's main, satellite and overflow facilities.
Summary of organization's recent accomplishments, goals, strategies to achieve the goals, and capabilities to meet the goals, including its long-term plans to sustain its programs:
Please summarize your organization's recent accomplishments (within the past year), goals, strategies to achieve the goals, and capabilities to meet the goals, including its long-term plans to sustain its programs:
     
     In 2024 Begin Again Horse Rescue celebrated the completion of the building of the Dinah Hoyt Taylor Memorial Barn, which contained 8 stalls, a wash stall with hot/cold water, a restroom, a feed/treatment room and a new septic system. After we moved the stalls from the arena into the new barn, we resurfaced the arena and an indoor training area became a reality. We held a huge open house/celebration in October, our 15 year anniversary.
     
     During 2024 we were able to join with other organizations to participated in two large equine rescues. We always have a waiting list of horses needing entry to our program due to either owner surrender needs or equine medical needs, but law enforcement cases take priority so the wait to enter our program sometimes long . To help alleviate this wait, we offer a free listing on our Facebook site dedicated to free adoption, where potential adopters can contact the owner directly to get information and make arrangements.
     
     Although staffing remains a challenge, we were able to maintain three part time equine caretakers and a handyman/groundskeeper for much of the year.
     
     Our BAHR Used Tack Shop continues to be a major source of income. Community members are generous with their donations and our shop staff, all volunteers, is superb at cleaning, pricing and selling the 12 rooms of items. This has been a major source of income., one that allows us to pay for many of our horses’ needs, while also meeting our program goals to financially assist community members with costs for stallion gelding or humane euthanasia.
     
     In 2025, we will need to make repairs to the house, which was built in 1850. Thanks to a Daisy Marquis Jones grant we were able to switch from oil to propane heat in 2024, eliminating a leak in the very old system. This year we will need to replace the chimney, repair the moldy, leaky interior ceiling in one room, and plaster and paint the walls, so as to keep the building a healthy place in which to shop and work. Our handyman/groundskeeper will do this with help from volunteers.
     
     We are very proud of our six board directors who are all hands-on volunteers. We do all that can possibly be done to help the barn staff complete their tasks. Additionally, we try to have a monthly fund raiser or clinic. We are continuing this policy in 2025. We had an Open House/Tack Sale, a farrier clinic about helping horses with lameness and plan on at least one horse show and clinic in August and September. The first Saturday of each month, our barn staff’s off day, is Super Saturday. During that time one BAHR Director spends time with novice volunteers fulfilling general barn needs such as dumping and scrubbing water troughs, or cobwebbing. After work is done the volunteers received horse time, learning to lead/groom horses. It is a popular event and we will continue through the year. Our board members do outreach programs with church groups, at schools and events such as Equifest. We each will continue to do as much as we can to be an interactive part of the rescue in 2025.



Please describe what steps your organization takes to ensure that:
1) all interactions between your equines and people are mutually beneficial and conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions stated below;
2) all equines in the care of our organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program have access to clean drinking water at all times; nutritious food in sufficient quantity, including natural forage such as pasture grass and/or hay; appropriate veterinary, farrier, and dental care; shelter and protection from the weather; sufficient safe space to move around comfortably on a daily basis; and daily opportunity to freely interact and have contact with other equines:

II. Statement on Human-Equine Interactions:
     
     One of Begin Again Horse Rescue’s (BAHR) goals is to provide program-equines with safe and pleasant environments for the rest of their lives, ensuring, to the best of our ability, that these animals are never again in unsafe, or uncomfortable situations. In order to optimize reaching this goal, we maintain ownership of program equines and provide a permanent-lease contract to the adopter that outlines our expectations for equine care and housing after adoption. In the contract we deny use for racing and breeding and emphasize that they must return their adopted horse(s) to BAHR if the conditions cannot be met or it is no longer wanted. Every adopter goes over this contract out loud with the supervisor and signs that he(she) understands and agrees to our terms. In order to choose the best fit for a horse, prospective adopters must come to the rescue and spend time with the chosen horse at lease twice, supervised and evaluated by our trainer.
     
     After our farm supervisor screens and initial contact, eligible applicants, those living within a two hour radius of BAHR, are encouraged to fill out an application. When it is submitted, visits with the horses are made. The trainer notes compatibility during interactions at these prospective adopter/equine meetings. While the visits are happening, our Secretary checks references. Then, after an adoption committee member makes a farm inspection to insure the horse’s future safety , the committee reviews the compiled results and either approves adoption or makes recommendations needed to meet our standards. Once the adopter makes the changes, the Permanent Lease is signed, and the adopted horse goes to its new home. Rechecks are made at least yearly, more often if concerns arise. All visits must be arranged by the farm supervisor and trainer ahead of time.
     
     At the farm each horse has a box stall and paddock with fresh water, and pasture or dry-lot according to individual needs. In winter conditions horses are stalled at night and blanketed. In warm weather they are out 24/7, but come in at least twice daily for health checks, treatments, feeding and/or training. There are at least 2 people for each 4 hour shift – one staff member and one volunteer. New volunteers are supervised one-on-one until they are deemed competent by our experienced director and head volunteer to our routines, techniques, and procedures. Our farrier comes to the farm, routinely every other week unless needed for specialized care. If not and emergency each equine receives a veterinary intake examination and evaluation during or just after a two week isolation/quarantine period. At that time, if needed, it also receives vaccines, a fecal exam, dental care, x-rays, or whatever else is needed. A thorough care, feeding, and treatment plan is developed at that time. Our adoption process occurs after mental, physical, and training evaluations determine that the equine is ready to be available to easily respond to humans. We are determined to provide individualized care and attention to meet the needs of our equine.
     
     In case of an emergency for the horses or humans, our veterinarians and 911 are always on call. Additionally, one farm director is a Board Certified Animal Health Technician and our equine trainer is a State Certified EMT. We have several committee media sites in which we text interactively with immediate results. We are prepared for prompt emergency responses.
     
     
     The BAHR equine selection policy is fully explained in the BAHR Protocol and Procedure book that is always available online upon request, or in hard copy in the two offices. Priority for acceptance into the rescue is given according to need. Law enforcement seizures and those horses deemed at immediate risk of suffering are moved to the front of the always present waiting list or brought in immediately. Our President/Farm Supervisor screens the farm phone and social medial cases that present to her. She contacts the Intake/Adoption committee to inform it of recent requests and events. The committee discusses the issues immediately as needed or at the monthly Board of Directors’ meeting and action progresses to resolution.

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     Begin Again Horse Rescue is run mainly by volunteers and part-time equine caregivers and a trainer who provide continuity of care and training. Horses taken into the program must be deemed at risk of neglect, abuse or of being sent to slaughter. We believe that every horse is only one owner away from landing in an unsafe situation. Our part time trainer is concerned main with helping our resident equine become good citizens and therefore, more adoptable.
     
     After its two week quarantine, the horse, if healthy, is introduced to the other resident horses and evaluated for training and suitability. After evaluation, its description is posted on our website and it is made availability for adoption. Our contract is a Permanent Lease since BAHR keeps ownership of every equine within our system. Our veterinarian prescribed rehabilitation and retraining program is strictly followed by staff and volunteers.
     
     All care is monitored, measured and supervised. A prospective adopter must visit the chosen horse at least twice to determine compatibility and suitability. The adopter's farm is visited by trained volunteers and inspected to insure that it meets the rescue's safety guidelines. References are checked too. When all requirements are met, the adopter signs a Permanent Lease Contract agreeing to return the horse to Begin Again if it can no longer be kept. The adopter also agrees to yearly farm contact by designated volunteers and record inspection. The contract includes no-breeding, no-racing, and no-sale clauses.
     
     We are determined that in the Begin Again Horse Rescue's life-long program our equine will never suffer the possibility of abuse or neglect. In the last few years, horses have been returned to Begin Again for end of life care. This is an unforeseen result of the Permanent Lease Contract and an expensive one. We have accepted this responsibility and are seeking donations to cover these added expenses. We have also set up gelding, euthanasia and hay assistance programs, which require applicants, if able, to give volunteer hours to BAHR in return for our help with these programs.
Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Prospective adopters or those wanting equine learning experiences can volunteer at the farm for at least two visits or on a regular schedule, where their knowledge and comfort levels with equine can be evaluated to ensure that their adoption choices are good matches. We also provide a site for the Arc program of Livingston/Wyoming County,The Walden Project of Ontario/Monroe Counties, NY and Catholic Charities of Livingston County programs. They send one person at a time for instruction in, and experiences with daily barn maintenance and equine care. We also extend these opportunities to high school students through internship programs approved by the Livingston County BOCES work experience program.
     
     Our volunteers provide outreach programs to 4-H groups, schools, county fairs, street fairs and Rotary Clubs to name a few. Our goal is to educate the public to routine equine needs, and to explain about the crisis of neglect that many people don't realize exists. We want them to know how to recognize neglected horses and what they can and cannot do if they suspect neglect or abuse. We try to do 2-6 events a year. The number of events depends upon volunteer coverage.
     
     Additionally, Begin Again Horse Rescue has established a Gelding/Euthanasia Fund to assist its community residents with needed services for their equine. We provide local owners with feed or board fees for their animals if there is a short-term need due to a temporary loss of income and/or illness. We maintain a Facebook page called "Rehoming Horses in Western New York", where we place free courtesy listings for free equines needing new homes if we don't have room to immediately take in their horses, or while they are on our waiting list for entrance to our program.
     
     The Covid 19 Pandemic caused us to limit our interaction with the public to meetings by appointments only, which we have continued in 2024-2025. Although we canceled our person-to-person outreach efforts in 2020, we have now increased them. Our Facebook presence, and E-mail contacts will increase in 2025, and our goal is to to extend our person-to-person outreach programs during 2025 even further. We will be represented in 2025 at larger events such as the Equine Affair and Genesee Valley Hunt Races, where our President will engage the public with demonstrations and a manned informational booth.

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. 

Our Programs/Activities that are not equine-related and/or involving animals other than equines:
 When called on by other organizations we occasionally provide transportation and/or temporary housing for animals other than horses, although our expressed mission is to help equine. We have helped care for and place cows, a goat, sheep, a dog, cats, and chickens.

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POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAINING

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 when the equine is acquired from the equine's owner other than by purchase from an auction or kill pen, or by seizure or by abandonment
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Trial Period: Check all that apply:
    Equines are not taken on trial

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 equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine off-site for a prescribed period of time

The typical length of quarantine is:   10 to 20 days

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a veterinarian upon arrival
    Physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a trained staff member upon arrival
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned by a veterinarian upon arrival
    Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    The equine is scanned to check for a microchip
    The equine is microchipped if the equine has not been microchipped

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
    Saddling
    Bridling
    Lunging
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    Riding at the canter
    Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    Clipping
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by the veterinarian
    Vaccinations are administered at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
    Our organization evaluates at least annually and maintains a written record of the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden

The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden:
    Equine age, weight, breed, body condition, fitness, balance, health and soundness
    Equine conformation to include the top line, length of back, strength and width of loin, bone density (measured by the circumference of the cannon bone just below the knee)
    Size, shape, condition and angle of the hooves
    Participant weight, height, body proportions, balance, fitness and riding skills as well as behavioral issues and safety concerns
    Weight and proper fit of the saddle and other equipment
    Terrain and footing in the working environment
    Duration and frequency of working sessions, as the frequency with which an equine is subjected to maximum weight carrying and/or workload
    Nature and pace of work, repetitive or varied, radius of turns, degree of incline and regularity of footing when equine is subject to maximum weight-carrying capacity
    Temperature and/or weather conditions


Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   Daily

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Priority for intake is given to horses at risk of neglect or of being sent to auction or slaughter. Priority for intake is not based on age or condition. Horses all have pastures/paddocks with run-in sheds. However, they remain in their individual stalls at feeding time and in winter weather. They are led into the barn to eat twice daily during which time they are evaluated for health and/or lameness. After their initial two week quarantine, an individual program for rehabilitation/training is designed and followed. We have 1 half-time trainer at BAHR five half-days a week. She evaluates each equine's level of training and needs and spends her time training from ground work through riding. Training is done to help the horses become "good citizens" and therefore more adoptable.

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    Our organization does not conduct breeding of equines owned or under the care of our organization.
    Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.

Additional information about our breeding policies and practices:
Our adoption (permanent lease) agreement contains a no-breeding clause.

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian if the equine is a threat to itself, other equines, or people
    Our organization will 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

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
Begin Again Horse Rescue has established a euthanasia fund to assist community members, who need financial assistance euthanizing their equine in a humane way, when the animal no longer has quality of life.

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

View Re-homing Agreement
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility
    Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    The organization will accept financial responsibility for equines in the current care of the organization that need to be retired or are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization if all alternatives have been explored to find the equine an appropriate placement and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization.

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    The agreement states that the re-homed equine CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances and must be returned to our organization should the adopter decide that he/she is no longer able, or no longer wishes, to care for the equine.
    The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
    The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make unannounced visits
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization free of charge
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for as long as the adopter/purchaser is responsible for the care of the equine

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

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Our organization retains ownership of the equine for its lifetime

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
$201 to $500


Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Adoptions must be within a two hour radius of Begin Again Horse Rescue to facilitate volunteers making farm checks.
     
     First time horse owners can adopt a horse from Begin Again provided that they volunteer their time at our facility and demonstrate that they are capable and comfortable when handling and caring for the horse(s).
     
     On rare occasions Begin Again will allow a horse to be adopted as a single horse when it is determined that this situation is in the horse's best interest.
     
     BAHR retains ownership and requires that the equine be returned to the facility if it is no longer wanted. No questions are asked about the return. It cannot be transferred or sold.

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 2
Our organization CURRENTLY uses satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities which adhere to all the policies, procedures and practices of our organization or did in the previous year. Facility information is provided for the organization's main, satellite and overflow facilities.

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Begin Again Horse Rescue
2828 Plank Road Lima NY 14485
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 19

Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 16

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.
     There are several organizations responsible for investigating abuse as we cover several western NY counties. Humane Society of Ontario County - Happy Tails Animal Shelter (585) 396-4590 happy_tailsoc@hotmail.com Livingston County Sheriff's Office Deputy Kevin Barrett 585-243-7100 Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Monroe County 99 Victor Road Fairport, NY 14450 585-223-6500 (Humane Law Enforcement Department)

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)? No

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Begin Again Horse Rescue

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Gabrielle Faragasso/Sarah Pell
Clinic Name: Genesee Valley Equine Clinic
924 Chili-Scottsville Rd
Scottsville   NY   14546
Phone: 585 889-1170

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Overview: Begin Again Horse Rescue (*Main)
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 28
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 2  Run-in sheds: 9
Pastures: 6  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 7
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 1














































Are the organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are the organization's emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes    

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the barn/structure(s) or exclusively assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier?    Yes    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or restricted to these sheltered exclusive shelter locations? 4-8
How often are the stalls/shelters cleaned, i.e., kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris? 6-7 Days a Week
Do all stalls/shelters allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around and provide protection from inclement weather (wind, sleet, rain, snow and extreme temperatures)?    Yes    
Are stalls/shelters kept in good repair, with adequate ceiling height, and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris?    Yes    
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?    Yes    
Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to allow free flow of air to control temperature, and humidity, and to prevent air stagnation?    Yes    
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety in all areas of facility?    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    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 9 to 15 hours per day
    Equines are out 16+ hours per day
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in to feed
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in if there is inclement weather

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
    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 natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
    Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for the maintenance of turnout areas, which includes a schedule for cleaning, manure removal, and dragging
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
    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:
    By Appointment Only signs are posted.
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The property is fitted with motion lights
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Begin Again Horse Rescue (*Main) 2025 and 2024 This section is required.

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
    Our organization would use free cloud-based barn management software if available

The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
    Equines are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to the equine's age, breed/type, condition, size, work level and any health issues, consisting of nutritious food provided in sufficient quantity and access to adequate natural forage, or be fed daily, or as recommended by the organization's veterinarian
    Feed plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Equines are fed grain in individual stalls
    Staff and/or 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 contaminants, debris and chemicals, protected from weather and other animals, and be positioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
    Medications are kept in a secure area

Is clean, potable water available at all times for all equines, or if not at all times, at least twice daily?     Yes    

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

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

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

Our organization has the following parasite and fly/insect control protocols in place, including remedies used to control flies and insects:
    Fly/Insect Control Remedies:
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fly Sheets
    Fans

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    Staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    Volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    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 are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    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 removed from the facility - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
    Quarantine areas, such as stalls, aisle ways, paddocks, and common areas, are cleaned (and needed, 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
    Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is cleaned of organic debris and disinfected after each use
    Latex gloves, or equivalent gloves, are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure is piled in an area where equines are not located
    Manure is hauled, sold or given away
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by the state, local authorities, and/or our organization's veterinarian

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

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
    Saddles are shared
    Saddle pads are shared
    Bridles are shared
    Bits 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 only when needed
    Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit 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
    Tack is stored in a climate-controlled location
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are replaced after a fall
    Helmets are replaced at least every five years.

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Emergency Preparedness: Begin Again Horse Rescue: *Main This section is required.
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 collects and maintains medical information from staff, volunteers, and clients
    The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
    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 equines
    Evacuation plans
    Power outages
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans


The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited
    NO SMOKING signs are posted prominently
    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

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

Equine Transportation: 7= Onsite: 0 (0 + 0) + Offsite: 7
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  4 Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  2 Access offsite;
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  1 Access offsite;
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;