EQUUS Foundation

MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
High Hopes' mission is to foster a vibrant community where horse and human interactions improve lives. We strive to provide a challenging yet secure environment in which to experience not only physical and occupational therapy but also freedom, mobility and accomplishment thereby gaining independence and building self esteem. Additionally, our underlying mission is to offer our programs to everyone who might benefit from them, regardless of financial means.

Our organization conducts Equine Assisted Services in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS).
Our organization provides community 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 horse-related.
Our organization does not use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
    Therapeutic Mounted Services
    Therapeutic Driving 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
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

12: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

     1. Barbara Abrams

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH CTRI
PHD in Social Services and Licensed Professional Counselor.

2. Carolyn Jagielski

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

State of CT licensed Physical Therapist
PATH CTRI

3. Carrie Wind

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Driving Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH CTRI
PATH Level 2 Carriage Driving certification
President Connecticut Valley Driving Club

4. Chelsea Bourn

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

BA- Psychology/Special Education
MA- Human Development and Family Studies

CTRI, Registered level instructor
ESMHL

5. Kitty Stalsburg

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

BS Animal Science, Cornell University
PATH Master Instructor, ESMHL and CTRI

6. Laura Moya

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH CTRI
State of CT licensed Family and Marriage Counselor

7. Lauren Fitzgerald

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Driving Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Advance Level CTRI
PATH Level 3 Driving Instructor
PATH faculty member & mentor

8. Marie Cahill

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH CTRI
BPS in Business Management with Specialization in Equine Business Management from Cazenovia College

9. Megan Ellis

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Advanced level CTRI
PATH Evaluator and Mentor

10. Sarah Miller

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

High Hopes Therapeutic Riding

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Driving Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Associates degree in Equine Studies from Johnson and Wales University
BA in Human Development from University of Connecticut
PATH Advanced level CTRI
PATH level 1 Driving Instructor
PATH ESMHL
PATH Evaluator and Mentor and Site Visitor

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (High Hopes) is one of the oldest and largest therapeutic riding centers in the United States. Founded in 1974, High Hopes has grown into a 120-acre facility with a herd of therapy horses, 17 staff members, and more than 350 volunteers. We operate year round, 6 days a week with both indoor and outdoor riding facilities and an extensive sensory trail.

     The challenges our participants face include muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, visual and hearing impairments, emotional and social behavior disorders and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. High Hopes participants ages range from 3 to 77 years and come from 60 towns throughout Connecticut, but more than three quarters are children or teenagers and 20% of participants attend High Hopes as part of a school group.

     All High Hopes programs have individualized, targeted and attainable goals, and range from therapeutic riding to carriage driving to horse care and management to a range of specialty programs including summer camps and veteran’s programs, depending on participants needs, interests and disabilities. Participation benefits include improved balance, mobility, coordination and physical strength and, just as importantly, the fostering of appropriate behavior, confidence and self-esteem. High Hopes emphasizes educational and outreach programs and collaborative partnerships to enables wide-spread participation.

Community Outreach and/or Public Education:

Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     High Hopes offers several Open Houses and cultivation events throughout the year, inviting community members to visit our facility and see our program in action. During these open houses staff and volunteers are on hand to provide information, education and answer questions.

     Additionally, High Hopes welcomes multiple field trips from schools and universities during the academic year. The purpose of these field trips range from career development opportunities for students seeking careers in equine assisted services or equine care to students enrolled in programs that provide services to individuals with disabilities.

     Last, High Hopes welcomed groups from area school districts, group homes, senior centers and social service agencies. The primary purpose of these visits is to create awareness of our program and/or provide an one time experiential equine assisted services.

     We have seen a dramatic increase in outreach activities at our facility this year and look for additional attendance for annual Horse Show Week and our June gala. New cultivation events and open houses are being planned for the late summer/early fall to highlight the programs and changing developments that have been initiated by High Hopes such as our One Health initiative.

     High Hopes is celebrating a 50th Anniversary in 2024. We anticipate many opportunities to celebrate the benefits of Equine Interactions within the community.

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.

POLICIES: ACQUISITION

Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Donation
    Lease
    Purchase/Adoption from Owner

Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
    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.

Not Checked:
If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations
A health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival attesting to the health status of the equine is provided to our organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine

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 on trial for 60 or more days
    The trial period may be reduced based on the equine's progress
    During the trial period, the organization accepts total financial responsibility for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care
    During the trial period, the organization accepts financial responsibility for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care, up to a fixed amount agreed upon by the organization and the owner
    The trial period may be terminated by either the organization or the owner for any reason

Not Checked:
    Equines are not taken on trial
    Equines are on trial for up to 30 days
    Equines are on trial up to 60 days
    During the trial period, the owner/donor is financially responsible for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination by trained barn staff
    Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
    Fecal test
    The equine is scanned to check for a microchip

Not Checked:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian upon arrival and/or prior to quarantine departure
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Coggins test
    Blood work other than Coggins
    Vaccinations
    De-worming
    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

The typical length of quarantine is:   20 to 30 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
    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
    Driving (Pulling a carriage)
    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

Not Checked:
Jumping

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 or other body conditioning score is updated 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
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually

Not Checked:
    Photographs are taken of each equine monthly and kept with the equine's health records
    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

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
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:
    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

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate 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): As needed; no set schedule

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Horses are selected and obtained by High Hopes solely on the basis of their suitability for use in the High Hopes programs. The staff, led by our Equine Operations Director, will determine each horse’s usefulness in fulfilling program needs, and will perform on-going evaluations of the existing herd of horses. As unmet needs are determined, the staff will search for prospective horses to meet these needs. We look for soundness at the walk, trot and canter with rhythmic and balanced gaits. The horse should be obedient to both voice and leg aids, quiet and well mannered on the ground and accepting of assistive devices and equipment. The horse must work easily in hand, and tolerate one or more people walking and trotting beside the horse to assist the rider. Multiple of the horses at High Hopes are here under a free lease arrangement with the horse owner. Many of our free lease horses come from homes where they no longer can be actively ridden due to the owner's personal circumstances. Occasionally a program need cannot be met with a free lease or donated horse and High Hopes will purchase a suitable equine partner. A horse being seriously considered for use in the program will undergo a trial period at High Hopes during which they will be evaluated and assessed by the High Hopes personnel and systematically introduced to all possible aspects of potential work. Any prospective horse brought onto High Hopes property must go through an isolation period of up to 30 days before introduction to the herd. Once a horse has been accepted into the program and passed its isolation period the horse will be placed in a paddock with 2 to 3 horses of suitable temperament. High Hopes horses typically serve 2 participants per day, four to five days a week. They receive routine farrier care, vaccinations, regular deworming/fecal egg counts and dental care. We are also able to offer complementary therapies such as chiropractic and acupuncture, massage and trigger point myotherapy. We turn out our horses 24 hours per day in small herd paddocks at our 120 acre facility, where they always have shelter available in three sided sheds and automatic water cisterns. Daily care and feeding is provided by the Barn staff and a dedicated group of volunteers.
Every horse under High Hopes care receives constant evaluations to determine its on-going suitability within the program. When a horse shows signs of physical or mental fatigue we take steps to correct the problem. Physical issues are addressed after consultation with our veterinary provider and the horse will not be returned to the program until the physical condition is resolved. Horses that show signs of being unhappy with their work are first evaluated to see if there is an underlying physical problem that needs to be addressed. If that is not the case then we look to see how the horse is being handled or the type of work it is being asked to perform and if changes can be made to make the horse more comfortable. If after all these steps have been taken and the horse is still not able to work then steps will be taken to retire the horse and its placement will maximize the future humane care and protection of the horse. In the case of a free lease the horse will be returned to its owners care, if feasible. In the case of donated and purchased horses High Hopes will seek to place the horse in the appropriate care of a new party and ownership is transferred to that party. In some cases once a horse retires from High Hopes program its ownership cannot be transferred and its on-going care will be borne by High Hopes either at its own facility or if possible at Mitchell Farms, an equine retirement facility in Salem, CT. To ensure that our retired horses receive the best possible care High Hopes has established an Equine Care Fund and actively raises money to support this program. Money from the Equine Care Fund ensures that High Hopes can provide the best possible care for our horses until their last days, without impacting our on-going programs costs.

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 may have a healthy equine euthanized if it is a threat to itself, other equines, or people and euthanasia is recommended by a veterinarian
    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

Not Checked:
Our organization will never have a healthy equine euthanized under any circumstances
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

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
    Our organization does NOT re-home an equine to first time equine owners
    Our organization will only re-home an equine to a location where another equine resides
    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

Not Checked:
Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine
Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    The agreement states that re-homed equines CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances.
    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 scheduled visits

Not Checked:
    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 should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must be notified of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that the terms of our organization's agreement will be binding on any future individual or organization taking and/or in possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make unannounced visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization free of charge
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization for a fee
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for two years
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for three or more years
    None of the statements are included.
    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 does not have the authority to transfer ownership and/or does not own any of the equines involved with our programs.

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

Not Checked:
Not applicable or no references required.

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase) or less than one year

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
Not applicable; None received

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
    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

Not Checked:
    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

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Horses are often transferred to a not-for-profit equine retirement facility nearby or frequently adopted by known entities, staff and volunteers who have an organizational history with High Hopes and the equine in question.