MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
The Secretariat Center is a 24-acre, 501(c)(3) non-profit horse adoption program located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The Secretariat Center's mission is to prepare off track Thoroughbreds for happy, healthy, and successful post-track careers by rehabilitating and giving them a broad-based foundation of skills to ensure a harmonious match with their adopters. We advocate for the athleticism and versatility of the American Thoroughbred and provide educational opportunities for human development through horsemanship.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue & adoption
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 uses foster, overflow and/or satellite facilities which adhere to all the policies, procedures and practices of our organization
Number of facilities/locations where horses used in our programs are HOUSED AND CARED FOR or were HOUSED AND CARED FOR during 2020: 4
     1. Barter Farm (Satellite)
     2. Maker's Mark Secretariat Center ()
     3. Gemstone Farm (Satellite)
     4. Cattail Farm (Satellite)
     5. The Ranch (Satellite)**Error in number of facilities.


Summary of organization's goals, strategies to achieve the goals, accomplishments, and capabilities to meet the goals, including its long-term plans to sustain its programs:
Goals: 1) To increase adoptions of off-track TBs, 2) to educate people about best practices for handling and training OTTBs, 3) to advocate for the versatility of the Thoroughbred breed, 4) to support the racing industry in their aftercare efforts, and 5) to further human development through horsemanship.
     
     Strategies to achieve the goals: We have hired a professional trainer at our main facility. We have an internship program for college, high school, and non-traditional students, and a similar program will be initiated at The Ranch. These interns learn our Horse Centered Reschooling Program, the best practices we espouse, and how to manage and run both a barn and a non-profit organization. We hold regular tours through Horse Country as well as doing many impromptu tours for visitors to the horse park in which we discuss and demonstrate best practices. We also host interactive demonstrations for corporations.
     
     Accomplishments: We are very honored to have been cited by professionals from myriad equestrian disciplines as the “role model” or “gold standard” in the reschooling of adoptable off-track Thoroughbreds. In 2019, we reschooled and rehomed 47 OTTBs. Our goal for 2020 is to place 45-50 OTTBs. Several of our graduates will be competing at the RRP’s Thoroughbred Makeover in October 2020.
     
     Capabilities: Although we are very proud of what we have accomplished over the years and the reputation that we’ve earned, we are hindered by a lack of three types of resources – land, staff, and finances. 1) Land. Aftercare thankfully has changed dramatically in the last decade. There is a burgeoning market for sound Thoroughbreds, which is wonderful. But still, not enough support for injured or compromised OTTBs. We have developed a strategy called the Clean Start Program to address this need (www.secretariatcenter.org/clean-start) and have developed relationships with local farms to board horses in need of rehab at reduced rates, but this of course is costly and these horses in the end may bring in low adoption donations. At some point in the future, we would love to have a facility with more acreage. 2) Staff. To increase adoptions and to do it well, we will need more staff. We only have 1 full-time staff member in the barn. We have 1 full-time office staff member. And 2 staff members who are full-time in fundraising, program development, and marketing but who also devote many hours of time to the barn, training, and campus management. To increase scale and impact, we will need to hire at least an assistant trainer/barn manager so that all staff members at the MMSC main campus can be more efficient in their jobs and handle the management of more horses and increased program diversity. 3) Finances. We are committed to giving our horses a foundation of training because this increases each horse’s value to an amateur owner, helps assure the safety of both horse and rider, and reduces the return rate of horses. This of course takes time and money for training, therapies, feed, etc. plus all ancillary costs including pasture maintenance and mowing, arena upkeep, and overhead. Funding is a never-ending issue for all non-profits.
     
     Long-Term Plans: We are committed to increasing adoptions by strict adherence to quality and opening up several more satellite facilities that will replicate our approach and programs. We believe so strongly in our model to help horses and we know that horses can help people that we are excited about expanding our mission at some point in the future to include all breeds as well as human development programs. With hope, this will also help us with fund- and friend-raising opportunities. We currently have a small endowment but our board is discussing the undertaking of a capital campaign in the near future to ensure our sustainability and longevity.

Horse Rescue, Rehabilitation, Retraining & Re-homing:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     The Secretariat Center, hailed as "the Gold Standard in Thoroughbred reschooling", opened in October 2004. It uses its location at the famed Kentucky Horse Park near Lexington to highlight the versatility and athleticism of off-the-track Thoroughbreds, while underscoring the desirability of adopting one.
     
     Secretariat Center horses act as ambassadors for the breed. Eligibility for the program is based on soundness, temperament, and serviceability. As the campus is small - 16 acres of paddocks and a 10-stall barn - it can only house 12-16 horses at a time.
     
     The Secretariat Center is not a rescue facility; its job is to herald, showcase, and market the value of the Thoroughbred in second careers.
     
     Horses in the program learn new skill sets using the Horse Centered Reschooling Program(SM), a three-tiered system addressing the body, spirit, and mind, developed by the Secretariat Center executive director Susanna Thomas. The HCRP is based on the belief that to reschool a horse successfully and expeditiously, its mind, body, and spirit all must be tended to with equal care. Once the horse arrives at the Secretariat Center, it is reviewed by a team of experts: dentist, farrier, vet, nutrition specialist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, and various practitioners of alternative therapies to ensure that the horse is as balanced physically from the onset, as it can be. From there horses are assessed for temperament and learning style in a round pen, using natural horsemanship and Tellington-Jones techniques, as well as mounted police “bomb proofing” desensitization exercises. Training progresses classically then with in hand ground work, lunging and long lining, followed by interdisciplinary introductions to dressage, jumping, trail riding, cross country work, and, when possible, horse shows.
     
     Potential adopters are required to fill out applications that include veterinary, personal, and equine specialist references, and if approved, must visit to try the horses to make sure the fit is a good one. Adoption fees are based on the scope of a given horse and expenses incurred during reschooling.
     
     For the adopter who live out of state and need time to plan shipping for his or her adopted horse, or the adopter who would like his or her new horse to gain more training either on the ground or under saddle prior to coming home, the Secretariat Center offers a Custom Training Program. OTTBs frequently love working and thrive on consistent schedules. Enrolling adopted horses in our post-adoption and Custom Training Program ensures the mind and body of the horse are kept active and engaged. The horses in this program continue learning and growing in the adopters' chosen disciplines until the day they ship out. This custom training plan can be tailored to each adopter's wants and needs, ensuring the adopted horses step off the trailer at their new home fit and ready to begin their new life.
     
     The Secretariat Center also has an off-campus Fresh Start program for those horses that need time to let down or heal before they can commence a second career. Horses in the Fresh Start Program are not available for adoption. They receive the time and care they need to heal their bodies and minds, then matriculate into the Horse Centered Reschooling Program (SM) on the Secretariat Center campus when they are ready.
     
     The MMSC's Noble Horse program is designed for those horses with athletic limitations. These horses remain off-campus, either at a foster farm or at their donor's farm, where they are evaluated by MMSC staff for athletic ability, temperament, and trainability. These horses do not receive training from the MMSC staff but are available for adoption to approved and suitable adopters "as is". The purpose of this program is to give all horses coming off the track a chance for a loving home, regardless of their physical limitations.
     
     The All-Star Program, launched in 2018, is designed to showcase the athleticism and versatility of the off-track Thoroughbred at the highest levels of equestrian competition by pairing uniquely talented exemplars of the breed with international-level riders. These teams are supported through syndicates of Thoroughbred fans who love the idea that the fun doesn't have to stop when the race is over. The hope is that this program will open eyes of racehorse owners and trainers, as well as horse lovers everywhere, as to how amazing Thoroughbreds truly are.
     
     Keen to be a beacon of information about reschooling OTTBs, the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center offers internships for students of high school through college age, provides educational opportunities for volunteers, and regularly hosts tours and demonstrations.

Community Outreach and/or Public Education:
Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     The Secretariat Center offers internship programs in the spring, fall, and summer of each year. Spring and fall internships run 12 weeks. Students are required to work a minimum of two mornings during the week (Tuesday - Friday) and all day Saturday in addition. Interns are also expected to attend all educational field trips if their class schedule allows. We may take 3 field trips a semester, some of which have included the Churchill Downs Museum, Keeneland behind the scenes, the North American Racing Academy, KESMARC and many others. Summer internship sessions are flexible in length but must be no shorter than two weeks in duration. Students are expected to work a full eight hour day, five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday.
     
     Two types of internships are offered - 1, a horse training and barn management internship and 2, a communications and business internship. The horse training internship exposes students to all that goes into transitioning a Thoroughbred for a new career using the Horse Centered Reschooling Program® developed by director Susanna Thomas. Interns will learn horse care and barn management and get an overview of what goes into running a farm including machine and equipment upkeep, paddock and field “repair,” ring and barn maintenance, as well as evaluating and prioritizing farm costs. A communications position gives students an idea of what it takes to run a not for profit business, everything from budgeting to fundraising, event planning to media outreach. Interns will be very involved in the day to day running of the Secretariat Center business, from contributing to social media, orchestrating educational and fundraising events, to helping price and inventory merchandise, to greeting guests and conducting tours of the facility. Should they be competent riders, we give most communications interns the chance to work with the horses as well!
     
     The Secretariat Center welcomes volunteers of all ages, all professional backgrounds, and all levels of equestrian knowledge and ability. Everyone who volunteers at the Secretariat Center comes, like each of our horses, with unique abilities. We need people in the barn, in the office, in our garden area and in our woods. We could use fundraisers and stamp-lickers, event organizers and seamstresses, mechanics and graphic artists, fence painters and, yes, even musicians! Come one, come all! “One criteria,” says Director Susanna Thomas, “is no volunteers in diapers—at either end of the spectrum!” Volunteers go through an orientation and are then welcome to come as much or as little as they desire. Volunteers are not allowed to ride the horses due to insurance limitations.

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GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Susanna Thomas
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  4  Part-Time:  0  Volunteers:  50
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    Prospective staff/independent contractors must provide in writing if they have ever been convicted of a felony, convicted of a sexual offense, or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect
    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 carry current health insurance
    Staff and/or contractors have a written job description
    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, horse handling, horse identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Staff and/or contractors have a supervisor and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The organization provides a handbook to every member of the staff, including employees and/or independent contractors serving in staff positions;
    The handbook includes information, such as hours of work, vacation, sick leave, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    The handbook is reviewed annually and updated

Volunteer Recruitment, Screening and Training processes:
    Prospective volunteers complete a written application
    Prospective volunteers must provide in writing if they have ever been convicted of a felony, convicted of a sexual offense, or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect
    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 carries current health insurance
    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, horse handling, horse identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Every volunteer is assigned a supervisor (staff member and/or senior volunteer) and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The supervisor assesses the volunteer's abilities and assigns specific duties to the volunteer based on their skills
    The organization records and maintains written attendance information and hours on every volunteer
    The organization holds regular orientation sessions for volunteers and prospective volunteers that includes an overview of the organization, its mission, activities, volunteer responsibilities and expectations, safety guidelines, and a tour of the facility

Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  4
Number of Board Members:  10  Number of Voting Board Members:  10

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

Board/Staff Relationships:
Are any members of the Board or Staff related to each other through family or business relationships? No

Board Affiliations:
Are any Board members or Staff associated with and/or compensated by another organization with a relationship or business affiliation to your organization? Yes
If yes, provide the name, title, responsibility and family/business relationship of each Board and/or Staff member, and the name of the related organization.
The Executive Director owns Barter Farm, which is used as a foster farm for the MMSC.

Conflict of Interest:
Does your organization have a written conflict of interest policy and regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy, including requiring officers, directors or trustees, and key employees to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts?  Yes


Organization documents available on our website:
    Equine Intake Guidelines

Organization documents available on request:
    Most recent Financials
    Most recent IRS Form 990
    Most recent Annual Report
    Equine Intake Guidelines
    Adoption/Foster Agreement
    Volunteer Handbook
    Staff Handbook
    Bylaws

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

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EQUINE COSTS

Total Facilities: 4
Barter Farm: 2020
Maker's Mark Secretariat Center: 2020
Gemstone Farm: 2020
Cattail Farm: 2020
The Ranch: 2020

Actual Horse Care Costs $     Feed (Grain/Hay) $     Bedding $     Veterinarian $     Farrier $     Dentist $     Other Therapies $     Manure Removal $     Medications & Supplements $     Horse Transportation $     Maintenance $     Horse/Barn Supplies $     Horse Care Staff $     Horse Training $     Other direct horse-related costs not including overhead or other program costs. *Missing     2020 Total Horse Care Costs

Donated Horse Care Costs $     Feed (Grain/Hay) $     Bedding $     Veterinarian $     Farrier $     Dentist $     Other Therapies $     Manure Removal $     Medications & Supplements $     Horse Transportation $     Maintenance $     Horse/Barn Supplies $     Horse Care Staff $     Horse Training $     Other direct horse-related costs not including overhead or other program costs. $     2020 Total Donated Costs

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POLICIES

Acquisition
Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Donation  
    Return  

Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Free Lease  
    Purchase/Adoption from Owner  
    Auction  
    Kill pen/Feedlot  
    Surrender  
    Seizure  
    Abandonment  

Our organization will accept the following:
    Geldings
    Mares
    Only Stallions to be castrated

Not Checked:
    Pregnant Mares
    Foals
    Stallions

Additional information about our acquisition policies and practices:
Because of our premier location at the Kentucky Horse Park, our limited space (15 acres of paddock and one ten stall barn) and our mission to showcase the athleticism of the off-track Thoroughbred, we have to be discriminating about our selection of MMSC candidates. We do take horses of either sex (no stallions), raced or unraced, and typically under the age of 10. We cannot take unregistered Thoroughbreds. Horses that have former injuries that significantly could compromise new athletic endeavors are welcome in our Noble Horse Program pending space availability.

Intake, Assessment & Training
Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the horse:
    A current Coggins
    Vaccination records that have been administered within the last 12 months
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
    The owner of a potential horse is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the horse
    The horse is evaluated at its place of residence
    The owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the horse to and from the organization
    Horses are on trial for up to 30 days
    The trial period may be reduced based on the horse's progress
    During the trial period, the organization accepts total financial responsibility for the care of the horse, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care
    The trial period may be terminated by either the organization or the owner for any reason

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
    The horse 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

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination by trained barn staff
    Photographs are taken
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Coggins test
    Fecal test
    Vaccinations

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
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    Riding at the canter
    Jumping
    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

Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   Daily

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
After a horse has been seen by the MMSC Director and accepted into the Horse Centered Reschooling Program (HCRP), the current owner of the horse is required to complete and submit an Intake Form prior to the horse's arrival on the MMSC campus. The owner must answer questions about the horse's health and medical history including: all past or current injuries, surgeries, and medical procedures, most current vaccinations and dates, date of most current farrier work, date and type of most current deworming, and date of most recent dental work. The owner must also answer a brief questionnaire about the horse's current living situation - what feed is it receiving, does it know how to drink from an automatic waterer, date of gelding, date of last ride, has the horse been turned out with other horses, and any vices the horse may have.
     
     Horses that require rehabilitation or let down time prior to matriculating into the HCRP to be adopted are admitted into the Clean Start Program, where they will be boarded at a foster farm until fully healed. These horses must have current vet records upon entry into the program and will have regular visits with a veterinarian to monitor their progress. Horses who are older than 10 years of age or who have significant limiting injuries may be accepted into the Noble Horse Program. In this program, the horses remain at their current location but are assessed for temperament and trainability by the MMSC staff. Their information and photos are posted on the MMSC website and social media. Again, owners of these horses must provide to the MMSC current medical records and vet reports detailing the nature of the limiting injury, which are then made available to interested adopters.
     
     The MMSC maintains a 2-week trial period on all horses that are accepted into the program. During that time, horses are evaluated based on soundness and trainability. Should horses be determined lame, in need of long-term rehab, or in need of permanent retirement, they are returned to their previous owner or invited to join the Noble Horse Program. The MMSC assists with placing the horse elsewhere if needed.
     
     In order to be allowed onto the Kentucky Horse Park grounds, and thence the MMSC campus, all incoming horses must have a current negative Coggins test and a current health certificate. Upon intake, each horse is thoroughly evaluated by the MMSC staff, and injury records and history are made available to all individuals who will be working in close proximity with the horse. A fecal sample is taken for each horse when it arrives and the horse is de-wormed if needed. A blood test is also conducted if the MMSC staff deems it necessary. The MMSC works closely with Southern States Feeds, and each horse is evaluated regularly for body condition, with feed intake being adjusted accordingly. Each horse is handled every day in some capacity, from thorough grooming to training, in order to ensure health and wellness. Should an injury arise, it is dealt with quickly. Horses who have injuries or lameness issues that require limited mobility are kept on stall rest or on isolated small paddock turnout for the duration of their injury/lameness. Each horse is also regularly seen and evaluated by a team of wellness experts including farrier, dentist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, and veterinarian.
     
     All MMSC horses are matriculated into the Horse Centered ReSchooling Program (HCRP). Developed by MMSC Director, Susanna Thomas, a lifelong horsewoman and holistic thinker, the HCRP is based on the belief that to reschool a horse successfully and expeditiously, its mind, body, and spirit all must be tended to with equal care. Once the horse arrives at the MMSC, it is reviewed by a team of experts: dentist, farrier, vet, nutrition specialist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, and various practitioners of alternative therapies to ensure that the horse is as balanced physically from the onset, as it can be. From there horses are assessed for temperament and learning style in a round pen, using natural horsemanship and Tellington-Jones techniques, as well as mounted police “bomb-proofing” desensitization exercises. Training progresses classically then with in hand ground work, lunging and long lining, followed by interdisciplinary introductions to dressage, jumping, trail riding, cross country work, and, when possible, horse shows. This process can be made very flexible, and each horse progress through the program at its own pace. The MMSC staff monitor each horse through every step in order to avoid pushing it when it is not ready to be pushed or allowing it to advance too quickly and skip necessary steps, creating gaps in knowledge. The goal of this unique training program is to figure out who the horse is inherently, what its “horsenality” is like, to strengthen its weaknesses, to heal its wounds, whether they be physical, mental, or spiritual, to “find out what the horse wants to be when it grows up,” and then to find the perfect person to adopt it.
     
     A note regarding microchips: The MMSC does not currently own a microchip scanner, and because we only accept Thoroughbreds, we are able to look up via the Jockey Clubs' online Interactive Registry if each horse has a microchip or not. If the horse does not have a microchip on file, we do our best to provide one, dependent on financial limitations. In that case, the microchip number is reported to the Jockey Club. The number (regardless of who microchipped the horse) is also provided to the adopter.


Breeding
The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, does NOT breed horses.

Euthanasia
The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have a horse euthanized for space
    Our organization may have a healthy horse euthanized if it is a threat to itself, other horses, or people
    Our organization may have a horse euthanized after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

Horses will be euthanized upon the recommendation of:
    Veterinarian
    Senior staff member without a veterinarian's recommendation
    The Board of Directors, or a member of the Board of Directors, without a veterinarian's recommendation

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

The organization utilizes the following methods of euthanasia:
    Intravenous administration of an overdose of barbiturates
    Intravenous administration of a solution of concentrated potassium chloride (KCl) with the horse in a surgical plane of general anesthesia

Rehoming
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the horse on site

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    Our agreement states that re-homed horses CANNOT be sold, auctioned, or given away without prior written approval of our organization
    Our agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the horse must be returned to our organization
    Our agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make unannounced visits
    Our agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
    Our agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for three or more years

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

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase)

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
Over $1,500

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer useful, or are no longer manageable:
    Horses may be found suitable homes by our organization
    Horses may be returned to their owners
    In the case a horse is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the horse may be euthanized
    In the case a horse is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the horse may be euthanized


Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Prospective adopters first complete an MMSC adoption application. The application includes a summary of the applicant's riding and horse experience, a description of the type of horse for which they are searching, photographs of the location in which any adopted horse will be living (barns and paddocks), and three references in the categories of Non-family character, Equine professional, and Veterinary. Each application is thoroughly reviewed by the MMSC Director and an Approval Committee made up of three MMSC Consulting Board Members. After being approved for adoption, the MMSC requires that all potential adopters travel to the MMSC and ride each horse they are interested in adopting, in order for the MMSC staff to assess their riding ability and their personality match with the horses. Should questions be raised at any point in the approval process, the MMSC Director will contact the applicant and talk through each issue, be it fencing concerns, financial concerns, or horse-handling concerns.
     
     All prospective adopters are required to complete a standard liability waiver prior to handling or riding any horses. At this point in the adoption process, the prospective adopter has already communicated thoroughly with either the MMSC Director or the Barn Manager, including conversations about the prospective adopter’s current riding level, skill with handling horses, type of personality desired in a horse, and current available MMSC horses that may be a match for the prospective adopter. The MMSC staff also carefully reviews the adopter’s equine professional reference that is included in the adoption application, and if necessary speaks directly to the equine professional. Upon arrival at the MMSC, and after signing a standard liability waiver, the prospective adopter may meet and handle any of the horses previously discussed as potential matches. The prospective adopter may then ride any of those same horses, following a ride by the Barn Manager or current Head Rider or Trainer. If at any point while the MMSC staff is riding the horse to show to the prospective adopter, the horse should appear unsafe for the prospective adopter to ride, or unsound in any fashion, the prospective adopter will not be allowed to ride the horse on that day. All rides occur in the MMSC’s arena, and if necessary, the MMSC staff may begin by lunging the rider on the horse to ensure safety.
     
     The MMSC Adoption Contracts states that should the horse adopted from the MMSC prove unsuitable for the purpose adopted, it can be returned to the MMSC at any point within 30 days of the adoption date as listed on the adoption contract. Upon return of the horse, the adopter will be given a credit for the sum initially donated at the time of the adoption, minus the expenses incurred by the MMSC for the care of the horse. After 30 days following the adoption date, the horse may not be returned to the MMSC for any reason, due to the very limited space on the MMSC’s campus. An exception to this policy is as follows: if the owner is truly in desperate need of finding a new home for the horse, and the horse still qualifies for acceptance in the Horse Centered Reschooling Program, the horse may be returned to the MMSC. The original adopter would complete an Intake Agreement, donating the horse to the MMSC and officially transferring ownership. Should the owner need to find a new home for the horse and the horse no longer qualifies for acceptance into the Horse Centered Reschooling Program due to age or injury, the MMSC will work with the adopter to find a suitable home for the horse. In addition to the above policies, the adopter agrees in the adoption contract that if at any point in time the horse is found to be in physical condition significantly less than that in which it left the MMSC or is found to be living in a squalid environment, this constitutes a breach of contract and the MMSC may repossess the horse without any notice or consent of the adopter.
     
     The MMSC tracks its adopted horses for their lifetimes. Each year, adopters must complete a Track for Life form and return it to the MMSC with current photos of the adopted horse. Failure to do so results in a fee. Adopters may sell their horses at any time but the individual purchasing the horse must be approved by the MMSC and sign a Transfer Adoption Contract. This new owner must also continue to submit Track for Life forms for the duration of the horse's life.
View Re-homing Agreement

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EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 4

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to foster, overflow and/or satellite facilities:
Our organization uses foster, overflow and/or satellite facilities which adhere to all the policies, procedures and practices of our organization

Maker's Mark Secretariat Center:
Barter Farm: Satellite
Gemstone Farm: Satellite
Cattail Farm: Satellite
The Ranch: Satellite

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Maker's Mark Secretariat Center

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Maker's Mark Secretariat Center

Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Lease

Please list all local, state and federal licenses held by the organization, including the expiration dates, or indicate that no licenses are required at the local, state or federal level. Please also list if this facility is accredited and recognized as compliant with the published standards of an accrediting organization, including the name of the organization and the date of the accreditation.
     The MMSC is accredited through the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. The MMSC received this honor in the falls of 2015, 2017, and 2019. The MMSC has also applied for verification with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. The GFAS was impressed with the MMSC's programs and facilities, although the MMSC does not quality for verification with the GFAS due to our decision to allow adopters to breed their adopted mares in limited circumstances, as the GFAS requires a strict no breeding policy in all circumstances.

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.
     Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control 1600 Old Frankfort Pike Lexington, KY 40504 859-255-9033

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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Maker's Mark Secretariat Center:

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Grounds
Total number of horses involved with your programs at this facility: 13
Of the total number of horses involved with your programs at this facility, the number of horses that are microchipped: 6
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those not involved with your programs: 16
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 20
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: ~16
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 4
Pastures: 11  Paddocks/Pens: 2
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 0












Regarding structures at this facility where horses are stalled:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s)?    No    
Do all stalls/enclosures allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around?    Yes    
Is there adequate ceiling & beam height (a minimum of 12 feet above the tip of the horse's ear) when standing in all stalls/enclosures?    Yes    
How often are the stalls/enclosures cleaned? 6-7 Days a Week
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?    Yes    
Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to control temperature and prevent buildup of toxic gases?    Yes    
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety?    Yes    
Are fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) maintained and in good working order?     Yes    
Is there adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas of facility?     Yes    
Are emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes    

How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled? 0-3;
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Horses are out 24/7 except they are brought in if there is inclement weather
    Horses are out 24/7 except when they are being trained
    Horses are out 24/7 except when they are used for the conduct of the organization's programs

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for pasture management, which includes guidelines for seeding, fertilizing, irrigation, mowing, dragging, harrowing, manure removal, removal of debris, the control of poisonous plants, and a schedule for cleaning
    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 horses (i.e., shelters)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for the maintenance of turnout areas, which includes a schedule for cleaning, manure removal, and dragging
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    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:
    A security guard is present at night
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Entrance gates are locked at night
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas

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Maker's Mark Secretariat Center

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Veterinarian Information
*Vet Assessment Not Current.

Veterinarian: Dr. Elizabeth Barrett
Clinic Name: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
4250 Iron Works Pike
Lexington   KY   40511
Phone: 859-321-2315

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Maker's Mark Secretariat Center

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Equine Care
Horse Health Care/Barn Management Records: What system is used to collect and store health/horse care records?
    Notebook or equivalent (technology not utilized)
    Onsite computer with onsite backup storage system
    Onsite computer with cloud-based backup storage system
    Our organization utilizes a software application to maintain records
    The organization utilizes its own system to maintain records

The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
    Horses are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to age and any health issues
    Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Horses are fed in individual stalls
    Horses are fed in groups
    Staff and volunteers are trained in proper feed measurements and protocols and observed periodically to ensure they are feeding correctly
    The feed chart is centrally located and updated as needed
    The area(s) where hay, feed, grain, and supplements are stored are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals in rodent-proof and mold-proof containers and grain bins
    Feed, supplements and hay types are clearly labeled
    Water sources, i.e., buckets, troughs, automatic waterers, etc. are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals
    Medications are kept in a locked, climate-controlled area

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    Photographs are taken of each horse upon arrival at the facility and kept with the horse's health records
    Horses at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Horses at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    Horses at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Horses at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist

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

The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine:
    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

Do horses have access to clean drinking water at all times?     Yes    

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

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

Physical Examinations: How often is each horse given a physical exam by a veterinarian? Only 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
    Fecal testing is performed prior to the use of a de-wormer.
    A de-wormer is used without fecal testing