Not Checked:
    Therapeutic Driving Services
    Therapeutic Vaulting Services
    Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning


Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Bridle Paths serves children and adults with challenges that are often invisible - attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety and depression, seizure disorders, brain injuries, post-traumatic stress, and trauma. We also serve veterans, service members, and their families, at no cost to them. Our participants rely on us to provide a space of safety, authenticity, and community, and emotional attunement is a hallmark of each participant interaction.
     
     PRIMARY PROGRAMS:
     The services that Bridle Paths provides include the following:
     
     ADAPTIVE RIDING programs at Bridle Paths offers adapted riding instruction to children and adults with physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional needs. In addition to mounted instruction, lessons incorporate groundwork in horse care and horsemanship. Our therapeutic equines are carefully chosen for their temperament, training, and quality of movement, and each lesson is staffed with a certified instructor and trained and committed volunteers to conduct lessons safely. Most of our adaptive riding students participate in weekly private lessons that are an hour in length and include both unmounted and mounted components. Our participant population has doubled over the past eighteen months, attributable almost entirely to an increase in our adaptive riding participants who have experienced significant deleterious mental health effects from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and have sought out our services to allay symptoms of anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
     
     EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY (EAP) is an experiential therapeutic approach that addresses treatment goals using collaborative efforts among a horse professional, licensed therapist, the horse, and the client. Each client-driven session includes hands-on activities with the horses, as well as processing (discussion) of feelings, behaviors, and patterns designed to enable clients to learn about themselves and others. Clients interact with the horses on the ground and use nonverbal communication, problem solving, and creative thinking to address a variety of mental health and developmental issues. The EAP process is solution-focused and is considered a short-term or "brief" approach designed to activate the client's own healing resources. EAP sessions with private clients are scheduled on weekdays; precise schedules are determined by client needs and availability and the schedules of referring mental health providers. Following our Covid-19 shutdown in spring 2020, we resumed providing in-person EAP services, with 1-3 clients each week and new client referrals from partnerships with other referring mental health professionals.
     
     EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING offers opportunities for participants to engage in hands-on learning opportunities with our horses, and to explore the connections that can be made between horses and humans. Among the areas addressed in these groups are: cognitive and physical development, executive functioning skills, and emotional and social development. In these groups, we explore topics such as mindfulness, communication, boundaries, safety and flexibility, belonging and fit, collaboration, and integration. These groups are targeted to the specific needs of particular populations, including survivors of traumatic brain injury, individuals with social and communication challenges, and veterans and service members, and are scheduled according to the needs and availability of participants and facilitators. The Covid-19 pandemic precluded us from offering planned groups for survivors of traumatic brain injury in 2020 (and from competing for grant funding for those groups, when one of our grantor organizations pivoted to provide Covid relief in place of their regular grant cycle). We are hopeful that we will receive grant funds to offer this program in the fall of 2022.
     
     MILITARY SERVICES are provided to veterans, service members and their families at no cost to them. Bridle Paths offers weekly adaptive riding and horsemanship sessions and one-time visits for individuals and families, as well as 8-week equine-assisted learning groups focused on the cultivation of relationships, communication, and connection. Our sessions address physical, cognitive, social, and recreational goals. We also offer equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions staffed by an equine specialist and a licensed mental health provider, as well as equine-assisted psychotherapy groups for military families.


Research/Medical Use of Equines:
Our organization has never made, and would not ever consider making, equines available for research studies or medical training that involves invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine. 

Religious Affiliation:
Our organization does not promote religious education, religious purposes, or a specific religious faith or use donations for religious education or religious purposes; require participants to be of a certain faith; require participation in religious, instruction, activities or services; or require participation in prayer, worship, religious instruction or other religious activities as a condition of receiving social or secular services offered. 

Auction Donation:
Our organization has never allowed, or would not consider allowing, an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter. 

EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICE PROVIDERS

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
    Therapeutic Mounted Services
    Therapeutic Unmounted Services
    Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

5: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Bridle Paths

     1. Elizabeth Ratchford, LCSW

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Bridle Paths

         RELATIONSHIP: Other

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

         Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Beth Ratchford is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with adults who have experienced trauma. Currently in private practice, Beth’s past clinical experience includes work in psychiatric hospital settings and work with homeless adults in a transitional housing program. Beth treats adults with both childhood and adult trauma and has worked with veterans and family members as well as DEA and CIA agents. Beth has also worked with non-profits providing supportive services to vulnerable children and families in Sierra Leone. Beth is certified as a mental health professional through EAGALA.

     2. Jacqueline Cleland, PsyD

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Bridle Paths

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Licensed clinical psychologist Jacqueline Cleland, PsyD, has devoted her life’s work—spanning over three decades—to promoting the health and wellbeing of a broad range of service populations. She has held administrative and direct service positions in local, state, and federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice, and the State of Iowa Office of the Attorney General. She completed a doctoral program in clinical psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development and psychopathology. Areas of clinical specialty include complex trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dr. Cleland is not currently certified as a mental health professional by EAGALA. She works with the equine-assisted psychotherapy groups funded by the VA Adaptive Sports Grant.

     3. Jennifer Entwistle

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Bridle Paths

         RELATIONSHIP: Other

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Jennifer holds a Masters in Social Work from George Mason University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is an EAGALA certified equine assisted therapist and is working towards her Registered Play Therapist certification through the Association for Play Therapy.

     4. Kathleen Fallon

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Bridle Paths

         RELATIONSHIP: Volunteer

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Bridle Paths founder and president Kathleen Fallon holds certifications as a PATH, Intl. Advanced Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. She is also certified as a PATH, Intl. Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and as an EAGALA Equine Specialist. She obtained certification in 2020 as a Masterson Method Equine Specialist as well.

     5. Stephanie Christensen

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Bridle Paths

         RELATIONSHIP: Other

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Stephanie is a Marriage and Family therapy Resident-Intern with Loudoun Family Counseling in Leesburg, Virginia. She is currently completing the clinical portion of her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Virginia Tech. Stephanie is also pursuing her certification as an Emotionally Focused Therapist and EAGALA Equine Assisted Psychotherapist. Stephanie is working under supervision by Florinda Reid, LPC, RPT-S, practice owner. Stephanie enjoys working with couples and families to discover their patterns of interaction and establish healthy, emotion-focused communication that creates an environment that fosters deep and lasting connection. Her work is heavily influenced by attachment theory, EFT, Bowen Family Systems and Satir Family Therapy. She believes that change is best created through experiential learning and implements evidence-based techniques that facilitate self-discovery and personal growth.

POLICIES: ACQUISITION

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

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

Our organization will accept the following:
    Geldings
    Mares

Not Checked:
    Pregnant Mares
    Foals
    Stallions
    Only Stallions to be castrated

Additional information about our acquisition policies and practices:
Each equine that is considered for placement in the Bridle Paths program undergoes a trial period of at least 30 days, during which time program staff evaluates the equine's suitability for engagement in activities germane to equine-assisted services. If Bridle Paths determines at the conclusion of this (or any extended) trial period that the equine is unsuitable for program activities, the equine is returned to the prospective lessor or donor.
     
     Bridle Paths requires information regarding a prospective equine's vaccine and health history (including proof of current vaccinations and a negative Coggins test), and obtains all necessary information regarding illnesses, infirmities, or unsoundnesses, temperament, training, and farrier care of a prospective equine. Bridle Paths executes free lease and donation contracts with the lessors and donors of program equines. Each equine that is accepted into the Bridle Paths program receives the best of care, including all necessary vaccination, deworming, hoof care, and schooling and conditioning needs.
     
     Bridle Paths assumes full responsibility for all donated equines, including without limitation all decision-making authority regarding the care of the animal, unless otherwise specifically agreed to in writing with the donor.
     
     Equines that are free leased to the program are subject to a stated veterinary expense limit; any costs for veterinary care in excess of this expense limit are the responsibility of the lessor of the equine. Lessors of program equines are added to Bridle Paths' insurance liability policy as an additional insured.

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.

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 up to 30 days
    Equines are on trial up to 60 days
    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
    The trial period may be terminated by either the organization or the owner for any reason

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian upon arrival and/or prior to quarantine departure
    Physical examination by trained barn staff
    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
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Blood work other than Coggins
    Fecal test
    Vaccinations
    De-worming

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
    The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time

The typical length of quarantine is:   10 to 20 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
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    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:
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
    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
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations


Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   As needed; no set schedule

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
We also obtain information about a prospective equine's behavior in the herd, and we evaluate that behavior at the conclusion of the quarantine period.

POLICIES: BREEDING

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

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization 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

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:
A decision to euthanize a program equine is never taken lightly, and is made only after extensive consultations with the equine's care team (veterinarian, chiropractor, farrier) and owner/lessor, if applicable. Our priority in each case is to ensure that each equine can participate comfortably and happily in the program, supported by the best of medical care and prudent equine management. When it is determined that this is no longer the case (as happened with longtime program equine Ty, who was euthanized in December 2021 pursuant to increasing struggles with arthritis, navicular syndrome, and other physical challenges), we notified program participants and volunteers to allow time for grieving and goodbyes. We scheduled his euthanasia at a time when his owner and key program staff and volunteers were able to be there, and we arranged for removal of his body for burial promptly after euthanasia.

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

Re-homing Agreement not applicable.
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines for their lifetimes.

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer useful, or are no longer manageable:
    The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines for their lifetimes.

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Our thorough trial period evaluation, close coordination and relationships with horse donors, availability of both mounted and unmounted programs, and close and collaborative relationship with our program veterinarian, have enabled us to provide appropriate care and activities for program horses without the need to identify third-party retirement homes.