MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
OUR MISSION:
     To provide veterans first responders, young people and others in high-stress environments with essential tools to expand their capacity for healthy, authentic relationships through purposeful engagement with horses.
     
     OUR VISION:
     A country where men and women in uniform and others who work in high stress environments have the opportunity to enjoy the physical, mental and emotional freedom they dedicate their lives to protect for our country and our communities.
     
     All of our programs entail groundwork with horses, resilience tools derived from somatic practices and psycho-education material we call Emotional Agility. Not only is our work important to humans — but the programming with our equine partners is highly beneficial for them.

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 some of the equines involved in our programs and some of the equines in our programs are cared for and sheltered by other organization(s).
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.

Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.


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

1: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at The Equus Effect

     1. David Sonatore, LCSW

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         The Equus Effect

         RELATIONSHIP: Other

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         David is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is an Eponaquest Equine Experiential Learning instructor, a Somatic Experiencing® advanced training graduate and a certified Martha Beck Coach.

David combines the academic and experiential training necessary to empower clients with what they need to move beyond trauma. He combines this with his keen intuition around horses and helps veterans and others in transition realize that they can become whole again.

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     We provide Equine-Assisted Learning to veterans, military family members, first responders, frontline health workers and others who have experienced shock or trauma in one form or another. Our program is trauma-sensitive in that we understand and respect both the external and internal manifestations of those whose nervous systems have been flooded with too much adrenaline, cortisol or pain either all at once or over a period of time. We use body-based practices along with ground-based natural horsemanship skills and didactic material to empower veterans and other adults to move beyond self-limiting patterns of thought and behavior that keep them from enjoying success and fulfillment in their lives.
     
     We believe that healthy relationships are foundational to meaning and satisfaction in life — and our primary purpose is to give men, women and young people the tools they need to return to their lives with renewed capacity for self management, energy and presence.
     
     We also believe that horses accelerate this process by helping participants see the ways in which unprocessed anger, depression, grief and agitation can hinder their ability to move forward in life. Gaining the trust and willingness to collaborate from a horse is not easy. We believe however, that by carefully breaking down that process through the horsemanship skills we teach and the didactic material we present, we can give clients a renewed sense of competence, confidence and optimism. They frequently report feeling that they have built the capacity to handle situations that trigger them, de-escalate situations that might have gotten out of hand and in general, bring out the best in themselves.
     
     Trauma takes people out of the present and into fight, flight or freeze reactions to non-threatening situations. Their world is one of memories, reactivity, aggression or isolation. Trauma sufferers often put up barriers instead of healthy boundaries. They also lack the capacity to respond appropriately to others in their lives ... at home, work or school. So, while they may live with others, have jobs or go to school, trauma survivors often have a very difficult time maintaining the relationships that give meaning and purpose to life.
     
     Horses are amazing teachers and models of what is needed for an individual to build and maintain healthy relationships. Since how they feel is what they do, their trust is transparent and their willingness to cooperate (given the choice) is based on their honest assessment of any given person or situation. As is the case with most people, horses prefer honesty, fairness, respect and finesse over force.
     
     Also, we provide a rigorous academic training curriculum to men and women from the coaching, horsemanship and healing arts who wish to become professional facilitators of The Equus Effect Program at our location — or at their own facilities. So, The Equus Effect is both a location (Sharon, CT) and a program that is hosted by trained facilitators at other locations with horses that belong either to the individuals or to the facilities where our curriculum is delivered.

Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     As many folks know, the mental health crisis in our country is very real. We saw a lot of people from our community during Covid, which was understandable. What's happening now and what we're doing about it — is offering this work to clinicians who are also experiencing compassion fatigue from client overload and just from the fragmentation, polarization and general anxiety that is so prevalent in our culture right now. We have offered afternoon workshops for clinicians and for their clients whose needs are not actually being met by talk therapy alone.
     
     PEOPLE OF COLOR - We have added one person of color to our Board of Directors and expect that our offerings for veterans of color will increase since has been offering programs with her husband, who is a veteran himself, for veterans that use the arts as a means of supporting their journeys home. We hope that the addition of this talent on our team will add to our ability to reach more deeply into this community with programs that are relevant, meaningful and timely.
     
     
     FIRST RESPONDERS - We have added to our initial offering for groups of law enforcement professionals who are at risk of taking their own lives. We have also established a partnership arrangement with an organization called Guardian Revival that serves both veterans, fire fighters, law enforcement personnel, EMT’s and Dispatchers in order to promote their health and wellbeing through outdoor activities, music and family gatherings. We are so pleased to offer our curriculum in conjunction with theirs and look forward to conducting weekend and week-long retreats for this broader range of people who serve our country and communities. We are very excited about the prospect of using our somatic-based tools to help them settle down and make better decisions at home and on the job. The basic principles of our curriculum remain the same.
     
     OTHER APPLICATIONS - Our curriculum is consistent and repeatable. We also know that there are many applications and will continue to use our approach with those who are grieving, young people struggling with anxiety and depression and those who need support as they prepare to meet future challenges.

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  

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

Our organization will accept the following:
    Geldings
    Mares

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

POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAININING

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

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
    The owner of a potential equine is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the equine
    The equine is evaluated at its place of residence
    The owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    Equines are not taken on trial

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
    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
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Coggins test
    Vaccinations
    De-worming

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

The typical length of quarantine is:   Up to 10 days

Horses are assessed for following skills and behaviors:
    Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
    Leading with a halter and lead rope
    Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
    Saddling
    Bridling
    Lunging
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    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:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
    No equines are ridden; not applicable
    Our organization does not evaluate 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:
    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):   2-3 times per week

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Since our program is based on groundwork, our primary concern is social in nature. Our horses have to be safe to work with for staff, volunteers and for the participants, most of whom are beginners.
     
     We would hope that horses are donated with an honest assessment of their abilities and limitations. We are not averse to most, but would want to know up front what we are facing.
     
     Were we to take in a new horse, we have two places to quarantine for 10 or more days: the open and covered round pen - depending upon the weather and the covered pen is 25' from the nearest pasture and the open round pen is at least 150' from the nearest pasture.
     
     Also, although our program is unmounted, separate from our program, the horses are ridden for training and recreational purposes.

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian if the equine is a threat to itself, other equines, or people
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

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

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 able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/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.
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    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

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
NA

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

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

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The Equus Effect
37 Drum Road Sharon CT 06069
Contact: Jane Strong
Contact's Phone: 203-803-9507
Contact's Email: janeastrong@gmail.com
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 4
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those counted above: 4
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 5

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

Provide the contact information for the individual or organization responsible for investigating abuse in the county where the facility is located, including mailing address, email address, and phone information.
     Sharon Animal Control 57 Main Street Sharon, CT 860-364-0504

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? Yes

Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers AT THIS FACILITY, including instructors, specialists, therapists, counselors, coaches and/or facilitators (full-time, part-time, volunteer, independent contractors, and/or providers accompanying clients) that conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS) AT THIS FACILITY:  1

Equine Assisted Service Providers Assigned to this Facility: (see Equine Assisted Service Provider Section below for details)

     1. David Sonatore, LCSW

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

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The Equus Effect

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Dr. Angell
Clinic Name: Bentley Veterinary Practice
2826 Church Street Ste. A
Pine Plains   NY   12567
Phone: 518-398-0888

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Overview: The Equus Effect (*Main)
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 4
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those counted above: 4
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 5
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 8

Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 2
Pastures: 2  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 1
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 1  Indoor Rings: 1
























Regarding structures at this facility where horses are stalled:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s)?    Yes    
Do all stalls/enclosures allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around?    Yes    
Is there adequate ceiling & beam height (a minimum of 12 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? 4-8
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 9 to 15 hours per day

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    Pastures are rotated
    Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)

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

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    The property owner, staff member or caretaker lives on the premises and ensures that public access is restricted and is responsible for the security of the facility and equines
    Equines are checked overnight
    By Appointment Only signs are posted.
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: The Equus Effect (*Main) 2024 and 2023 This section is required.

Horse Health Care/Barn Management Records: What system is used to collect and store health/horse care records?
    Notebook or equivalent (technology not utilized)
    The organization utilizes its own system to maintain records

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

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

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

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

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


Parasite Control: Our organization has the following worming protocols in place: (Check all that apply
    The protocol for each equine is determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    A de-wormer is used without fecal testing

Fly/Insect Control: What remedies are used to control flies and insects?
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fans

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Our organization follows the AAEP's Biosecurity Guidelines and/or the UC Davis Biosecurity Guidelines
    Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    All staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    All volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    A specific individual is assigned to care for sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy equines
    Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Hand sanitizers and footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is disposed of in specific areas designated for infectious materials - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
    Stalls, aisle ways, and common areas are disinfected after conclusion of the quarantine
    Trailers/vans used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cleaned and disinfected after each use and cleaning takes place away from where equines are sheltered
    Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is not shared and is clearly labeled
    Shared equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is cleaned of organic debris and disinfected after each use
    Latex gloves are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Personnel are required to leave the facility (or shower and change clothing) after working with quarantined equines

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by state and/or local authorities

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    Equines are assigned the same stall/location each day
    Name plates are located on the stall
    Staff/volunteers are provided training on conformation, markings, colors, and breeds
    Team leaders work with new staff/volunteers until they are able to identify the equines

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
    Saddles are shared
    Saddle pads are shared
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are fitted and utilized for each equine appropriate to the equine's needs and the weather conditions
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are cleaned regularly as needed
    Tack is cleaned weekly
    Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
    Assigned tack is clearly labeled
    Tack is stored in a climate-controlled location
    Helmets are replaced after a fall
    No equines are ridden; not applicable.

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Emergency Preparedness: The Equus Effect: *Main This section is required.
The following plans, policies, and procedures are in place at the facility to handle emergencies and address weather related issues, fire safety procedures, and/or any additional hazardous scenarios the facility could potentially experience:
    Emergency procedures are posted prominently
    Emergency phone numbers are posted prominently
    The facility owns or has access to a generator
    The facility maintains at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings and medications
    The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
    All staff/volunteers are briefed regularly on emergency preparedness/safety procedures
    The organization has a written emergency preparedness/safety plan (EPP)
The written EPP addresses the following areas:
    Local fire department and/or the state's emergency planning department procedures
    Medical emergencies for clients, staff, and volunteers
    Medical emergencies for equines
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans


The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited
    Hay is stored away from permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled
    Permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled are kept free of dust, cobwebs, trash, cleaning rags, and other flammable items
    Aisles and doorways are kept clear
    Heaters with automatic shutoff settings are used

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

Equine Transportation
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  1 Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  1 Access offsite;
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  1 Access offsite;
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;