EQUUS Foundation

MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
The mission of Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy is to serve individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities and hardship by providing equine-assisted services to empower, inspire, nurture and succeed.

Our organization conducts Equine Assisted Services in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS).
Our organization provides community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
100% of our total programs and services are horse-related.
Our organization does not use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities

Horse Rescue, Rehabilitation, Retraining & Re-homing:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     N/A

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 Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

4: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy

     1. Behavior Services of the Mid-South

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy

RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy has a third-party contract with Behavior Services of the Mid-South (BSMS) to offer an Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) at our facility.

Dr. Susan Elswick, Ed.D, LCSW, LSSW, RPT-1 is the CEO/ owner of Behavior Services of the Mid-South LLC. Dr. Elswick received her masters degree in social work from the University of Tennessee and her doctorate in Special Education with a specialty in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Memphis. She is a Licensed School Social Worker in TN, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Registered Play Therapist.

2. Jill Haag

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH, INtl. CTRI

3. Sara Zurenko

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH, Intl. CTRI and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Our vision is to provide transformative experiences through equine assisted activities and therapies to serve the growing needs of the Mid-South community.

     Founded in 2015, Southern Reins provides equine-assisted activities and therapies to children and adults with disabilities including Down syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, amputation, mental and physical disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and more. We offer 8 programs at our center, including adaptive horseback riding, Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy, horsemanship and ground lessons through our Unbridled Horsemanship Program, Making Strides Recreation Therapy Program, Silver Stirrups, PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes, the TEACH Program, and Pony Pals.

     Our adaptive horseback riding program is offered in sessions varying in length throughout the year. In 2023 our adaptive horseback riding program sessions include a 9-week winter session, 9-week spring session, 6-week summer session, and 16-week fall session. Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy, Unbridled Horsemanship, Making Strides Recreation Therapy, Silver Stirrups, and PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes is offered in 6-week sessions throughout the year. The TEACH Program is offered to pre-K and 1st grade students in the city of Memphis and includes a learning readiness track and a reading incentive track. Sessions are offered each spring and fall for a duration of 6 or 8 weeks. Our Pony Pals program includes one-time offsite visits with our UK Shetland pony to residential treatment facilities, nursing homes, and residential centers.

     Since our inception in 2015, Southern Reins has served more than 790 children and adults with disabilities and hardship through the programs we provide.

Community Outreach and/or Public Education:

Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Southern Reins offers educational outreach to share the benefits of equine-assisted services to individuals, businesses and community partners. We encourage public participation as volunteers, donors, advocates, and supporters advocates and supporters in the services we provide.

     IN 2022, we resumed our Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy program with the addition of PATH Intl. Registered Therapist and Occupational Therapist, Virginia Roberts.

     Southern Reins continues its partnership agreement with Memphis Art Therapy for the use of our facility and observation of our equines for her clients. Memphis Art Therapy is operated by Kerry Curtis, LMFT, ATR-BC. Kerry is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Tennessee, board certified and registered art therapist, certified EMDR clinician, certified hypnotherapist, and certified child and adolescent cognitive behavioral therapist. S

     In the fall of 2022 we launched our TEACH Pilot Program that incorporates school visits with our UK Shetland pony, Clyde, and PATH Intl. credentialed CTRI's or PATH Intl. Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning to encourage learning readiness and provide a reading incentive for children ages 4-7 in Memphis city schools. The program curriculum fosters growth in educational goals in collaboration with teachers, administrators, and special education professionals.

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

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

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

POLICIES: ACQUISITION

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

Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Auction
    Kill pen/Feedlot
    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:
Therapy horses are assessed by our program and given consideration based on the needs of the program for certain types of horses (height, width, etc.) and the following factors:

     Height vs. weight carrying ability, temperament, training and trainability, soundness, confirmation, health, movement, adaptability and age.

     All therapy horses who enter our program undergo a 60-day trial where they are evaluated for suitablility. Equines are exposed to adaptive equipment, including wheelchairs and walkers, mock lessons including a horse leader and sidewalkers, exposure to arena obstacles and learning tools, and more during this time period. All horses are assessed with an evaluation prior to entering the program non trial. During the trial period horses are assessed using a point system. At the conclusion of their trial, based on the final number, the equine will be deemed suitable or will be returned to their owner.

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

Not Checked:
A health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival attesting to the health status of the equine is provided to our organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
    The owner of a potential equine is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the equine
    The equine is evaluated at its place of residence
    The owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    Equines are on trial up to 60 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

Not Checked:
    Equines are not taken on trial
    Equines are on trial for up to 30 days
    Equines are on trial for 60 or more days
    During the trial period, the organization accepts financial responsibility for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care, up to a fixed amount agreed upon by the organization and the owner
    During the trial period, the owner/donor is financially responsible for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination by 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
    Fecal test
    De-worming

Not Checked:
    Coggins test
    Blood work other than Coggins
    Vaccinations
    The equine is scanned to check for a microchip
    The equine is microchipped if the scan indicates that there is no microchip

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

Not Checked:
The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine off-site for a prescribed period of time
The equine is not quarantined

The typical length of quarantine is:   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
    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

Not Checked:
    Lunging
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    Jumping
    Driving (Pulling a carriage)
    Clipping

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 equine monthly and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually

Not Checked:
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist

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

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
No equines are ridden; not applicable

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

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
No equines are ridden; not applicable

Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding): 2-3 times per week

POLICIES: BREEDING

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

Not Checked:
The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, breeds equines
The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, are permitted to house stallions

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization will never have a healthy equine euthanized under any circumstances
    Our organization may have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

Not Checked:
Our organization may have a healthy equine euthanized if it is a threat to itself, other equines, or people and euthanasia is recommended by a veterinarian
Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility

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

Not Checked:
    A certified euthanasia technician
    Senior staff with appropriate training
    Employee of animal control shelter or humane society with appropriate training
    Veterinary student under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian
    Not applicable. Our organization prohibits euthanasia under any circumstances

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

View Re-homing Agreement
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Our organization does NOT re-home an equine to first time equine owners
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility
    Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine

Not Checked:
Our organization will only re-home an equine to a location where another equine resides
Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that the terms of our organization's agreement will be binding on any future individual or organization taking and/or in possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
    The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make unannounced visits
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization free of charge
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year

Not Checked:
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must be notified of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances.
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization for a fee
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for two years
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for three or more years
    None of the statements are included.
    The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines for their lifetimes.
    Our organization does not have the authority to transfer ownership and/or does not own any of the equines involved with our programs.

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

Not Checked:
Not applicable or no references required.

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

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

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer useful, or are no longer manageable:
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian

Not Checked:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be sent to auction
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    If a suitable home cannot be located within 12 months, the equine may be euthanized
    If a suitable home cannot be located, and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization, the organization will secure a suitable home for the equine and accept financial responsibility for the lifetime of the equine

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Our rehoming policy ensures the welfare and care of any therapy horse we owned by Southern Reins who may no longer be suitable to continue in our program. Owners and locations are evaluated, and references are required that include veterinary, farrier and personal references. Horses are monitored for a period of 1 year after they are rehomed, and routine follow ups are requested after that time.

Southern Reins has never rehomed a horse, as the majority of our equines are on loan to our program, and return to their owners if they begin demonstrating negative behaviors or are ready to enjoy a life of full retirement. Should a horse we own need to be rehomed, we value the wellbeing of the horse over an adoption fee or donation. Our Rehoming Agreement includes the opportunity for the Adopter to make an Adoption Donation to our program, but it is not required.