MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
February Star Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, family-run sanctuary with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, rehome and provide refuge for horses and cats in need. We strive to improve the overall health and quality of life for horses and cats by addressing issues such as animal abandonment, animal abuse, cat overpopulation and the high numbers of animal intake and euthanasia. February Star Sanctuary achieves this through adoption, fostering and refuge, TNR services, caring for cats of the homeless and community outreach. Additionally, our youth outreach helps children develop compassion for rescue animals at an early age. February Star Sanctuary gives the unwanted a safe, secure home and builds a generation of animal advocates, one child at a time. We believe rescue isn't just a verb, it's a promise.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue, adoption & retirement
Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Over 75% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.
Summary of organization's recent accomplishments, goals, strategies to achieve the goals, and capabilities to meet the goals, including its long-term plans to sustain its programs:
February Star Sanctuary strives to improve the overall health and quality of life for horses and cats. Some of the issues our programs and services address are animal abandonment and abuse, cat overpopulation and the high numbers of shelter intake and euthanasia. Horses are one of the four most commonly abused, neglected and abandoned animals in the U.S., with many sent to slaughter for being “unwanted.”
     
     In the U.S., approximately 3.4 million cats are abandoned each year, nearly 40% of which are euthanized. Cats left on the on the streets contribute to the overpopulation crisis in their communities, furthering the vicious cycle of forced euthanasia, and causing a decline in the overall health and quality of life of the U.S. cat population.
     
     For us, rescue isn’t just a verb, it’s a promise. Our major accomplishments are best highlighted in the number of equine and feline lives we save each year. Per our Equus equine census, in 2024, we proudly adopted out 28 horses to loving forever homes. We also adopted out 233 felines. No animals were “lost in care” or “died in care.” Since adopting out nearly 270 animals in 2024, we have received several updates from their loving, grateful new owners, reassuring us of their safety and happiness. We wish to increase our adoptions by 30% throughout the next year.
     
     Several of our recently adopted horses are thriving in second careers, such as eventing and barrel racing, thanks in large part to our training program. FSS is determined to help our horses not only get adopted, but also stay adopted. In 2024, we expanded and improved our training program in an effort to get our horses ready for new careers, as soon as they are adopted. Horses in our program undergo training with highly qualified trainers both on-site and off-site, as soon as our veterinarian deems them capable. Based on our experience, horses that undergo training, have good manners and are ready for a second career, are more likely to be adopted and stay adopted.
     
     In 2024, no horse that participated in our training program was returned to us. Instead, our adopted horses are flourishing with their loving adopters, in a variety of disciplines, including several that are with youth riders. Without our training efforts, many of these horses would not have reached their full potential. We intend to continue our training program to help adopt out horses for as long as we continue to receive the necessary funds to do so.
     
     We also helped 138 feral community cats by providing free spay and neutering surgeries through our TNR program. We have secured price assurance from our veterinarian and applied for grants to continue our TNR program through at least 2026, with an aim to increase our reach by 20%. TNR programs are essential to reduce cat overpopulation in our community. Additionally, we are consistently near or at capacity for our Caring for Cats of the Homeless program, which provides long-term sanctuary to cats of underprivileged women and families who are homeless and/or victims of domestic violence. In 2024, we sheltered nearly 60 cats through this program, allowing their owners to seek necessary help to better their lives. While at our sanctuary, these cats, along with all of our rescue cats, receive necessary shelter, food, medical care and enrichment.
     
     We currently have 16 dedicated volunteers who assist with caring for both our horses and cats, including but not limited to, feeding, grooming, farrier assistance, transportation and photography/videography for marketing. Within the next year, we hope to increase our number of volunteers. In addition to adoption, we offer sponsorship opportunities for horses available for adoption and for permanent residents. Sponsors provide a unique and valuable benefit for our rescue horses. We believe an important aspect of horse rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and continued care, is encouraging our horses to interact with individuals outside of our staff as the more people these horses see and get to know, the more love and support they feel. Horse sponsors get to assist with feeding, grooming, holding for the farrier and can get the added benefit of riding horses that can be ridden. It’s a great way for our supporters to show our horses extra love and was very popular in 2024. We also have successful foster opportunities for our cats, and would like to add fosters for our horses. In addition to these programs providing a financial boost, housing and crucial hands on animal care, our sponsorship and foster programs also lead to increased adoptions, as our participants get to know our adoptable animals and often fall in love.
     
     This past year, we were also successful in our marketing and community outreach efforts. We have significantly increased our marketing efforts via social media, newsletters, email marketing, print material and on our website. Additionally, we are now hosting several adoption events at our sanctuary throughout the year. Potential adopters are encouraged to interact with our adoptable animals to see which ones are a good fit for each other. By increasing our marketing, in addition to our enhanced training program, we were able to reach new adopters who were previously unaware of our sanctuary, its wonderful animals and their potential. To increase youth participation and interest in proper animal care, we also hosted monthly youth horsemanship and horseback riding programs in which hundreds of children participated throughout the year. FSS feels it is important to reach youth at an early age, to help build a new generation of animal advocates who will sustain our efforts far into the future. In order to strengthen our connection to the community, we continued our bi-weekly on-site programs for disabled adults and children to interact with our horses and added similar quarterly programs off-site at nursing homes.
     
     We also host events aimed at combatting overpopulation and animal neglect. In 2024, we hosted several responsible pet ownership educational seminars, where we educated members of our community about the need for responsible pet ownership and provided resources for struggling owners.
     
     Each year, we apply and receive several grants for our programs and services and we will continue to apply for relevant opportunities. We also seek donations from individual donors throughout the year. February Star Sanctuary is dedicated to continuing our successful programs and services for as long as possible, with the continued support of our generous donors and organizations.



Please describe what steps your organization takes to ensure that:
1) all interactions between your equines and people are mutually beneficial and conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions stated below;
2) all equines in the care of our organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program have access to clean drinking water at all times; nutritious food in sufficient quantity, including natural forage such as pasture grass and/or hay; appropriate veterinary, farrier, and dental care; shelter and protection from the weather; sufficient safe space to move around comfortably on a daily basis; and daily opportunity to freely interact and have contact with other equines:

The health, wellbeing and safety of our equines is paramount to every aspect of all of our programs and daily activities. Our equine and human interactions are meant to be mutually beneficial for our equines and humans, while always taking into consideration the comfort and dignity of our horses. Only horses deemed safe to be around people, after veterinarian, horse trainer and our own evaluations, are allowed to participate in our interactive programs (e.g., programs for youth, disabled individuals and seniors at nursing homes). We understand that each horse has a unique personality, temperament, abilities and restrictions. For example, horses that get stressed out or have poor manners do not participate. Additionally, horses only partake in ways that match their physical and mental capabilities. We host individual and youth camp opportunities for horseback riding, and only horses that are physically able to be ridden can participate. Many of our equine and human interactive opportunities do not involve horseback riding, but rather horsemanship and enjoyment of horses, especially those for disabled individuals from the Scott Key Center and seniors at nursing homes. In these instances, only horses with mild temperaments are involved and there is a supervisor from our sanctuary and the participating organization. As we understand some people are not accustomed to being around horses, we educate all new participants on proper horsemanship prior to allowing them to interact with our horses. In order to advocate for the safety and wellbeing of our horses even after they leave our care, we make the personalities and physical abilities and restrictions of each horse clear during our adoption process. To help ensure the safety of our equines and the humans in our programs, we supervise all interactions and monitor the stress and health of our equines. If an equine was to become unwell, according to our written policy and safety contingency plan, the horse would be immediately removed from the circumstance and properly cared for by a trained professional. We also take into consideration environmental factors and do not conduct programs in extreme weather.
     
     Studies show humans benefit significantly, mentally and physically, from safe interactions with animals. Such interactions can help humans deal with trauma and loss, gain confidence and learn responsibility. As much as we hope all human participants benefit from our programs, the main goal of our equine and human interactions, however, is to better the lives of our horses. We believe an important aspect of horse rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and continued care, is encouraging them to interact with individuals outside of our staff. We feel that the more people these horses see and get to know, the more love and support they feel and ultimately, the happier they will be in our care.
     To further ensure our horses are living their best lives, we allow them 24/7 access to fields/pastures and encourage them to “be horses.” Such access provides them with ample space to move and be comfortable on a daily basis. To give our horses protection from harsh conditions, we of course have sufficient shelter to accommodate all horses, and do not exceed our maximum capacity of 30 horses on-site at the sanctuary at one time. Horses that are deemed safe to interact with other horses, do so on a regular basis.
     
     As part of our daily care, we monitor how much water is available throughout the day and refill the water supply as needed. Every horse has constant access to clean drinking water. We also provide all of our horses with nutritious food in sufficient quantities, including those that require specific diets, and access to natural foraging in our pastures which are dedicated to our horses.
     
     We have established strong relationships with our highly qualified, reliable veterinarian, dentist and farrier, each of whom provide high quality care to our horses both on a regular basis, and as needed for specific cases. In addition to being a family run nonprofit dedicated to the care of our horses, we have 16 devoted volunteers that assist with care such as feeding, grooming and hosting adoption events. Bettering the lives of our rescues is the most important goal of our sanctuary. We’re happy when they’re happy.

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     Equine Rehabilitation:
     When horses arrive at February Star Sanctuary, they are given a complete medical examination to determine their rehabilitation and treatment plan. We rehabilitate horses, including those coming from severe neglect or abusive situations and do all we can to help them live a good, healthy life.
     
     
     Equine Adoption:
     After assessment and rehabilitation, February Star Sanctuary evaluates each horse for soundness for riding. Our goal is to match each rehabilitated horse who is found sound for riding with an adoptive owner that fits the needs and abilities of the horse. We also try to match our pasture buddies (horses assessed to be no longer suitable for riding, but have the potential to be a wonderful companion for another horse) with an adoptive owner who fits their needs and abilities.
     
     
     Equine Sanctuary:
     While many horses are adopted through February Star Sanctuary, we are also a permanent refuge. Many horses stay at our sanctuary where we provide them a loving forever home and safe haven with a skilled staff that provides rehabilitation, treatment, and the loving care they deserve.
Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     February Star Sanctuary has a variety of community outreach programs designed to educate children and adults in our community on proper animal care and responsible animal ownership. We hope these programs help our horses both in the short term by promoting positive interactions with people, and in the long term by bettering their health and well-being.
     
     As a sanctuary, we strive to do as much as we can to help our rescue horses. When horses arrive at our sanctuary, they are often in need of extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and therapy. An important aspect of horse rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and continued care, is encouraging our rescue horses to interact with individuals outside of our staff and volunteers. We feel that the more people our horses see and get to know, the more love and support they feel. Also, we believe interactions with our horses can be highly beneficial for individuals, especially children, the elderly and those suffering from trauma or who have a disability. As a sanctuary, we have been lucky enough to witness first-hand the joy and love our animals bring to people on a regular basis. Several studies show that human and animal interactions can have a significantly positive impact on both humans and animals. We currently offer on-site monthly programs for youth and on-site bi-weekly programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. We also offer off-site quarterly programs in which some of our rescue horses visit local nursing homes to help senior citizens in our community.
     
     Our youth programs allow kids the opportunity to get hands-on educational experience at a working animal sanctuary, while also interacting with our horses. By interacting with our on-site horses, they learn proper horsemanship and can get to go horseback riding. Kids learn responsibility by discovering what it requires to be a proper horse owner, including how to feed, groom, muck stalls and how to identify flora that are poisonous to horses. Additionally, our youth outreach helps children develop compassion for rescue animals at an early age, building a new generation of animal advocates.
     
     Our programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, facilitated by the Scott Key Center, provide a safe, relaxing and therapeutic environment for individuals with developmental disabilities to interact with our on-site horses. Participants get to partake in essential activities, which teach responsibility and animal care, such as grooming and feeding, while also interacting socially with each other and practicing compassion for animals.
     
     In our programs for senior citizens, we bring some of our horses to local nursing homes. While senior citizens interact with our horses in a safe environment, our horses provide an exciting morale boost for nursing home residents, many of which struggle with mobility and suffer from debilitating ailments. Our programs provide a fun experience for senior citizens who can't physically leave their nursing home.
     
     Our programs promote important lifelong values such as empathy, patience and companionship, reduce social anxiety and teach responsibility. They also provide participants with exciting and memorable experiences. February Star Sanctuary strongly believes in the benefits of these programs for both horses and humans.
     
     In addition to our on-site and off-site programs, our other outreach efforts include informative social media posts, printed material, sanctuary tours for all ages and participation in community events and trade shows.

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. 

Our Programs/Activities that are not equine-related and/or involving animals other than equines:
 Cat Rescue, Adoption, & Sanctuary
     February Star Sanctuary rescues cats in need and finds them loving forever homes or provides lifetime sanctuary.
     
     Trap-Neuter-Return Program
     February Star Sanctuary’s Trap-Neuter-Return program assists in the humane control of the growing community cat population in Frederick County, Maryland through spaying and neutering efforts, vaccine administration, FIV/FeLV testing, ear-tipping, and returning, rehoming, and/or sanctuary of community cats.
     
     Caring for Cats of the Homeless Program
     February Star Sanctuary provides temporary shelter for cats of homeless individuals and families and victims of domestic violence for up to one year. Cats receive excellent care and can be returned to their owner at any time. If their owner is unable to accept them back, we will find a new loving forever home.

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POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAINING

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 owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization when the equine is acquired from the equine's owner other than by purchase from an auction or kill pen, or by seizure or by abandonment
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Trial Period: Check all that apply:
    Equines are not taken on trial

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 equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine off-site 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 to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a trained staff member upon arrival
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned by a trained staff member upon arrival
    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

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
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing

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
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by the veterinarian
    Vaccinations are administered at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist

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

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):   Weekly

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Equines in need of quarantine for a significant period of time are quarantined off-site, especially if needed upon their arrival. Equines in need of quarantine for a short period of time, especially once already living at our sanctuary, are quarantined on-site.

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    Our organization does not conduct breeding of equines owned or under the care of our organization.
    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

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
    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 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:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
    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

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 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 bred
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization free of charge

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

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:
$751 to $1,000

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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February Star Sanctuary
3910 Ausherman Rd Knoxville MD 21758
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 22

Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 30

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

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.
     Frederick County Animal Control 1832 Rosemont Ave Frederick, MD 21702 301-600-1546 animalcontrol@frederickcountymd.gov

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

February Star Sanctuary is a family run sanctuary. Our facility is located adjacent to our family’s home. We have surveillance and security systems installed, which allow us to monitor the facility and equines overnight.

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February Star Sanctuary

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Lisa Wagner
Clinic Name: Wagner Equine Vet Services
40110 Quailrun Court
Lovettsville   VA   20180
Phone: 540-822-5927

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Overview: February Star Sanctuary (*Main) Currently operational
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 51
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 3  Run-in sheds: 6
Pastures: 8  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 8
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 0
























Are the organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are the organization's emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes    

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the barn/structure(s) or exclusively assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier?    No    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or restricted to these sheltered exclusive shelter locations? 0-3;
How often are the stalls/shelters cleaned, i.e., kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris? 2-3 Days a Week
Do all stalls/shelters allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around and provide protection from inclement weather (wind, sleet, rain, snow and extreme temperatures)?    Yes    
Are stalls/shelters kept in good repair, with adequate ceiling height, and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris?    Yes    
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?    Yes    
Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to allow free flow of air to control temperature, and humidity, and to prevent air stagnation?    Yes    
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety in all areas of facility?    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    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 24/7

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:
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    There is a practice in place to monitor equines overnight
    By Appointment Only signs are posted.
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Hold Harmless signs are posted

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: February Star Sanctuary (*Main) 2025 and 2024 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 the equine's age, breed/type, condition, size, work level and any health issues, consisting of nutritious food provided in sufficient quantity and access to adequate natural forage, or be fed daily, or as recommended by the organization's veterinarian
    Feed plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Equines are fed grain in groups
    Staff and/or 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 contaminants, debris and chemicals, protected from weather and other animals, and be positioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
    Medications are kept in a secure area

Is clean, potable water available at all times for all equines, or if not at all times, at least twice daily?     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

Our organization has the following parasite and fly/insect control protocols in place, including remedies used to control flies and insects:
    Our organization follows the parasite control guidelines of our veterinarian, including fecal testing and de-worming
    Fly/Insect Control Remedies:
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    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
    Volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Hand sanitizers are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    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 removed from the facility - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
    Quarantine areas, such as stalls, aisle ways, paddocks, and common areas, are cleaned (and needed, 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
    Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is cleaned of organic debris and disinfected after each use
    Latex gloves, or equivalent gloves, are worn when working with sick, affected and/or 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 the state, local authorities, and/or our organization's veterinarian

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    A map/diagram is posted showing the location of each equine with equine names and photos
    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
    Bridles are shared
    Bits are shared
    Blankets are shared
    Sheets are shared
    Turnout apparel is 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
     Halters are shared
    Tack is cleaned weekly
    Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's body condition changes
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are cleaned/disinfected after each use

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Emergency Preparedness: February Star Sanctuary: *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 collects and maintains medical information from staff, volunteers, and clients
    The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
    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
    Evacuation plans
    Power outages
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Terrorist attacks
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans


The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited
    NO SMOKING signs are posted prominently
    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

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

Equine Transportation: 5= Onsite: 5 (1 + 4) + Offsite: 0
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite  1 Access onsite but not owned  0 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  1 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  1 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  1 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Financial Reporting
Budget:  $100K to $500K
Equine Budget:   $50K to $100K
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 12
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Compilation
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990


Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  4
Number of Board Members:  7  Number of Voting Board Members:  7

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

Board/Staff Relationships:
Are any members of the Board, Staff or Program Participants related to each other through family or business relationships? Yes
If yes, provide the name, title, responsibility and family/business relationship of each Board, Staff member and/or Program Participant.
Co-Founder/Executive Director & Co-Founder/Board Member are husband and wife.

Board/Staff Affiliations:
Are any Board members providing services to your organization or compensated by your organization, or are any Board members or staff members 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.
Co-Founder/Executive Director & Co-Founder/Board Member own the facility where programs are conducted.

Conflict of Interest:
Does your organization have a written conflict of interest policy that ensures that any compensated board member is a NON-VOTING (Independent) board member or that any compensated board member or any board member related to a compensated staff member, independent contractor, or any related board members, or any individual or organization that might benefit from a board decision, abstains from voting on issues impacting such compensation and requires officers, directors or trustees, and key employees to disclose at least annually in writing interests that could give rise to conflicts?  Yes


Compliance:
Below is a list all local, state and federal licenses held by the organization, and/or accreditations or compliances with the published standards of an accrediting organization, if applicable:  No licenses required

Organization documents available on our website:
    Adoption/Foster Agreement
    None

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


Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Phyllis Smith, Co-Founder/Executive Director
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  0  Part-Time:  5  Volunteers:  16
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    Prospective staff/independent contractors complete a written application/agreement
    Staff and/or contractors receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine 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

Volunteer Recruitment, Screening and Training processes:
    Prospective volunteers complete a written application/agreement
    Our organization has a practice in place to ensure that the organization has sufficient knowledge of the background of prospective volunteers that may impact the safety of your clients and your horses, such as whether prospective volunteers have been convicted of a sexual offense or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect. Such practices must comply with local, state, and federal mandates.
    Volunteers required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Volunteers are required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Volunteers provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Volunteers carry current health insurance
    Volunteers 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
    Volunteers receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Volunteers are 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

Additional explanation regarding governance, staffing and volunteer practices or further explanation of the answers above.
Board members include Phyllis Smith, Executive Director and President, June Gilland, Treasurer, David Smith, Lisa Slattery, Jane Goodwin, Jessica Anderson, and Kristin Cozort, Board Members