MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Rose of Sharon Equestrian School is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities by drawing upon the therapeutic potential of the human horse bond to facilitate change, growth, and healing.

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 outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
100% 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:
Rose of Sharon Equestrian School (ROSES) has completed its 24th year of providing equine-assisted services to some of the most challenged and/or disadvantaged individuals in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Through mutually beneficial collaborations with special education schools, continuing care facilities, pediatric hospitals, and therapists providing outpatient hippotherapy and mental health services, ROSES continues to increase the number of individuals it has been able to serve. ROSES maintains an ever-growing waiting list. The organization seeks to meet the demand for services by adding additional instructors, therapists, programs, and support staff needed to reach and sustain the capacity of the organization.
     
     Goals:
      Mobile Mini Project: transport miniature horses and instructors/therapists to people who are unable to travel to the ROSES’ campus. The organization continues to receive requests for the fully outfitted, equine-accessible van to visit learning centers, continuing care facilities, and other agencies seeking this service. In 2024, our mini ambassador, Cooper the Tolerant, interacted with over 100 parents and children in support of a local pediatric hospital.
      Strategic Plan: Many of the goals set by the organization at its founding have been met and exceeded. A committee has been formed to develop a new plan that will ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization in perpetuity. ROSES will engage several professionals in the areas of strategic planning, board development, capacity building, and planned giving to assist the organization through this pivotal time in its growth. Board development and expansion are vital to the plan.
      Expand Services: Individuals in need of occupational therapy have benefitted from the collaboration between ROSES and Rein Remedy, LLC. Following that model, new collaborations with a licensed clinical psychological counselor as well as with a speech pathologist are in development.
      Public Relations: ROSES is pleased to report its entry into the Equus International Film Festival: “A Stable Place in a Challenging World®” won first place in the narrative short film category. Placing the film as the headliner of ROSES’ website has gained the organization significant attention. ROSES continues to work closely with Dementia Friendly efforts in our county by submitting grant proposals seeking funds to pilot a Memory Café program at the stable for people living with dementia and their care givers. The value of a monthly program of this nature is demonstrated every spring and fall through our ongoing Silver STEEDS program (Special Therapeutic Equine Experiences Designed for Seniors).
     
     Areas of concern:
     
      Increase professional staff: ROSES seeks to hire, at minimum, two new professional staff members by the end of 2025. Ongoing Challenge: Funding to support salaries is rarely a targeted initiative for the majority of grant-making foundations and organizations.
     
     
     Resources:
     
     ROSES provides experiential learning opportunities and hippotherapy services for individuals of all ages and varied abilities. Through highly structured, evidence-based practices, these individuals have a chance to interact safely with carefully chosen horses in the naturally stimulating environment of an ADA-compliant stable and all-season therapeutic riding arena. Verdant farmland and a state park surround the meticulously maintained facility.
     
     ROSES’ personnel bring a wealth of experience from a broad range of professions: special education, occupational, speech, and recreational therapies, psychology, healthcare administration and accreditation, construction management, and most importantly, equine husbandry and environmental stewardship.
     
     ROSES diversifies its development strategies so that the organization is not reliant on a single source of funding. As a nonprofit, social benefit organization, ROSES has sustained and grown its programs and services through charitable donations and in-kind contributions from individuals, corporate citizens, our board of directors, private foundations, minimal fees for service, and community fund-raising (and friend-raising) events. We have a solid reputation in the community, bringing the healing power of horses into the lives of those managing disabilities and other extenuating circumstances since 2001.



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:

Merlin was the first horse adopted by ROSES in 1998. It has been in our organization’s DNA to remain committed to the well-being of our equine partners even when they can no longer be ridden. We believe as long as our horses are not a danger to themselves, each other, or our volunteers and participants, they should have a ‘safe-landing’ with us. We will not, after years of relying upon our horses’ sentience being a vital component of the profound effect they have on our participants, suddenly dismiss the existence of that sentience because they can no longer support a rider. All of the horses, beginning with Merlin, taught us that our focus with them, as well as our students and clients, needs to be on what their capabilities are at present, NOT what they are no longer. As Merlin, and the others who have followed, age out of being comfortably ridden, ROSES promotes our horses to groundwork. It is often in these lessons that the level of horsemanship required for true understanding and trust to develop begins to form. The validation of this perspective comes through reports from parents, teachers, and other care-providers explaining that our participants seem to benefit as much, if not more, when working with the horses on the ground.
     
     The power of non-verbal communication expressed by the horses daily enhances our ability to work effectively with our students who have autism, as well as those who are living with dementia. Because everyone at ROSES: staff, volunteers, participants, family members, and casual visitors are taught to sense and respond, our horses feel free to express themselves, as they understand they will be ‘heard’. Our horses communicate subtly and we acknowledge, listen to, and respect what they ‘have to say’. They have varying personalities and temperaments and each has the choice to engage or withdraw from interactions with humans.
     
     Our Executive Director, who is dually certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship as a therapeutic riding instructor and an equine specialist in mental health and learning, judiciously monitors all interactions between humans and horses. A trained volunteer whose sole responsibility is to the horse also aids each horse involved in a session. On or more persons is assigned to each participant, as well, to make certain that all interactions with our horses are positive and educational. The number of participants engaging with any one horse at a time is kept to a minimum.
     
     Our horses have designated time off every day, as well as extended time over the weekend. During time off, the horses have access to pasture and/or hay, and clean water that is checked and changed multiple times a day. ROSES works with an NIH-trained scientist advising us on optimal equine nutrition for each horse. We have long-standing relationships with our farrier, veterinarian, and dentist, as well as practitioners providing alternative equine therapies. Our horses are evaluated throughout the year by a trainer who believes in conditioning a horse by training for optimal balance from the inside out. In others words, the stability of the spine is the foundation to all that follows, physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. Training takes place under saddle for some horses and on the ground for others.
     ROSES has specific guidelines as to how horses are selected to become part of the program.
     
     ROSES’ veterinarian is available to address equine emergencies with a response time of 20 to 30 minutes in most cases. She has partnered with an equally competent veterinarian to cover for her when she is away. We have worked satisfactorily on a number of cases with this secondary veterinarian, as well. Our participants must complete health history and consent to emergency medical treatment forms to include medications and any other considerations. Several staff members and volunteers are First Aid and CPR certified. ROSES maintains both human and equine first aid kits to address unforeseen incidents. ROSES occasionally hosts site visits for local first responders and volunteer fire departments serving its locale.

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
    Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding
    Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship
    Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology
    Academic Learning

2: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, Inc.

     1 Jessica Jane Rilee

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, Inc.

         RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Jessica J. Rilee, OTD, OTR/L, Nova Southeastern University
AHCB Certified Therapist, American Hippotherapy Association
PATH Intl. Registered Therapist
PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

     2 Joan Marie Twining

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, Inc.

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding

         Therapeutic/Adaptive Unmounted Horsemanship

         Academic Learning

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Master of Science in Special Education, Johns Hopkins University
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, PATH International
Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, PATH International
Dementia Care Specialist, Crisis Prevention Institute

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Rose of Sharon Equestrian School (ROSES) provides equine-assisted services for individuals of all ages who have disabilities or other extenuating circumstances adversely affecting their quality of life. The School's programs address the needs of the novice and instruction is intended to develop skills in basic horsemanship and stable management. ROSES also provides equine facilitated learning for students with learning disabilities or who are otherwise at-risk of academic failure. While the content of our program focuses on horses, the benefit of involvement reaches well beyond the barn. Parents and participants report positive growth in the areas of self-confidence and social interaction, emotional and psychological well-being, physical strength and stability, as well as improvement in schoolwork and family relationships. Rose of Sharon Equestrian School partners with licensed therapists to provide farm-based occupational therapy and hippotherapy.

Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Rose of Sharon Equestrian School (ROSES) provides programs for children, youth, and adults with disabilities as well as seniors with dementia. ROSES has a mobile unit which travels to schools, hospitals, continuing care facilities, and other agencies to educate and enhance the lives of others through the benefit of the human-horse bond.
     
     ROSES is a Maryland Horse Discovery Center certified by the Maryland Horse Industry Board. ROSES hosts clinics and workshops expanding people's understanding of the horse's physical, emotional, and cognitive needs for sustaining successful relationships. ROSES maintains partnerships with local universities in order to provide internship opportunities for college students.
     
     ROSES is an approved Student Service Learning site for Baltimore County Public Schools. ROSES provides volunteer opportunities for retirees and others. ROSES provides workshops for boy- and girl- scouts seeking to earn badges in horsemanship and/or disabilities awareness. ROSES has also partnered with Eagle Scouts completing community-based projects. ROSES maintains a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan in effort to be a good steward of the environment where the horses live. The organization operates a state-of-the-art composting system and maintains relationships with master gardeners in the local area.

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. 

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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 equine is evaluated at its place of residence
    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
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations
    A health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival is provided to our organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine attesting to the health status of the equine

Trial Period: Check all that apply:
    Equines are on trial for 60 or more days
    The trial period may be reduced based on the equine's progress
    During the trial period, the organization accepts 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
    The trial period may be terminated by either the organization or the owner for any reason

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

The typical length of quarantine is:   10 to 20 days

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a veterinarian 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
    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
    Clipping
    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
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by a trained staff member
    Vaccinations are administered 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:
    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

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

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
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    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

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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Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, Inc.
5630 Sharon Drive Glen Arm MD 21057
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 5

Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 6

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.
     Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections Baltimore County Department of Health, Bureau of Animal Control County Office Building 111 West Chesapeake Avenue, Room 11404 Tel: 410.887.3630 animalservices@baltimorecountymd.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)? 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:  2

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

     1. Jessica Jane Rilee
     2. Joan Marie Twining

Everyone who participates, in any capacity, must sign our Barn Rules document which clearly states:

No Smoking ANYWHERE on the premises, indoors or out!

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Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, Inc.

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Dr. Kim Hafner
Clinic Name: Bluebird Equine Veterinary Services, LLC
PO Box 127
Jarrettsville   MD   21084
Phone: 410-592-3131

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Overview: Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, Inc. (*Main) Currently operational
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 8
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 0
Pastures: 5  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 2
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 1














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?    Yes    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or restricted to these sheltered exclusive shelter locations? 9-12
How often are the stalls/shelters cleaned, i.e., kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris? 6-7 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 1 to 3 hours per day
    Equines are out 4 to 8 hours per day
    Equines are out 9 to 15 hours per day

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for pasture management, which includes guidelines for seeding, fertilizing, irrigation, mowing, dragging, harrowing, manure removal, removal of debris, the control of poisonous plants, and a schedule for cleaning
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    Pastures are rotated
    Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)

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
    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
    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
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The property is fitted with a security system monitored by police or a professional service
    The property is fitted with a security system that is monitored internally by staff (or the property owner)

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, Inc. (*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 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 individual stalls
    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 parasites
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fans

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
    Staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    Volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    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 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 is piled in an area where equines are not located
    Manure piles are covered
    Manure is hauled, sold or given away
    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:
    Equines are assigned the same exclusive stall/shelter location each day
    Name plates are located on the stall/shelter location
    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:
     All equines have specifically assigned tack, apparel and equipment that is not 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 only when needed
    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
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's disposition changes
    This facility enlists the services of a professional saddle fitter at least once a year
    Tack is stored in a climate-controlled location
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are cleaned/disinfected after each use
    Helmets are replaced after a fall
    Helmets are replaced at least every five years.

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Emergency Preparedness: Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, Inc.: *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:
    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 facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited
    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: Daily
Fence lines are checked: Weekly
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: Not at all/NA
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Quarterly
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Weekly
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Semi-annually

Equine Transportation: 2= Onsite: 1 (1 + 0) + Offsite: 1
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 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  0 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  0 Access offsite;
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 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): Review
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990


Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  8
Number of Board Members:  10  Number of Voting Board Members:  10

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.
The Executive Director owns the property upon which the program operates but is not a voting member of the board.
     
     One board member is the niece of the founder/executive director. There is no business relationship between the two individuals.
     
     The executive director's husband raises hay for the program horses and sells it to the organization at below fair price market value.

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.
The Executive Director and her husband own the facility where programs are conducted. The organization does not pay a lease fee, but is responsible for repair costs. The Executive Director does not serve as voting member of the Board.
     
     One board member is an Occupational Therapist providing services to medicaid clients at our organization. If any issues arise that pertain to this individual, the individual recuses herself from that portion of the board meeting and any subsequent voting regarding the issue that may take place.

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:  This organization meets or exceeds the published standards of the following:
     Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Int'l Center (renewal 1/25)
     Maryland Department of Agriculture Stable License (renewal 6/25)
     Maryland Horse Industry Board Certified Horse Discovery Center (renewal 1/25)
     Baltimore County Department of Health Animal Services Division (renewal 7/25)
     Baltimore County Department of Permits Stable License (renewal 7/25)

Organization documents available on our website:
    None

Organization documents available on request:
    Most recent Financials
    Most recent IRS Form 990
    Volunteer Handbook
    Bylaws


Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Joan Marie Twining
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  2  Part-Time:  2  Volunteers:  25
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    Prospective staff/independent contractors 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 staff and independent contractors that may impact the safety of your clients and your horses, such as whether prospective staff/independent contractors serving in the capacity as staff have been convicted of a sexual offense or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect. Such practices must comply with local, state, and federal mandates.
    Staff and/or contractors are required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Staff and/or contractors are required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Staff and/or contractors are required to sign a Photo Release
    Prospective staff/independent contractors are required to undergo a Background Check
    Staff and/or contractors provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Staff and/or contractors carry current health insurance
    Staff and/or contractors are updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Staff and/or contractors receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, 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
    The organization provides a handbook to every member of the staff, including employees and/or independent contractors serving in staff positions;
    One or more staff members or contractors are trained in CPR and human first aid
    One or more staff members or contractors are trained in equine first aid

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 are required to sign a Photo Release
    Prospective volunteers are required to undergo a Background Check
    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 provides a Volunteer Handbook to every volunteer
    The Volunteer Handbook includes volunteer-related information, such as hours of work, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    The Volunteer Handbook is reviewed annually and updated
    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