MISSION & PROGRAMS
Mission:Brayhope Farm believes that the bond between humans and animals is a mutually beneficial relationship that can foster the health and well-being of both. The Mission of the corporation is to provide members of the public with the positive therapeutic effects of animal assisted activities in a compassionate, safe and professional manner, and to achieve educational goals through community service programs in an effort to enhance the quality of life for people in the community who interact with the animals, as well as the animals themselves.
Our organization provides community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
Our organization does not
CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.
Community Outreach and/or Public Education:
Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
Our program consists of farm visits to experience the calming effect that miniature donkeys have on humans. There is no fee to visit the farm. We just finished our first summer. Summer of 2023. Our main objectives and goals were met during this trial "soft opening" summer. The donkeys loved having visitors and provided comfort to approximately 100 guests; primarily autistic children and their families. A typical visit normally lasts about 45-60 minutes as guests wander among the donkeys in their paddocks; brushing them, interacting and learning about them. We share fun facts about donkeys and answer lots of great questions. We have acclimated the herd to walkers and wheelchairs for our disabled visitors.
We came away from this summer with some ideas for a couple of new additions next year to enhance the visitor experience. One will be a play area where children that need to can de-stress. We anticipate adding sensory tables, playhouses, metal dump trucks and other interactive playthings. Moving forward, we'd like to become mobile and participate in local events with a donkey pair or two! We did participate in a local Trunk or Treat for special needs children this October.
We welcome people with special needs, medical issues, PTSD, stress, life trauma, 4H groups, school and library groups, homeschoolers, just to name a few! Our special needs visitors are accompanied by at least one (if not more) adults. As full time volunteer, the Executive Diector is always present 100% of the visit.
Research/Medical Use of Equines:Our organization has never made, and would not ever consider making, equines available for research studies or medical training that involves invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine.
Religious Affiliation:Our organization does not promote religious education, religious purposes, or a specific religious faith or use donations for religious education or religious purposes; require participants to be of a certain faith; require participation in religious, instruction, activities or services; or require participation in prayer, worship, religious instruction or other religious activities as a condition of receiving social or secular services offered.
Auction Donation:Our organization has never allowed, or would not consider allowing, an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
POLICIES: ACQUISITION
Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):
Purchase from Owner
Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
Donation
Lease
Auction
Kill pen/Feedlot
Return
Surrender
Seizure
Abandonment
Our organization will accept the following:
Geldings
Only Stallions to be castrated
Not Checked:
Mares
Pregnant Mares
Foals
Stallions
Additional information about our acquisition policies and practices:
The 8 miniature donkeys and 2 miniature mules used at Brayhope Farm are owned by the CEO. The organization itself does not own any equine.
POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAININING
Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the horse:
A current Coggins
Vaccination records that have been administered within the last 12 months
If health records are not available or are out-of-date, 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
Not Checked:
If health records are not available or are out-of-date, the owner is responsible for having vaccinations administered.
Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
The equine is evaluated at its place of residence
The owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization
Equines are not taken on trial
Not Checked:
The owner of a potential equine is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the equine
The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
Physical examination by a veterinarian upon arrival
Physical examination by trained barn staff
Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
Physical examination by a farrier
Fecal test
Vaccinations
De-worming
Not Checked:
A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
Physical examination by a dentist
Coggins test
Blood work other than Coggins
The equine is scanned to check for a microchip
The equine is microchipped if the scan indicates that there is no microchip
Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine
at the facility for a prescribed period of time
Not Checked:
The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine off-site for a prescribed period of time
The equine is not quarantined
The typical length of quarantine is:
Up to 10 days
Horses are assessed for following skills and behaviors:
Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
Leading with a halter and lead rope
Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
Grooming
Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time
Not Checked:
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
Jumping
Driving (Pulling a carriage)
Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
Bathing
Clipping
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
Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
Not Checked:
The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
Photographs are taken of each equine monthly and kept with the equine's health records
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
No equines are ridden; not applicable
Not Checked:
Our organization evaluates at least annually and maintains a written record of the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden:
No equines are ridden; not applicable
Not Checked:
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
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):
As needed; no set schedule
Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
Much of this does not apply to Brayhope Farm as the donkeys are owned by the CEO. They are not being retrained or rehomed. Our herd size is not anticipated to change any time soon. Their permanent working and life environment consist of our farm, the visitors and possible future off site visits.
POLICIES: BREEDING
The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.
Not Checked:
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, breeds equines
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, are permitted to house stallions
POLICIES: EUTHANASIA
The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
Our organization will 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
Not Checked:
Our organization will never have an equine euthanized under any circumstances
Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility
The following are authorized to administer the procedure for your organization in accordance with state laws:
Veterinarian
Not Checked:
A certified euthanasia technician
Senior staff with appropriate training
Employee of animal control shelter or humane society with appropriate training
Veterinary student under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian
Not applicable. Our organization prohibits euthanasia under any circumstances
POLICIES: RE-HOMING
Re-homing Agreement not applicable.
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
Our organization does not have the authority to transfer ownership and/or does not own any of the equines involved with our programs.
Our organization 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:
Our organization does not have the authority to transfer ownership and/or does not own any of the equines involved with our programs.
Not Checked:
Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
Equines may be returned to their owners
Equines may be sent to auction
In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
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
If a suitable home cannot be located within 12 months, the equine may be euthanized
The organization will accept financial responsibility for equines in the current care of the organization that need to be retired or are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization if all alternatives have been explored to find the equine an appropriate placement and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization.
Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
NA
EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION
Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs:
1Our organization does not
CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.
Brayhope Farm
137 BANKRUPT RD PHOENIX NY 13135
Contact: Diane Nedrow
Contact's Phone: 3154180448
Contact's Email: dnedrow@brayhopefarm.org
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 10
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those counted above: 10
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 10
Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Use
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.
Oswego County Sheriff's Dept, 39 Churchill Road, Oswego, NY 13126 @ 315/349-3302
(Secondary: SPCA @ 315/592-5551)
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
Brayhope Farm
Veterinarian InformationVeterinarian: Dr Emily Wyman
Clinic Name: North Country Veterinary Services
4592 US Route 11
Pulaski NY 13142
Phone: 315-298-5141
Overview: Brayhope Farm (*Main)
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 10
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those counted above: 10
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 10
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 2
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1 Run-in sheds: 1
Pastures: 1 Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 3
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 0 Covered Outdoor Rings: 0 Indoor Rings: 0
Regarding structures at this facility where horses are stalled:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s)? Yes Do all stalls/enclosures allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around? Yes Is there adequate ceiling & beam height (a minimum of 12 feet above the tip of the horse's ear) when standing in all stalls/enclosures? Yes How often are the stalls/enclosures cleaned? 6-7 Days a WeekAre floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction? Yes Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to control temperature and prevent buildup of toxic gases? Yes Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety? Yes Are fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) maintained and in good working order? Yes Is there adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas of facility? Yes Are emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations? Yes Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible? Yes How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled? 9-12
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
Equines are out 9 to 15 hours per day
The following describes the pastures at this facility:
A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
Pastures are rotated
Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
Not Checked:
This facility does not have pastures where equines can graze on pasture grass
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
Barbed wire is used for fencing
Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
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
Turnout areas have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
Not Checked:
This facility does not have turnout areas
This facility has a written plan in place for the maintenance of turnout areas, which includes a schedule for cleaning, manure removal, and dragging
Barbed wire is used for fencing
Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
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
By Appointment Only 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 motion lights
Not Checked:
A security guard is present at night
Equines are checked overnight
No Trespassing signs are posted
Authorized Personnel Only signs are posted
Entrance gates are locked at night
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)
The perimeter of the property is fully fenced
Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Brayhope Farm (*Main) 2024 and 2023 This section is required.
Horse Health Care/Barn Management Records: What system is used to collect and store health/horse care records?
Notebook or equivalent (technology not utilized)
The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
Equines are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to age and any health issues
Feed plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
Equines are fed in individual stalls
Equines are fed in groups
Staff and volunteers are trained in proper feed measurements and protocols and observed periodically to ensure they are feeding correctly
The feed chart is centrally located and updated as needed
The area(s) where hay, feed, grain, and supplements are stored are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals in rodent-proof and mold-proof containers and grain bins
Feed, supplements and hay types are clearly labeled
Water sources, i.e., buckets, troughs, automatic waterers, etc. are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals
Medications are kept in a locked, climate-controlled area
Not Checked:
Do horses have access to clean drinking water at all times? Yes
Hoof Care: How often is hoof care provided for each equine? Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises
Dental Care: How often is dental care provided for each equine? Only when an issue arises
Horse checks: How often are equines visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility? Every day or 6 days a week
Parasite Control: Our organization has the following worming protocols in place: (Check all that apply
The protocol for each equine is determined in consultation with a veterinarian
Fecal testing is performed prior to the use of a de-wormer.
Fly/Insect Control: What remedies are used to control flies and insects?
Fly Traps and Tapes
Fly Spray Repellent
The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
Our organization follows the
AAEP's Biosecurity Guidelines and/or the
UC Davis Biosecurity Guidelines Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
The organization has a written biosecurity plan
All staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
All volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
A specific individual is assigned to care for sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy equines
Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Hand sanitizers and footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is disposed of in specific areas designated for infectious materials - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
Stalls, aisle ways, and common areas are disinfected after conclusion of the quarantine
Trailers/vans used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cleaned and disinfected after each use and cleaning takes place away from where equines are sheltered
Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is not shared and is clearly labeled
Shared equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is cleaned of organic debris and disinfected after each use
Latex gloves are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Personnel are required to leave the facility (or shower and change clothing) after working with quarantined equines
Not Checked:
Equines are not quarantined on arrival.
The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
Manure is hauled, sold or given away
Not Checked:
Manure is stored in dumpster(s)
Manure is piled in an area where equines are not located
Manure piles are covered
Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures
Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by state and/or local authorities
The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
Equines are assigned the same stall/location each day
Name plates are located on the stall
Equine photos and profiles are available on the website
Not Checked:
Photos are located on the stall
Equines wear halters with nametags
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
Staff and volunteers are provided with an information packet with equine profiles, including photos and detailed descriptions
Staff/volunteers are provided training on conformation, markings, colors, and breeds
Equines are assigned the same stall/location each day
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
No equines are ridden; not applicable.
Not Checked:
All equines have specifically assigned tack, apparel and equipment that is not shared
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 after each use
Tack is cleaned weekly
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
Assigned tack is clearly labeled
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.
Emergency Preparedness: Brayhope Farm: *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 phone numbers are posted prominently
The facility maintains at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings and medications
The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
Not Checked:
Emergency procedures are posted prominently
The facility owns or has access to a generator
The facility collects and maintains medical information from staff, volunteers, and clients
All staff/volunteers are briefed regularly on emergency preparedness/safety procedures
The organization has a written emergency preparedness/safety plan (EPP)
The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
Smoking is strictly prohibited
Hay is stored away from permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled
Permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled are kept free of dust, cobwebs, trash, cleaning rags, and other flammable items
Aisles and doorways are kept clear
Not Checked:
NO SMOKING signs are posted prominently
Heaters with automatic shutoff settings are used
How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Semi-annuallySmoke detectors are checked: Not at all/NAElectrical Systems are checked: Semi-annuallyFence lines are checked: QuarterlyTurnout Areas are checked: QuarterlySprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NAFire drills are conducted: Not at all/NAReview of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Not at all/NAReview of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Not at all/NAThe Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Not at all/NA
Equine Transportation
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
0 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 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;