MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
At Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare, our mission is to provide a compassionate pathway for the retirement of racing thoroughbreds throughout the Caribbean. We believe that every horse deserves a chance at a peaceful and comfortable retirement, surrounded by people who cherish them. As the only horse rescue organization solely devoted to this cause, we are proud to make a difference in the lives of these magnificent animals.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue, adoption & retirement
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:
Accomplishments – 2024
     In 2024, Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare (CTA) continued its critical work as the only Thoroughbred aftercare organization operating in Puerto Rico, overcoming extreme logistical and financial challenges to provide a lifeline for retired racehorses.
     
     Intake and Rehabilitation: Despite space and resource limitations, CTA successfully took in 28 Thoroughbreds who were no longer able to race and 1 abuse case. Each horse received individualized veterinary evaluations, nutritional support, and behavioral assessment to begin their transition toward adoption or sanctuary placement.
     
     Relocation to the Mainland: CTA facilitated the safe transport of 17 thoroughbreds from Puerto Rico to the U.S. mainland. These relocations required extensive coordination due to quarantine protocols, transport logistics, and, in some cases, medical conditions like piroplasmosis. All 17 horses were placed with trusted aftercare partners or adoptive homes and 4 adoptions locally in PR.
     
     National Recognition: CTA was awarded the Lavin Cup by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)—a prestigious recognition of our unwavering dedication to equine welfare in a region with minimal infrastructure and limited industry support.
     
     Ongoing Welfare Crisis Response: CTA continued to operate against the backdrop of an urgent welfare crisis. Since 2015, at least 2,360 horses have been euthanized in Puerto Rico—a figure that excludes the year 2017 (post-Hurricane Maria) and deaths from track breakdowns or in stable areas. CTA remains the only organization working systematically to divert horses from this tragic outcome.
     
     Community Education and Collaboration: Throughout 2024, CTA continued educating with our equine academy and worked with horsemen, owners, and track officials to promote responsible retirement planning and increase awareness of the importance of humane aftercare.
     
     Maintaining High Standards of Care: Every horse in our program continued to receive:
     
     24/7 access to clean water
     
     A diet including high-quality hay and supplemental feed
     
     Regular veterinary, dental, and farrier care
     
     Turnout time and socialization opportunities
     
     Shelter from extreme weather
     
     A safe, quiet environment to decompress and heal
     
     Despite ongoing funding shortages and our desperate need for additional land, CTA remained fully operational in 2024, driven by the dedication of our team and supporters. Our accomplishments this year reflect our unbreakable commitment to giving every horse a chance—no matter the odds.



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:

At Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare (CTA), our guiding philosophy is that all human-equine interactions must be based on respect, compassion, safety, and the individual needs of each horse. The retired racehorses in our care have already given so much during their time on the track, and we are committed to ensuring that every interaction they have moving forward is positive, enriching, and beneficial to their overall well-being.
     
     1) Ensuring Mutually Beneficial, Respectful Human-Equine Interactions:
     We adhere closely to the Equus Foundation Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions, ensuring that:
     
     All staff and volunteers are trained in equine behavior, handling safety, and ethical care standards.
     
     Horses are handled with patience and consistency, always using low-stress, horse-centered methods.
     
     Interaction levels are adjusted to suit each horse’s individual needs—some horses benefit from more hands-on time while others may need more space and time to decompress.
     
     The emotional well-being of our horses is prioritized. We avoid overstimulation or forced interaction and instead allow horses to approach human contact at their own pace.
     
     Our team builds trust-based relationships with each horse, creating an environment in which both horses and humans benefit from mutual respect and calm communication.
     
     2) Ensuring Full Equine Welfare Standards Are Met:
     We provide all horses in our care with the following essentials, in line with the highest standards of equine welfare:
     
     Clean Drinking Water: Horses have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Troughs and buckets are cleaned and refilled multiple times a day, especially in the tropical climate of Puerto Rico where hydration is critical.
     
     Nutritious Food & Forage (imported): Horses are provided with a balanced diet consisting of hay, pasture, and grain, tailored to their individual nutritional needs. While pasture access is limited by available land, imported hay and forage are offered daily in sufficient quantities. Special diets are provided for horses with medical conditions.
     
     Veterinary, Farrier & Dental Care: All horses receive regular veterinary exams, vaccinations, and deworming, as well as routine farrier care every 4–6 weeks. Dental exams and floating are performed as needed, ensuring that each horse can eat comfortably and maintain overall health.
     
     Shelter & Weather Protection: Horses are provided with shelter to protect them from the sun, wind, and rain. While space constraints are a challenge, we prioritize shade structures and rotate horses to ensure fair access.
     
     Room to Move & Socialize: Each horse has daily turnout time with safe room to move, graze, and roll freely. Whenever possible, horses are turned out in compatible pairs or small groups, promoting social interaction and natural herd behavior. Horses unable to be turned out with others due to medical or behavioral needs are housed in a way that allows visual and physical contact with other horses to prevent isolation.
     
     We believe that meaningful recovery and transition for our horses begins with creating a peaceful, respectful, and supportive environment—one that honors who they are as individuals and allows them to be horses again.
     
     Despite ongoing space and funding limitations, CTA works tirelessly to maintain these standards and ensure that every horse receives the compassionate care they deserve. We continuously seek out ways to improve our facilities, expand our land, and provide even more natural, enriching environments for the horses who rely on us.

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     We are the only TAA accredited aftercare facility in Puerto Rico. We take in horses from Hipódromo Camarero Racetrack when they are done racing, and work to find them new homes.
     
     Every horse that comes in gets a full vet assessment, including xrays, to give us a better picture of what treatments the horses need, as well as their future riding ability. Horses are given the rehab they need in our program. Once physically ready, our trainer starts working with them to give them a good restart off the track to improve their adoptability.
     
     We have great relationships with other TAA facilities on the mainland, so we can transfer horses back to the USA to increase their chances of adoption.
     
     We also do adoptions on the island, as well as the mainland.
     
     A few horses are sanctuary horses. Unfortunately, Piroplasmosis positive horses are not allowed to leave the island due to USDA rules. We try to adopt those horses out locally, and some live as residents.
Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     CTA hosts a monthly Equine Academy for locals to come learn about horse care & management. Talks are given by vets, farriers, dentists, trainers, nutritionists, and stable managers.
     
     Course Description: Equine Care and Handling Essentials is designed to provide comprehensive training in the fundamental aspects of horse care and handling. Whether you are a novice or experienced equestrian, this course covers essential topics ranging from basic equine handling and safety to advanced techniques in equine health care. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on safety protocols, understanding equine behavior, proper grooming techniques, and essential health care practices.
     
     Course Summary: This course offers a structured approach to equine care and handling, covering a wide range of topics essential to anyone working with horses. Participants will begin by understanding basic equine measurements, halters, and safe approaches to horses. They will learn to recognize signs of horse behavior such as fear, relaxation, pain, and frustration, as well as understand horses' vision and dangerous areas of their bodies.
     
     Participants will learn about advanced topics such as equine therapy modalities like PEMF, massage, shockwave, and chiropractic care. They will also explore grooming techniques, bathing procedures, and foot care, including identifying common hoof problems and the pros and cons of shod versus barefoot.
     
     Stable management is also covered extensively, including stall cleaning, bedding types, feeding practices, and stable maintenance. Participants will gain information on saddle fitting, bridle and bit options, and understand horse equipment preferences. The course concludes with essential knowledge of equine nutrition, anatomy, vital signs, basic first aid, common diseases, parasite control, and emergency procedures.
     
     Throughout the course, hands-on demonstrations, case studies, and interactive discussions will enrich participants’ learning experiences, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for responsible and effective equine care and management.

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 not taken on trial

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
    The equine is not quarantined

The typical length of quarantine is:   Horses are not quarantined

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
    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 veterinarian 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
    The equine is microchipped if the equine has not been microchipped

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
    Jumping
    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
    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 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):   2-3 times per week

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
The horses we intake usually come straight from the racetrack. Our vets will go do a physical assessment of the horses before we take them in.

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.

Additional information about our breeding policies and practices:
CTA does not allow breeding, unless there is a special circumstance with an adopter. Per our Adoption Contract: "Horse will not be bred unless previously agreed upon with CTA. Note any breeding
     • stipulations here:"

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

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
Horses are sedated prior to euthanasia.

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

View Re-homing Agreement
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Our organization will only re-home an equine to a location where another equine resides

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 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.

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, the adopter must grant the organization first right of refusal prior to the equine being placed into the possession of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    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 the terms of our organization's agreement will be binding on any future individual or organization taking and/or in possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
    The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization free of charge
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year

Our organization requires references from the following:
    Not applicable or no references required.

Transfer of ownership occurs:   After one year

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
$751 to $1,000


Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
If adopters reside in Puerto Rico, we will visit the farm first. Adoptions on the mainland, we typically look at photos.

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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CTA Farm
CARR 186 KM 26.7 El Verde RIO GRANDE PR 00745
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 19

Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 25

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.
     Dra. Randi Armond PO Box 770 Trujillo Alto, PR 00977

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

Currently, when visitors come on to the premises, we verbally tell them that No smoking is allowed. We are in the process of purchasing, and hanging, No Smoking signs in the barn.
The shelters in the pastures do not have sides because of the extreme heat.

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CTA Farm

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Dra. Randi Armand, DVM
Clinic Name: SJR Vet
PO Box 770
Trujilli Alto   PR   00977
Phone: 504-261-4897

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Overview: CTA Farm (*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: 5
Pastures: 8  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 4
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? 13-16
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 24/7

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 have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
    Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)

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

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    The property owner, staff member or caretaker lives on the premises and ensures that public access is restricted and is responsible for the security of the facility and equines
    A security guard is present at night
    There is a practice in place to monitor equines overnight
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Entrance gates are locked at night
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The property is fitted with motion lights
    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

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: CTA Farm (*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?
    Our organization utilizes a software application 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 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:
    Premise Sprays/Insecticides
    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
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    Staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    A specific individual is trained and 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 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
    Equines are not quarantined on arrival.

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure is piled in an area where equines are not located
    Manure is hauled, sold or given away
    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:
    Equine photos and profiles are available on the website
    Staff/volunteers are provided training on conformation, markings, colors, and breeds
    Team leaders work with new staff/volunteers until they are able to identify the equines

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
    Saddles are shared
    Saddle pads are shared
    Bridles are shared
    Bits 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 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
    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: CTA 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 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
    Medical emergencies for equines
    Evacuation plans
    Power outages
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    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
    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

How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Not at all/NA
Fence lines are checked: Daily
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: Semi-annually
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Semi-annually
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually

Equine Transportation: 6= Onsite: 2 (2 + 0) + Offsite: 4
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite  1 Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
    
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite  1 Access offsite;
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Access offsite;
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Access offsite;
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Financial Reporting
Budget:  $100K to $500K
Equine Budget:   $250K to $500K
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:  4
Number of Board Members:  6  Number of Voting Board Members:  6

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? No

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.
Dra. Randi Armand. Veterinary Director. She provides vet services for which she is paid. She gives a 50% discount.

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:  Use Permit, expires Jan 5th, 2027
     Merchant Certificate, expires July 31st, 2025
     Local Puerto Rico licenses

Organization documents available on our website:
    Most recent Financials
    Most recent IRS Form 990
    Equine Intake Guidelines
    Adoption/Foster Agreement

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):  Kelley Stobie, Executive Director & Co-Founder
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  2  Part-Time:  5  Volunteers:  5
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    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 provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Staff and/or contractors have a written job description
    Staff and/or contractors are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    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
    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 provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    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