MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
To rescue, rehabilitate, train and rehome abused, abandoned and neglected horses throughout New Mexico and provide safe sanctuary for those not adoptable.

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.
The programs our organization conducts involve the direct use, care, and/or shelter of equines to fulfill our mission.
Our organization DOES NOT CURRENTLY use satellite, suport, 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:
The Horse Shelter reached full capacity in 2025 and has since averaged approximately 100 horses in our care at any given time. This reflects the tremendous need for equine rescue in New Mexico. Most of our intakes come through the New Mexico Livestock Board, with additional horses referred by Pueblo Animal Officers and a limited number of owner surrenders accepted only in cases of genuine hardship.
     
     New Mexico has a significant population of free-roaming horses that are not managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Many are interbred wild/feral, Pueblo, and domesticated horses that have lived without human handling for generations or have been abandoned. As a result, many horses arriving at The Horse Shelter have never been handled, while others have experienced abuse, neglect, or severe trauma. Many also arrive in extremely poor physical condition, suffering from emaciation, injuries, illness, or other significant medical conditions.
     
     Currently, 54 horses—most of them unhandled—are awaiting gentling and additional training before they can be considered for adoption. To meet this growing need, we have expanded our training program beyond our existing onsite colt-starting trainer and progression rider by partnering with three highly experienced professional offsite trainers who specialize in preparing rescue horses for successful adoption.
     
     With a dedicated 2026 budget of $90,000 for professional offsite training, in addition to our onsite training staff, we are already seeing measurable results. By the end of June 2026, we had already matched our total adoption number for all of 2025, placing 19 horses into new homes. We are now on track to achieve between 35 and 40 adoptions by the end of the year.
     
     Looking ahead, our plans to construct a covered riding arena and add a second onsite colt-starting trainer will significantly increase our training capacity. These investments will allow us to prepare more horses for adoption year-round, reduce the time horses spend waiting for training, and ultimately help more horses in need.
     
     Training is one of the most important investments we can make in a rescue horse's future. Teaching horses to be calm, easy to handle, respectful on the ground, and, when appropriate, safely started under saddle greatly improves their adoptability. More importantly, it gives adopters the confidence and foundation needed for long-term success, significantly increasing the likelihood that these horses will remain in safe, loving homes for the rest of their lives.


EQUINE WELFARE OVERVIEW: 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:

All equines admitted to The Horse Shelter (THS)undergo a 30-day quarantine period, in which they are vetted and specific treatment protocols are developed, as needed. The horses healthy enough to start into our training program, after quarantine, are assessed for their former training, personality and soundness. We have several training avenues and programs which start with a volunteer program of sitting with more feral horses to get them accustomed to humans in their space, to groundwork training, to under saddle training, or progression riding. Parameters for all of these training avenues are clearly defined, so are the humane treatment and training protocols.
     
     We have clear, written feed protocols in our feed room. This includes special feed/grain/mash and medications, if applicable. We feed a Colorado grass mix, twice daily, as well as alfalfa when appropriate. All water troughs are filled daily and deep cleaned on a rotation which is also clearly posted for staff in our feed room. Horses are housed in paddocks with pipe fencing and three-sided-run in shelters. We operated on 128 acres and have 100 horse internal capacity. Horses are housed together, or adjacent to each other, appropriate for their feed, age, temperament and health status.

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     The Horse Shelter receives most of its horses through the NM Livestock Board, when found as estray, or seized on cruelty charges. We also will consider owner-surrenders in hardship cases, and on a case-to-case basis. Surrenders require the signing of the Surrender Agreement, which transfers ownership to THS and may also be required to pay a surrender fee, at The Horse Shelter’s discretion.
     
     The Horse Shelter’s current capacity is 120 horses, with an internal desired cut off at 100.
     We do not currently have a foster program, but are considering it.
     
     Our goal is to adopt as many horses as possible and find them good new homes. To achieve this objective, training our horses to be safe around humans is our top priority. With a life span that can exceed 30 years, it is particularly important that our horses are well behaved and become good equine citizens. A well-trained horse has the highest likelihood of remaining in good homes until the end of their lives and becoming a valued member of the equine community.
     
     To achieve this goal, The Horse Shelter has developed an extensive training program. Our training program addresses the different training requirements for the different types of horses we receive. We have established training objectives, credentials, outcomes and timelines for each of these categories, with the ultimate goal to turn the horses into good adoption candidates, either as riding horses, or non-riding companion horses. The more horses we can place in good homes, the more we can admit to rescue.
     
     All of our horses should receive at least minimal groundwork training, even our sanctuary horses need to learn to be caught, lead, be vetted and stand for the farrier.
     
     From energetic youngsters to older horses, riding and non-riding, we help potential adopters find a horse that is a good fit at a fraction of the typical cost. After our comprehensive rehabilitation and evaluation process, we can identify the horse’s temperament, health, and abilities. That being said, we do not have the history of the horses and are not able to guarantee anything. We will not misrepresent but will give you an honest assessment of what we know and how we have experienced the horse in our care. Making a good match between adopter and adoptee is our main concern. Therefore, we encourage up to 3 adoption appointments with the horse at our facility before you take him/her home. We reserve the right to not adopt a horse to anyone if we feel it is not a good match for the adopter AND/OR the horse for any reason.
     
     In principle, THS strives to rehome all of our rescue horses. There are and will be exceptions made for horses we deem unadoptable due to age, medical condition or behavioral issues. These horses are titled as true sanctuary horses and categorized as “not available for adoption.” Exceptions may be made for special needs adoptions, for selectively vetted adopters only.
     The horses receive training to be handled by veterinarian, farrier and should be able to be caught, led and loaded. They may, if able, participate in volunteer classes.
     
     Programs currently listed on our website are adoption, volunteer and sponsorship programs. We are updating our resource page.
Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     THS Volunteers have the option to learn to work with our rescue horses through our Volunteer Groundwork classes. THS is a member of the Humane World for Animals Forever Foundation and utilizes their Plan 4 Progress training program designed specifically for equine rescues. This program includes online training videos, in-person coaching, assignments, challenges and clinics. Plan 4 Progress is a natural horsemanship based training program. Volunteers wishing to work with horses must also be a part of our mucking crew and have donated at least 12 hours of mucking service and must be willing to use the Plan 4 Progress techniques to maintain consistency for our horses. The goal of this program is to provide basic horse handling and training skills to our volunteers so they can groom, exercise, and continue groundwork training with THS horses to prepare them for adoption.
     
     Volunteers and Horses are assigned a “Safety Level”. Volunteers may only work with horses that match their assigned safety level unless given permission by a THS instructor to work with a higher level horse. All volunteers start as a “Green” level volunteer, regardless of experience, and progress through the program to advance in level. Volunteers may only work with horses during scheduled times and must be supervised by a THS staff member or an advanced/experienced volunteer approved by management.
     
     We also have an annual Open House Event, with demonstrations and meet and greet with our horses. This is event is usually well attended, with around 300 guests.

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: 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 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 seizure or by abandonment
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, the veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

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:   20 to 30 days

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    A physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration is conducted by a trained staff member
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned by a trained staff member following arrival
    Photographs are taken of each equine following arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
    An examination of hoof health is conducted by a farrier
    An examination of dental health is conducted by a dentist or veterinarian
    The equine is microchipped if the organization has the authority to microchip the equine and the equine has not been microchipped

Additional information about our intake policies and practices:
We have experienced staff assessing the horses at intake. Our veterinarian is out at our facility almost weekly, more often if needed.
     
     Very many of the horses we admit have never been handled before and are in essence wild/feral.
     
     We do have intake health paperwork and horses that we are not able to touch are assessed visually by our experience staff, once they have settled in and calmed down a bit. While assessing their pulse and respiration can be done visually, taking their temperature is not an option and forcing this on a wild/feral horse would be quite inhumane and create excessive risk to the horse and handlers.
     So, this is not done routinely at intake at our facility and is only addressed if there is a reason to suspect issues or clinically signs of illness. We do monitor them closely for any irregular behaviors and symptoms.
     
     If a horse shows symptoms, we will move them through a chute, sedate them as needed, and have a veterinarian evaluate and treat them. Otherwise, we address routine procedures for these horses when they have settled more, or during other procedures such as gelding, when already sedated.

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    A physical examination is conducted by the 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 by the veterinarian at least annually, or with the veterinarian's approval, vaccinations are administered by a trained staff member at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
Equines at our facility may be treated by an:
    Equine chiropractor
    Equine acupuncturist
    Equine massage therapist
    Equine nutritionist

The organization has a procedure in place to assess equines for the 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
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of any horse/equine that is ridden in our care, including training:
    Our organization evaluates the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden at least annually and maintains a written record for each equine that is ridden that documents the results of each evaluation of the equine's weight-carrying and workload limitations

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):   As needed; no set schedule

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.
    The 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
    Disposal of the carcass is handled in accordance with local guidelines

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:
Gunshot would only be applicable in the case of extreme emergency and not being able to reach a veterinarian in time and done only by experienced staff member.

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
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility

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, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization or if an equine may be returned to 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, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that the terms of our organization's agreement will be binding on any future individual or organization taking and/or in possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
    The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization

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

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

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
$1,001 to $1,500

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

Our organization DOES NOT CURRENTLY use satellite, suport, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 1

---

The Horse Shelter
100 Old Cash Ranch Road CERRILLOS NM 87010
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 93
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 3
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 120

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

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.
     New Mexico Livestock Board, Albuquerque, NM

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

We have a haybarn, community room, office house and shop, a large uncovered riding arena, a bullpen and groundwork training area. We do not have a traditional barn with enclosed stalls.

Due to our location in high desert country, we do not have true pastures. We do have 45 paddocks that are pipe fenced and can range to ½ acre+ in size and serve as turnout areas.

We have one large 5 acre area (used to be used as turnout, but not anymore) that is pipe fenced with two fence lines smooth wired. We currently only keep two older horses at most in there and often no horses, and they stay in the front/pipe fenced part. We are looking to update that 5 acre area.

We also have a 25 acre area, that in the past was used as a turnout. At the very far property line there, it has electric fencing, but is not used currently as turnout.

We bought the property in September of 2024 and are in the process of master planning improvements to further our operations, such as a covered riding arena and potentially relocating and expanding quarantine areas with a medical building into the 5 acre lot and using parts of the 25 acres to create new paddocks. We have started planning discussions, but don’t anticipate the completion of the masterplan and any subsequent new installation of fencing, until later next year. So, there are parts of the property that are currently not being used, as we are anticipating major changes there, but they still exist. We are on 128 acres, so there is plenty of space to redesign and reimagine, as well as comfortably hold the horses we have.

All paddocks that we are using are monitored by staff and many now by cameras that we have recently installed and are adding to. We usually have 2 ranch hands, manager, foreman, three trainers onsite daily and 5-10 volunteers daily that help with mucking and socialization/ground work.

Horses that are not being worked daily have plenty of space to run in their paddocks. Each paddock has appropriately sized three- sided run in shelters that are shared, but not divided, many also have trees/natural shelter. We have several medical pens/paddocks that are sheltered and smaller in size for horses on veterinarian prescribed rest, and we have several paddocks that include run in shelters that we can gate closed at night, due to presence of mountain lions in our area. So, mares with foals, minis, or the most vulnerable are in those paddocks and are gated in the shelter areas there overnight, with access to their paddocks during the day time.

The three additional horses are owned by staff.

---

Veterinarian Information: The Horse Shelter (*Main) Currently operational

Veterinarian: Berkley Chesen, DVM
Clinic Name: Equine Comprehensive Wellness
7 Ave Vista Grande Ste B7, PMB 407
Santa Fe   NM   87508
Phone: 505-259-9802

---

Grounds: The Horse Shelter (*Main) Currently operational
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 80
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 0  Run-in sheds: 35
Pastures: 3  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 43
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 2  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 individually 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 individually assigned shelter locations? 0;
How often are the stalls/shelters cleaned? 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?     No    
The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    This facility does not have pastures where equines can graze on pasture grass

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
    There is a mechanism in place to monitor equines overnight
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Authorized Personnel Only 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 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: The Horse Shelter (*Main) 2026 and 2025 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)
    Onsite computer with cloud-based backup storage system

The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
    The organization takes into consideration the equine's age, breed/type, condition, size, work level and any health issues in designing each equine’s individualized feeding plan including adequate natural forage and consults with the veterinarian as needed.
    The organization determines supplement plans in consultation with a veterinarian
    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?     Yes    

Hoof Care: How often is hoof care provided for each equine? Every 3 months 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
    Feed Through Products
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fly Sheets

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 and/or volunteers are trained in accordance with the General Biosecurity Guidelines of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and/or their veterinarian
    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
    Quarantine areas, such as stalls, aisle ways, and paddocks, 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 and 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

Additional information on biosecurity:
Only qualified staff is allowed to enter quarantine areas.

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by the state, local authorities, and/or our organization's veterinarian

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    A map/diagram is posted showing the location of each equine with equine names and photos
    Equine photos and profiles are available on the website
    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
    Team leaders work with new staff/volunteers until they are able to identify the equines

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
    Saddles are shared
    Saddle pads are shared
    Bridles are shared
    Bits are shared
    Blankets are shared
    Sheets are shared
    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
    Riding Tack is cleaned only when needed
    Riding Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
    Riding Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
    Riding Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's body condition changes
    Riding Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's disposition changes
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are replaced after a fall
    Helmets are replaced at least every five years.

---

Emergency Preparedness: The Horse Shelter: *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 maintains 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
    Human and Equine Evacuation plans
    Fire
    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 trash, cleaning rags, and other flammable items

How often are the following checked or performed to ensure applicable working condition?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Annually
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

Functional Equine Transportation: 2= Onsite: 2 (2 + 0) + Offsite: 0
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite  
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite  

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Financial Reporting
Budget:  $1M to $2M
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 12
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Audit
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990
View the IRS Form 990/Pro Forma 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 or staff members associated with and/or compensated by another organization with a relationship or business affiliation to your organization or are any Board members providing services to your organization or compensated by 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.
Berkley Chesen, DVM is a board member, as well as our veterinarian. She invoices and we 1099 her year end. She is paid for her professional services, but not for any board services.

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:  NM is a registration state for Equine Rescues. Renewed annually after inspection by a state veterinarian and requires adherence to AAEP Guidelines. Calendar year renewal.
     We are accredited with GFAS beginning 2018 and renewed April of 2025.

Organization documents available on our website:
    Most recent Annual Report
    Re-homing Agreement

Organization documents available on request:
    Most recent IRS Form 990
    Most recent Annual Report
    Equine Intake Guidelines
    Re-homing Agreement
    Volunteer Handbook
    Staff Handbook
    Bylaws

Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Susan Hemmerle, Executive Director
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  7  Part-Time:  10  Volunteers:  78
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    Prospective staff/independent contractors complete a written application/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 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
    The organization provides a handbook ((available either online or in print) to every member of the staff, including employees and/or independent contractors serving in staff positions;
    The handbook includes information, such as hours of work, vacation, sick leave, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    The handbook is reviewed annually and updated
    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
    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
    Volunteers provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Volunteers have written job descriptions
    Volunteers are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    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 (available either online or in print) 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