EQUUS Foundation

MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
To promote wellness for people with personal challenges who can benefit from equine assisted activities and therapies in a safe and supportive environment.

Our organization conducts Equine Assisted Services in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS).
Our organization does not provide 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, support, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.

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:

1. We put the overall health and well-being of all equines as a top priority in ALL our programming; monitoring their behaviors, personality, and overall temperament daily to help guide us in making decisions for them and their "work-day" or other decisions that may need to be done (i.e. day off, call the vet, offer extra support, etc.).

     We believe in partnering with our horses, for the benefit of people, but that means they get a say in how they show up each day and how they participate in each program. We are a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited center and therefore also abide by their standards for all equine care and facility maintenance.

     2. All our equines have free choice access to water, shelter, quality hay, salt, and grass/pasture as allowed for health/pasture management, and any other daily needs at all times while in their paddocks/pastures. All paddocks/pastures are of adequate size to accommodate free movements and herd dynamics of the horses that live together. We are always monitoring how the small herds in each paddock get along and adjusting their living spaces as needed for the best care and well-fare of each horse at our facility. This allows horses to interact and be horses, while also keeping everyone safe and easier to access for our regular programming.

     We have close working relationships with a large veterinarian team to be sure we give the horses the best support possible, while also offering other therapies/medical treatments outside of routine care to those who need it.

EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES (EAS)
The purpose of this section is to outline the Equine Assisted Services that this organization conducts, however, the EQUUS Foundation does not evaluate and is not endorsing the quality or effectiveness of this organization's Equine Assisted Services or activities involving interactions between horses and people. The EQUUS Foundation relies on this organization's assertion that:
-- this organization abides by the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions;
-- this organization abides by and utilizes the definitions outlined in the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS) and contained in the documents, Optimal Terminology for Services in the United States That Incorporate Horses to Benefit People: A Consensus Document and EAS-Definitions-Guide-for-Researchers, and the YouTube presentation of the Optimal Terminology Working Group, Equine-Assisted Services Terminology Overview;
-- the organization's description of the services provided is truthful and accurate;
-- the credentials of the providers meet the certification criteria to provide Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS).

This organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
    Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding
    Adaptive/Therapeutic Unmounted Horsemanship
    Psychotherapy/Counseling

Providers:
12: Total number of Providers at Healing Strides of VA

Equine Assisted Services (EAS) Overview:
Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     We off Therapeutic Horsemanship (both ground based and ridden) to anyone with personal challenges (we offer services to anyone. all abilities.) who can benefit from equine assisted services in a safe and supportive environment.
     Therapeutic Horsemanship is a program for individuals with personal challenges. Our program has individualized horse interactions designed for all levels of participants. We serve over 60 different diagnosis' ranging from autism spectrum, neurological disorders, amputees, ADHD, MS, SMA, CP, Down Syndrome, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and sensory integration to name a few. The unique relationship formed with a horse can lead to increased confidence, patience, and self-esteem.
     Healing Strides (HSVA) is a Premier Accredited Center with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Int'l) since 2013.All of the programs offered on this website are inclusive to all abilities of riding. All of our Instructors are professionals: Certified through PATH Int'l, Certified Horsemanship Association or are In-Training at the Registered or Advanced levels (CTRI).

     Mental Health, Education, and Coaching.
     We believe each individual is the expert of their own lived experience and holds an inherent capacity for growth, resilience, and healing. Our role is to walk alongside each client with respect, empathy, and authenticity as they discover their own strengths and insights. This approach is grounded in the understanding that meaningful change occurs within safe, supportive relationships—enhanced by the calming, accepting presence of our horses—allowing individuals to feel seen, heard, and empowered on their journey toward personal growth and transformation.
Research/Medical Use of Equines:
Our organization has made equines available for research studies or medical training.
Please explain where and for what purpose equines are/were provided to use in research or medical training.
     We have donated horses to science at the end of their life when they have a serious medical issue that cannot be cured/treated/resolved and our veterinarian team has recommended euthanasia. However, in all these scenarios, the horses are always humanely euthanized BEFORE research is conducted on their bodies as to not cause any pain or suffering. We only donate to science (for euthanasia) once all other avenues have been thoroughly looked into, discussed with our team and our veterinarians, and we cannot find a viable other option for the horse.

     We have also allowed research to be conducted in a non-invasive, no pain or suffering caused to the horse while doing the research. Ex. we have participated in Lymes disease research and noise/sound response research. This type of research we feel helps future horses and horse owners better care for their horses and we want to support good ethical research in this way, while also taking the best care of our horses.
     Our horses overall well-being is our top priority and we would never consider supporting/donating/being involved in research or other such things that would cause undo stress/harm/pain or similar to the horses in our care."

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 or a trained staff member under the direction of the veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Not Checked:
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

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:   10 to 20 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

Not Checked:
    A physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration is conducted by the veterinarian
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned by a veterinarian
    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

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
Equines at our facility may be treated by an:
    Equine chiropractor
    Equine acupuncturist
    Equine massage therapist
    Equine nutritionist

Not Checked:
The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by the veterinarian

The organization has a procedure in place to assess equines for the following skills and behaviors:
    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

Not Checked:
Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
Driving (Pulling a carriage)

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

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
No equines are ridden; not applicable

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

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
No equines are ridden; not applicable

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.

Not Checked:
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including support facilities, breeds equines
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including support facilities, are permitted to house stallions

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization follows the euthanasia guidelines of our veterinarian and/or AAEP's Euthanasia Guidelines
    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

Not Checked:
Our organization will never have an equine euthanized under any circumstances

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

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
Our veterinarian decides the medications used as they are the licensed professional.

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

Not Checked:
    Our organization does NOT re-home an equine to first time equine owners
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility
    Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine
    Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates
    The organization ensures that all equines, for which they have the authority to microchip, are microchipped prior to the adoption and/or transfer of the equine.

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    The organization has a practice in place and the financial means to accept financial responsibility for equines in the current care of the organization should space not be available for the equine to remain at the organization and all alternatives have been explored to find the equine an appropriate placement, including those that need to be retired or are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization.

Not Checked:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be sent to auction
    If a suitable home cannot be located within 12 months, the equine may be euthanized

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 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 includes the microchip number of the equine.

Not Checked:
    The agreement states that the re-homed equine CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances and must be returned to our organization should the adopter decide that he/she is no longer able, or no longer wishes, to care for the equine.
    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 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 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 unannounced visits
    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
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for two years
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for as long as the adopter/purchaser is responsible for the care of the equine
    None of the statements are included.
    The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines for their lifetimes.
    Our organization does not have the authority to transfer ownership and/or does not own any of the equines involved with our programs.

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

Not Checked:
Farrier
Not applicable or no references required.

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:
Less than $200

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Rehoming is not something we do often, as most of our equines are free-leased to us and therefore have owners outside our organization that take them back after retirement. If we have to re-home, we vet the potential owner and monitor the equine overtime, with regular check-ins on their well-fare.

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

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

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

Healing Strides of VA
672 Naff Road BOONES MILL VA 24065
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 26
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 0
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 35

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.
     N. Angle - Animal Control Supervisor E. Cundiff - Animal Control Officer 81 State Street Rocky Mount, VA 24151 Phone: 540-483-3000 Animalcontrol@franklincountyva.gov

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? Yes

Total number of providers AT THIS FACILITY, including instructors, specialists, therapists, counselors, coaches and/or facilitators (full-time, part-time, volunteer, independent contractors, and/or providers accompanying clients) that conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS) AT THIS FACILITY: 12

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

     1. Betsy Osborne
     2. Dana McKenzie
     3. Gloria Williams
     4. Kasedria Miller
     5. Kayla Shaw
     6. Margaret Cornwell
     7. Morgan Jamison
     8. Norma Hoeppner
     9. Parker Smith
     10. Robin Mays
     11. Tayonna Hash
     12. Wendy Kagey

Veterinarian Information: Healing Strides of VA (*Main) Currently operational

Veterinarian: Dr. Clint Martin
Clinic Name: Farm Vet Services
600 Old Franklin Turnpike
Rocky Mount VA 24151
Phone: 540 483-7444

Grounds: Healing Strides of VA (*Main) Currently operational
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 18
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 2  Run-in sheds: 8
Pastures: 2  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 6
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 1

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

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or penned where they are restricted from roaming freely? 0;
Do horses have individually assigned stalls in the barn/structure(s) or individually assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier?    No
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, or natural ventilation, 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

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    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

Not Checked:
    Equines are assigned the same exclusive stall/shelter location each day
    Name plates are located on the stall/shelter location
    Photos are located on the stall/shelter location
    Equines wear halters with nametags
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for pasture management, such as 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)

Not Checked:
    This facility does not have pastures where equines can graze on pasture grass
    Barbed wire is used for fencing
    Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
    Pastures are rotated

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

Not Checked:
    This facility does not have turnout areas
    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:
    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 motion lights
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

Not Checked:
    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
    By Appointment Only signs are posted.
    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)

Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Healing Strides of VA (*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?
Onsite computer with cloud-based backup storage system

Not Checked:
Notebook or equivalent (technology not utilized)
Onsite computer with onsite 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

Not Checked:

Is clean, potable water available at all times for all equines?     Yes

Hoof Care: How often is hoof care provided for each equine? Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises

Dental Care: How often is dental care provided for each equine? Annually and when an issue arises

Horse checks: How often are equines visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility? Every day or 6 days a week

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

Not Checked:

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    Staff 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
    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

Not Checked:
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is removed from the facility - not put in open air piles or spread on pastures
    Quarantine areas, such as stalls, aisle ways, and paddocks, are cleaned (and needed, disinfected) after conclusion of the quarantine.
    Latex gloves, or equivalent gloves, are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Equines are not quarantined on arrival.

Additional information on biosecurity:
we quarantine any new horses for a minimum of 1 week and a maximum of 3 depending on where they are coming from, their medical records, and our vets recommendations.

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure is piled in an area which is a safe distance from equines and from where equines are sheltered
    Manure is hauled, sold or given away
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by the state, local authorities, and/or our organization's veterinarian

Not Checked:
Manure is stored in dumpster(s) which is a safe distance from equines and from where equines are sheltered
Manure piles are covered

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
    All equines have specifically assigned apparel, equipment and tack (saddles/bridles if ridden) that is not shared
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are fitted and utilized for each equine appropriate to the equine's needs and the weather conditions
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are cleaned regularly as needed
    Riding Tack is always cleaned at least weekly
    Riding Tack is inspected for overall working condition 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
    This facility enlists the services of a professional saddle fitter at least once a year
    Assigned riding tack is clearly labeled
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are cleaned/disinfected after each use
    Helmets are replaced after a fall
    Helmets are replaced at least every five years.

Not Checked:
    Saddles are shared
    Saddle pads are shared
    Bridles are shared
    Bits are shared
    Blankets are shared
    Sheets are shared
    Turnout apparel is shared
     Halters are shared
    Riding Tack is always cleaned after each use
    Riding Tack is cleaned only when needed
    Riding Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
    No equines are ridden; saddles, bridles, etc. not applicable.

Emergency Preparedness: Healing Strides of VA: *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)

Not Checked:

The written EPP addresses the following areas:
    Medical emergencies for clients, staff, and volunteers
    Medical emergencies for equines
    Human and Equine Evacuation plans
    Power outages
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans

Not Checked:
Local fire department and/or the state's emergency planning department procedures
Active Shooter and/or Terrorist attacks

The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited unless confined to designated areas.
    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

Not Checked:
Aisles and doorways are kept clear
Heaters with automatic shutoff settings are used

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: Weekly
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Weekly
Fire drills are conducted: Annually
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Annually
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Annually
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually

Functional Equine Transportation: 12= Onsite: 0 (0 + 0) + Offsite: 12
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
10 Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
2 Access offsite;