MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Our mission is to enrich lives by promoting the unconditional love and healing of the Human-Animal Bond while advocating for Animal Therapy Standards of Excellence.

Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Over 75% 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.

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) All interactions between your equines and people are mutually beneficial and conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions;
     Based on the guidelines, SOUL Harbour Ranch volunteers prioritize horse welfare, safety, and mutual respect. Our animal-assisted activities and therapy visits respect the horse's nature as an equal partner. All of our teams that visit are evaluated by the national therapy animal organization Pet Partners, which ensures both the handler and the horse pass aptitude and skill testing to ensure they work well as a team in many different environments and situations. We evaluate our horses' personalities and decide what visits suit them best. We mentor our volunteers to use clear, calm body language and provide choices to avoid causing distress or triggering the horse's natural fight-or-flight instincts. Everything is positive-based and helping our horses to feel confidence through OUR confidence. We follow Pet Partners' rule of YAYABA: You are your animal's best advocate. We also utilize their PETS approach, using our Presence, Eye Contact, Touch and Speech to communicate with our horses in a calm and consistent manner. We host regular training sessions to ensure all handlers use the same commands and training techniques to ensure consistency and clear cues with our horses.
     
     One of our original therapy horses, a tiny 26" silver dapple named Mystery, was a recipient of the EQUUS Foundation Service Award. Unfortunately, she developed seizures and passed away at only 11 years old at our ranch. She truly was THE most amazing therapy horse and everyone loved her (we now have another tiny silver dapple named GiGi who is SO much like her!)
     
     Our SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program is proud to have the most number of registered Pet Partners therapy horse teams in the USA, with 105 registered equine teams! Many of our volunteers are so dedicated that they work with and test on numerous horses. Founder/President Jodie Diegel is the ONLY one in the USA who is registered on 14 therapy horses AND 2 therapy dogs. Another volunteer is registered on 14 animals.
     
     Our Founder/President Jodie was the first to get miniature horses in a Chicagoland Hospital back in 2014. Now our horses regularly visit at 2 hospitals and several others during Nurses Week.
     
     2) The Five Domains: Ensure horses have optimal conditions regarding nutrition, physical environment, health, behavioral interactions, and mental state. Our 14 registered Pet Partners miniature therapy horses (and 2 mini donkeys) live in a well-ventilated barn with stalls that are left open 24/7. They are on a limestone dry lot with plenty of room for them to sleep (even among all of them), run and play. They decide who they stand with, sleep with, play with. They have access to clean drinking water at all times, are fed Nutrena Safe Choice grain morning and evening, and have hay 3x/day (or they may go out to the grass pasture for lunch 1-2x/week, kept at a minimum to keep them an appropriate weight and prevent laminitis/founder. Our horses have complete spring and fall immunizations, with yearly Coggins, by our veterinarian Dr. Nicky Wessel (who has been with them since 2012), an amazing natural horsemanship farrier who trims their hooves every 6-8 weeks, and dental care through Midwest Veterinary Dental Services (the best!) every year. We take great pride in our barn and our program, ensuring the safety and well-being of our herd.
Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     We have numerous programs providing equine-assisted activities involving certified miniature therapy horses. All of our miniature therapy horses are registered with Pet Partners, the national therapy animal organization that provides certification for the miniature horses to participate in AAA (animal-assisted activities and AAT (animal-assisted therapies):
     1. SOUL to SOUL: this is our main program, where our 14 registered miniature horses visit nursing homes, schools, libraries, veterans, the disabled, hospice: our therapy horses are handled by a registered Pet Partner handler who has tested and passed the national evaluation for animal-assisted activities and therapies. It's all about connecting the SOULs of our animals to the SOULs of the people they visit.
     2. SOUL Buddies Animal Therapy Club: we mentor the Barrington High School students in a weekly club. They learn to handle our animals and on the 1st Thursday of every month they visit with our therapy animals at a nursing home in our community with our mentorship.
     3. SOUL Veterans: our equine (as well as our therapy dogs) host veterans and their families once per month at SOUL Harbour Ranch, facilitating connection and the sharing of unconditional love of our animals. We host a Memorial Day Picnic and also collaborate with the Community Meal every year, visiting on Veterans Day.
     4. SOUL Scouts: we host scout troops who learn horse behavior, grooming, feeding and handling, while they earn their Horse Helper Badge, or the I love Horses badge. At the end of the visit, we teach them how to visit others (their parents, troops leaders and siblings).
     5. Read with Me: this is a Pet Partners literacy program. Our equine visit libraries for Storytime and then everyone can visit.
     6. Walk with Me: this is a Pet Partners exercise initiative. We walk our therapy horses and therapy dog in tandem (one registered handler, 1-3 children OR adults!) at this 2-3x/month program.
     7. Friday Live at 5: this is our weekly virtual visit for those that can't visit us. We share about our animals, their care, the visits we have been on and what we have coming up on our calendar.
     8. SOUL KIDS: this is program where we visit our Barrington area schools in conjunction with the Barrington Police Department. KIDS stands for Kindness, Inclusion, Diversity and Service.
     9. Healing with HEART and SOUL: we received a grant for this program, which we hosted Widows and Widowers of Chicagoland, as well as the Willow House, a grief support group for parents who have lost children and children who have lost parents. The grant enabled our founder Jodie Diegel to share her Nurse Coach expertise: HEART: Healing, Energy, Awarenss, Resilience and Transformation, with breathing and meditation, as well as grooming, visiting, connecting and handling our horses.
     10. AACR Crisis Response teams: we have 33 registered Pet Partners handlers who have also taken additional certification through Pet Partners for Crisis Response. We respond to community crisis needs as needed with our therapy horses, therapy dogs and therapy cat.
     11. Just Say WHOA to Bullying: we affiliate with this national program teaching saying WHOA to Bulling by the words "We Help One Another."

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. 

Our Programs/Activities that are not equine-related and/or involving animals other than equines:
 In addition to Pet Partners registered miniature therapy horses, we also have 2 big horses, 2 mini donkeys and 2 mini pigs at our ranch, as well as 31 Pet Partners registered therapy dogs and 1 Pet Partners registered therapy cat. Most of our visits are open to ALL teams where we all visit together. Some are equine only visits and some are dog only visits. Our therapy cat attends either. We visit nursing homes, schools, libraries, hospitals, as well as working with veterans, those with different abilities and community outreach visits with local fire and police departments.

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
    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

The typical length of quarantine is:   Up to 10 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
    An examination of hoof health is conducted by a farrier
    An examination of dental health is conducted by a dentist or veterinarian

Additional information about our intake policies and practices:
Once our horses are received on "Intake" that means they are here to stay. Several of our horses are microchipped. Our vet will update vaccinations (they receive immunizations every spring and fall but if new, we make sure they are up to date.
     All have had Coggins and were up to date when arriving to our herd.

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 the veterinarian
    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 massage therapist

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
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    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 weight-carrying or workload capabilities of any horse/equine that is ridden in our care, including training:
    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:
    No equines are ridden; not applicable


Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   Weekly

Additional information about our assessment & training policies and practices:
Our 14 miniature therapy horses visit several times per week but we rotate them. We also provide training on weekends when not visiting. They receive daily hugs, fly spray, body checks for injuries, and anything out of the ordinary. Our 2 big horses Stitch and Garth receive the same care but aren't out visiting in the community as they are not registered with Pet Partners. They are retired, enjoying pasture life and then have a limestone paddock when they come in for the evening. Just like the minis, they are never stalled but have free rein in the paddock.

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

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

Re-homing Agreement not applicable.
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines for their lifetimes.

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
    The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines for their lifetimes.
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

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

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SOUL Harbour Ranch
22093 N. Countryside Lane BARRINGTON IL 60010
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 18
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 0
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 20

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.
     Hooved Animal Humane Society 10804 McConnell Road Woodstock, IL 60098 815-337-5563

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

Each equine does not have an exclusive stall/shelter location; however, name plates and photos of each equine are located on the stall/shelter locations where multiple equines are sheltered to assist with equine identification.

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Veterinarian Information: SOUL Harbour Ranch (*Main) Currently operational

Veterinarian: Dr. Nicole Wessel, DVM
Clinic Name: Cutting Edge Equine Veterinary Services
14411 Sunset Ridge Road
Woodstock   IL   60098
Phone: 815-675-1666

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Grounds: SOUL Harbour Ranch (*Main) Currently operational
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 3
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 0
Pastures: 2  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 2
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 0  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 1
































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

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the barn/structure(s) or 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?     Yes    
The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    Pastures 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
    There is a mechanism in place to monitor equines overnight
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Authorized Personnel Only signs are posted
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The property is fitted with a security system that is monitored internally by staff (or the property owner)

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: SOUL Harbour Ranch (*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)

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 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:
    Fly/Insect Control Remedies:
    Feed Through Products
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Premise Sprays/Insecticides
    Fly Spray Repellent
    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
    Hand sanitizers 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 or spread on pastures
    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

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure is stored in dumpster(s) which is a safe distance from equines and from where equines are sheltered
    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:
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    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:
    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
    No equines are ridden; saddles, bridles, etc. not applicable.

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Emergency Preparedness: SOUL Harbour Ranch: *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 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
    Power outages
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Active Shooter and/or Terrorist attacks
    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
    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: Quarterly
Smoke detectors are checked: Quarterly
Fence lines are checked: Monthly
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
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: 2= Onsite: 2 (2 + 0) + Offsite: 0
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    2 Owned onsite