MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Major's Place improves mental health and well-being through equine-assisted services that foster healing, resilience, literacy, and human connection. We create safe, inclusive experiences where horses and people thrive together while expanding access to evidence-based equine-assisted psychotherapy, learning, and community wellness programs.

Our organization conducts Equine Assisted Services in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS).
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 CURRENTLY uses satellite, support, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities which adhere to all the policies, procedures and practices of our organization or did in the previous year. Facility information is provided for the organization's main, satellite and overflow 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:

At Major's Place, equine welfare is the foundation of every program. Our horses are respected partners, and all interactions are guided by the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions. Participation is entirely voluntary for the horse, and sessions are adapted or discontinued if a horse shows signs of stress, fatigue, or discomfort. We carefully match each horse's temperament, age, health, and abilities to appropriate activities, ensuring every interaction is safe, respectful, and mutually beneficial for both horses and participants.
     
     Every equine participating in our programs receives individualized care regardless of where they are housed. Horses have continuous access to clean water, high-quality hay and forage, species-appropriate nutrition, regular veterinary, farrier, and dental care, shelter from inclement weather, safe turnout, and daily social interaction with compatible herd mates. Housing decisions are based on each horse's individual needs, including age, health, workload, and seasonal considerations. Our organization maintains consistent standards for feeding, health care, biosecurity, emergency preparedness, and daily observation across all approved care locations to ensure every horse enjoys a safe, healthy, and enriching life.

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):
    Psychotherapy/Counseling
    Equine-assisted Learning in Education
    Equine-assisted Learning in Personal Development

Providers:
3: Total number of Providers at Willow Creek Ranch

Equine Assisted Services (EAS) Overview:
Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Major's Place is a nonprofit organization providing ground-based Equine Assisted Services (EAS) that promote mental wellness, personal growth, resilience, literacy, and meaningful human connection through interactions with horses. Our programs include Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) utilizing the Eagala Model, Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), Youth Empowerment EAL, Horse Powered Reading®, and Equine Art Immersion.
     
     These services use experiential, horse-assisted activities to strengthen communication, confidence, emotional regulation, leadership, resilience, literacy, social connection, creativity, and overall well-being while fostering the horse-human bond.
     
     Major's Place serves children, adolescents, adults, families, veterans, first responders, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through partnerships with organizations including Compass and the Siskiyou Opportunity Center.
     
     We support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, learning differences, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder when appropriate, and other emotional, behavioral, developmental, or cognitive challenges.
     
     All programs emphasize horse welfare, ethical horsemanship, trauma-informed practices, and creating inclusive, accessible opportunities for individuals of all abilities to experience the healing, educational, and transformative benefits of horses.Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Major's Place provides community outreach through educational presentations and interactive experiences that promote the horse-human bond, equine welfare, and mental wellness. Outreach includes visits to schools, veterans' organizations, Rotary and other civic groups, community events, facility tours, volunteer opportunities, and educational demonstrations. These activities increase public awareness of horses, responsible equine stewardship, and the role horses can play in enhancing the lives of individuals and communities.

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 or a trained staff member under the direction of 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 not quarantined

The typical length of quarantine is:   Horses are not quarantined

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

Additional information about our intake policies and practices:
We currently only accept equines based on personal referrals. Most equines are owned by our volunteers and/or donors before entering the organization. Horses that enter the program are up to date on annual exam, vaccines, dental and ferrier and we continue their care when they enter into our program. We review all health records and if needed, will establish them with our veterinarian with a wellness exam. We are located in a rural area and often have to trailer 2 hours for veterinary care - so this is not provided on intake.

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
    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
    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
    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):   Not applicable; our horses are all retired

Additional information about our assessment & training policies and practices:
Four out of six of our current equines are over the age of 20. Five out of six are retired lesson horses from a local riding program. We stay in constant communication with the trainers from these facilities regarding our current horses. We remain discerning in the horses we accept into the program, generally speaking we like to have an established relationship with the owner and in most cases we are using our Soft Landing second career and retirement program to ensure these horses have the best possible life in the later years.

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 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

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:
Major's Place follows the recommendation of the attending veterinarian and accepted veterinary standards when euthanasia is deemed medically necessary. The method selected will depend on the individual circumstances, welfare of the horse, safety considerations, and applicable laws and regulations.

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

Re-homing Agreement not applicable.
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    Our organization does not have the authority to transfer ownership and/or does not own any of the equines involved with our programs.

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
    Our organization does not have the authority to transfer ownership and/or does not own any of the equines involved with our programs.
    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 CURRENTLY uses satellite, support, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities which adhere to all the policies, procedures and practices of our organization or did in the previous year.

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 2

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Willow Creek Ranch
30022 Willow Creek Rd. MCCLOUD CA 96057
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 3
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? Use

Provide the contact information for the individual or organization responsible for investigating abuse in the county where the facility is located, including mailing address, email address, and phone information.
     Siskiyou County Animal Control Attn: Terry Layton, Chief Animal Control Officer 550 South Foothill Drive Yreka, CA 96097 Phone: (530) 841-4028 Email: animalcontrol@siskiyou.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:  3

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

     1. Anne-Marie Hosler
     2. Britt Butman
     3. Dee DeLeon, LPCC, NCC

The three equines that are currently living at Squaw Valley Riding club (located 7 minutes away) are trailered over for sessions at our main facility. For the No Smoking Policy: Willow Creek Ranch maintains a strict ranch-wide no-smoking policy. The policy applies to all areas of the ranch, including the K-Pens & Meadow area utilized by Major's Place. All individuals accessing the ranch are required to sign the ranch's liability waiver, which includes and acknowledges the no-smoking policy. Major's Place participants, volunteers, staff, and visitors are required to comply with this policy, and anyone observed smoking on the property will be instructed to stop and may be required to leave the property.

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Veterinarian Information: Willow Creek Ranch (*Main) Currently operational

Veterinarian: John Goddell
Clinic Name: Ridgeline Veterinary Clinic
7509 S 6th St
Klamath Falls   OR   97603
Phone: 5418824556

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Grounds: Willow Creek Ranch (*Main) Currently operational
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 4
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 0  Run-in sheds: 1
Pastures: 1  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 3
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 0  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:
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or penned where they are restricted from roaming freely? *Missing
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 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

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
    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)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    All turnout areas 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

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
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Entrance gates are locked at night
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Willow Creek 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)
    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 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 Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fans

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    Hand sanitizers are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    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 piled in an area 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

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
    No equines are ridden; saddles, bridles, etc. not applicable.

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Emergency Preparedness: Willow Creek 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
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans

The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited unless confined to designated areas.
    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: Semi-annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Not at all/NA
Fence lines are checked: Daily
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: 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: Quarterly

Functioning Equine Transportation: Onsite: 5 (Owned 0 +Access 5) + Offsite: 2 = Total: 7