MISSION & PROGRAMS
Mission:Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue Inc. (CDHR) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping draft horses in need by rescuing, rehabilitating, retraining, rehoming and ensuring their lifetime protection while providing support and education on compassionate care and responsible horse ownership.
Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue & adoption
Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
The programs our organization conducts involve the direct use, care, and/or shelter of equines to fulfill our mission.
Our organization
DOES NOT CURRENTLY use satellite, 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:
Our volunteers adhere to a code of conduct and are offered training in horse care and handling on a regular basis. Our daily routine includes 4 volunteers shifts. The AM shift, under the supervision of a shift leader, feeds grain, meds, supplements, and hay; checks over and handles each horse which is fed individually; cleans manure from paddocks and stalls; cleans and/or refills water troughs, and administers first aid as needed an/or notifies the veterinarian to update on status of any medical conditions. The PM shift does the same at dinnertime. There is also a midday shift of "lunch ladies" who feed any horses who need a lunchtime feeding, and a night check shift who feeds any horses needing a 4th meal, observes all the horses, double checks gates, and secures the farm for the night. Horses are housed primarily in small group paddocks with run-in sheds. Horses are stalled as needed or maintained individually in medical paddocks as the need arises.
EQUINE TRANSITION SERVICESOverview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
CDHR accepts horses that are surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them; have been seized by local humane authorities for neglect or cruelty; or we network with other rescue organizations that need help with a draft horse and are not equipped to manage drafts. We also intercept at-risk auction-bound horses, and when space and resources allow, we go to auctions and bid against the brokers to save horses we deem at-risk for shipping to slaughter.
Each horse is given time to decompress after quarantine, is handled daily by volunteers, and is rehabilitated with vet, dental, farrier, and other care as needed. Where appropriate, we train or retrain horses that may be suitable for riding or driving, or to correct behavioral problems, to improve their chances at adoption.
Once they are ready and appropriate for rehoming, we promote them as available for adoption through our website and social media. Our adoption process requires an application, reference checks with vet, farrier, and personal references, and then in-person visit to work one-on-one with the chosen horse (and sometimes multiple visits until we are comfortable that the match is appropriate). Our adoption committee then visits the farm where the horse will be kept and evaluates for safety or other welfare concerns. For these reasons we limit our adoptions to a 4-hour driving radius from the rescue.
Once an adopter is approved, there is a contract which has standards of care, requires an annual check-in with a vet form and pictures, and we retain ownership of the horse to ensure they never need to be rescued again. Any CDHR horse can be returned to the rescue, no questions asked, at any time. The contract prohibits breeding. Moving the horse or resale/rehoming of any kind requires preapproval by the rescue (and a new adoption contract if rehoming is approved).
If the horse will be boarded, we also have a contract with the boarding facility so any welfare concerns are reported to us and to ensure that no lien or transfers occur if the adopter stops paying board.
Outreach and/or Public Education:
Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
Our horses have made visits to hospitals, nursing homes and schools to introduce people to our rescue, allow us to educate people about welfare issues and the need for rescue work, and allow people to enjoy interaction with draft horses.
We have open visiting hours every Saturday and Sunday for the public to come visit, get a tour of the farm to see the horses, learn what we do, meet the horses, and understand the need for public support for rescues.
Our farm has hosted many corporate groups for volunteer work days which also gives us the chance to educate others about equine welfare issues an give them a chance to meet our horses.
We participate in fairs, open houses, fundraisers and other events off-premises to bring awareness to a greater audience in our state (often bringing horses along).
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.
Our equines have been made available to a local veterinary technician training program where students visit with their instructors to learn to halter and lead horses, how to take vital signs, and how to bandage or xray horses.
We provide hands-on training under direct veterinary supervision for Tufts Veterinary Students who participate in our annual low-cost gelding clinic for the community (almost entirely for privately owned horses outside our organization).
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
Not Checked:
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:
20 to 30 days
Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
A physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration is conducted by the veterinarian
A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned by a veterinarian
Photographs are taken of each equine following arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
An examination of hoof health is conducted by a farrier
An examination of dental health is conducted by a dentist or veterinarian
Not Checked:
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
The equine is microchipped if the organization has the authority to microchip the equine and the equine has not been microchipped
Additional information about our intake policies and practices:
Dr Golub is always present at the farm when a new horse arrives and immediately evaluates them.
Quarantine time is decided by Dr Golub based on a risk assessment. Auction horses have testing done for respiratory pathogens prior to release from QT.
Microchips are often done prior to adoption, not at 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
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 acupuncturist
Equine massage therapist
Not Checked:
The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by a trained staff member
Equines at our facility may be treated by: Equine chiropractor
Equines at our facility may be treated by: Equine nutritionist
The organization has a procedure in place to assess equines for the following skills and behaviors:
Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
Leading with a halter and lead rope
Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
Saddling
Bridling
Lunging
Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
Mounting and dismounting
Riding at the walk
Riding at the trot
Riding at the canter
Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
Driving (Pulling a carriage)
Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
Grooming
Bathing
Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time
Not Checked:
Jumping
Clipping
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
Additional information about our assessment & training policies and practices:
We have a trainer who specializes in draft horses that visits most Saturday mornings, weather permitting, and works with horses that have the potential for riding and/or driving.
We have another trainer who comes several days a week and works with handling horses, especially the foals, and also trains volunteers on horse handling.
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.
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including support facilities, are permitted to house stallions
Not Checked:
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including support facilities, breeds equines
Additional information about our breeding policies and practices:
We have housed stallions that were part of an animal control seizure and were unable to geld them during the legal proceedings. They were housed in our QT area away from the main paddocks. As soon as we were allowed, they were gelded.
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:
With draft sized horses, our vet induces general anesthesia with xylazine and ketamine/diazepam prior to euthanizing. The makes the procedure much safer due to the large volume of euthanasia solution needed.
POLICIES: RE-HOMING
View Re-homing AgreementOur 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
Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility
Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine
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.
Not Checked:
Our organization does NOT re-home an equine to first time equine owners
Our organization will only re-home an equine to a location where another equine resides
Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates
Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
The organization 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 be returned to their owners
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 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 reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
The agreement states that the terms of our organization's agreement will be binding on any future individual or organization taking and/or in possession of the equine for any reason.
The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make 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 as long as the adopter/purchaser is responsible for the care of the equine
Not Checked:
The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, the adopter must grant the organization first right of refusal prior to the equine being placed into the possession of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must be notified of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization.
The agreement states that 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 includes the microchip number 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
Farrier
Personal/Other
Not Checked:
Not applicable or no references required.
Transfer of ownership occurs:
Our organization retains ownership of the equine for its lifetime
The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
$751 to $1,000
Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
The only way we allow an adopter to rehome a horse is if the potential new adopter submits an adoption application, goes through the same approval process as other adopters, and signs a new contract with the rescue if they are approved (rather than transfer the contract)
Microchips numbers are in health records, not adoption contract
We require another equine companion for the majority of our horses, but a goat has been used as a companion for one pony and one mini previously adopted.
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
Autumn Ridge Farm113 Chestnut Hill Rd EAST HAMPTON CT 06424
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 21
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 0
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 25
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.
East Hampton/East Haddam ACO Mike Olzacki 860-759-2535 olzacki001@comcast.net
East Hampton Town Hall, 1 Community Dr, East Hampton CT 06424
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)?
*MissingTotal 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:
*MissingProviders Assigned to this Facility: (see Provider Section below for details)
*Missing
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS FACILITY:
Autumn Ridge Farm is owned by CDHR and is approximately 20 acres with 9 group paddock areas and a large pasture/training ring. We have a 10 stall main barn, 2 stall quarantine barn, and a separate isolation stall. Hay is stored in a separate building.
Each equine has an assigned stall for feeding and individual monitoring through an organized, shift-based rotation.
Equines are brought into the barn for 1-3 hours daily to receive their individualized grain, supplements, and forage. Mealtimes operate on a structured schedule:
-Assigned Shift Stalls: every equine is allocated a specific stall for their feeding shift. This guarantees custom rations and medications are delivered safely without herd competition or resource guarding.
-Shift Rotation: Turnout groups/paddocks are brought in sequentially. While one group eats and is monitored in their assigned stalls, the remaining horses stay turned out in their paddocks.
-Turnout and prep: Once a shift has finished eating and is evaluated, they return to their paddocks. We clean and re-prep the stalls, then bring the next group in to their assigned stalls.
-Outdoor feeding pens: Alternatively, weather permitting, we have 4 individually fenced, stall-sized pens on concrete slabs just outside the paddock areas. In addition to using stalls in the barn, horses can also be temporarily placed in those pens at mealtimes to allow individual feeding and observation as the groups rotate through their shifts then go back to their paddocks.
Outside of feeding shifts, horses reside in small groups in paddocks with run-in sheds, unless individual medical or weather needs require extended stall rest or smaller medical paddocks. We currently have 2 double-size stalls (with the center divider removed) to accommodate mares with foals. We have an attached "maternity paddock" small pasture area that the mares with foals can access from their outer stall doors and overhang. The number of horses per paddock varies from 1-4 horses based on shed sizes, footing needs (level vs sloped), forage needs (1st vs 2nd cut or chopped hay only), activity levels (quiet old ladies vs young and rambunctious) and social interactions.
This system ensures every animal receives dedicated, safe individual stall care while optimizing healthy turnout time.
Veterinarian Information: Autumn Ridge Farm (*Main) Currently operationalVeterinarian: Stacey Golub DVM
Clinic Name: CT Valley Equine Vet Services
172 Hog Hill Rd
East Hampton CT 06424
Phone: 8603051377
Grounds: Autumn Ridge Farm (*Main) Currently operationalTotal acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 12
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 2 Run-in sheds: 9
Pastures: 2 Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 9
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1 Covered Outdoor Rings: 0 Indoor Rings: 0
Are the organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations? Yes
Are the organization's emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations? Yes
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible? Yes
Regarding all shelters where horses are housed
including run-in sheds:
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or penned where they are restricted from roaming freely? 1-3;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? Yes How often are the stalls/shelters cleaned? 6-7 Days a WeekDo 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:
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
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:
A map/diagram is posted showing the location of each equine with equine names and photos
The following describes the pastures at this facility:
All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
Pastures are rotated
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
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
Barbed wire is used for fencing
Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
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
All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
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
A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
Barbed wire is used for fencing
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 property is fitted with a security system that is monitored internally by staff (or the property owner)
The perimeter of the property is fully fenced
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
Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Autumn Ridge Farm (*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
Not Checked:
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 parasites
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
The organization has a written biosecurity plan
Staff and/or volunteers are trained in accordance with the
General Biosecurity Guidelines of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and/or their veterinarian
Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Hand sanitizers are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
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.
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
Not Checked:
Equines are not quarantined on arrival.
Additional information on biosecurity:
Quarantine is 3-4 weeks with testing for strep equi before being released
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 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
Manure is hauled, sold or given away
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
Saddles are shared
Saddle pads are shared
Bridles are shared
Bits are shared
Blankets, 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 cleaned only when needed
Riding Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
Riding Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
Riding Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's body condition changes
Riding Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's disposition changes
Helmets are replaced after a fall
Not Checked:
All equines have specifically assigned apparel, equipment and tack (saddles/bridles if ridden) that is not 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 always cleaned at least weekly
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 at least every five years.
No equines are ridden; saddles, bridles, etc. not applicable.
Emergency Preparedness: Autumn Ridge Farm: *Main This section is required.
The following plans, policies, and procedures are in place at the facility to handle emergencies and address weather related issues, fire safety procedures, and/or any additional hazardous scenarios the facility could potentially experience:
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)
Not Checked:
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
Power outages
Fire
Protocols to notify emergency personnel
Building/facility exit plans
Not Checked:
Human and Equine Evacuation plans
Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
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
Heaters with automatic shutoff settings are used
Not Checked:
Aisles and doorways are kept clear
How often are the following checked or performed to ensure applicable working condition?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: AnnuallySmoke detectors are checked: MonthlyFence lines are checked: DailyTurnout Areas are checked: DailySprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NAFire drills are conducted: Not at all/NAReview of safety protocols with staff are conducted: AnnuallyReview of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: AnnuallyThe Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: AnnuallyFunctioning Equine Transportation: Onsite: 0 (Owned 0 +Access 0) + Offsite: 5 = Total: 5