MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
We strive to create a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment where compassion, honesty, and accountability guide every action. Through high-quality service, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts, we empower individuals and communities with the education and support they need to thrive.

Our organization conducts Equine Assisted Services in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS).
Our organization does not provide outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Over 90% 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:

Iron Horse Therapeutic Farm prioritizes the physical and emotional well-being of each horse participating in its programs. Human-equine interactions are structured to be safe, respectful, and mutually beneficial, with consideration given to each horse’s temperament, abilities, workload, and need for rest.
     
     Horses have access to clean drinking water, appropriate feed and forage, shelter from the weather, and sufficient space for movement and interaction with other horses. Iron Horse provides routine veterinary, farrier, and dental care, along with medications, supplements, and other care as needed. Staff monitor the horses’ health and well-being and adjust their care and participation in programming based on their individual needs.
     
     Iron Horse also continues to explore ways to strengthen equine care and is currently seeking funding for a therapeutic laser to support pain management, recovery, and overall horse health.

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):
    Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

Providers:
6: Total number of Providers at Iron Horse Therapeutic Farm

Equine Assisted Services (EAS) Overview:
Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Occupational Therapy Utilizing Equine Movement
     Occupational therapy utilizing equine movement provides clients the opportunity to engage in OT sessions while seated on a horse. Using the horse's movement as a tool to facilitate improved postural control, motor development, sensory integration, and social emotional/self-regulation skills, clients engage in a variety of therapy tasks to maximize growth! The horse provides natural challenges in postural control and gross motor development, to improving oral motor skills and fine motor development. From children who have yet to start walking to older adults experiencing dementia, OT utilizing equine movement provides a meaningful and engaging therapy session across the lifespan.
     
     Speech Therapy Utilizing Equine Movement
     Speech therapy utilizing equine movement combines the therapeutic benefits of horse movement with meaningful communication opportunities in a fun, motivating environment. During these co-treatment sessions with occupational therapy, children naturally practice language, social communication, following directions, problem-solving, and self-advocacy while interacting with horses and participating in equine activities. The rhythmic movement of the horse can support attention, regulation, and engagement, creating an ideal foundation for communication growth. Best of all, children are often so engaged in the experience that learning feels like an adventure rather than therapy.
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 equine-assisted services, Iron Horse Therapeutic Farm offers nature- and farm-based experiences that incorporate other animals, a sensory garden, and adaptive sensory equipment. These activities provide children with additional opportunities for sensory exploration, emotional regulation, skill development, and connection with animals and nature.
     
     In addition to equine assisted service, we engage the public through the following programs:
     
     Occupational Therapy Utilizing Nature Based Therapy
     Occupational therapy using the farm-based environment provides ample opportunity to generalize learned skills from our clinical locations to a natural environment. Using goats, chickens, cats, and our mini donkey & horse, clients get the opportunity to work on self-regulation, problem solving, time management, and socialization skills throughout sessions. Quality time spent with our animals or in our therapeutic & adaptive garden ensures that clients of all abilities are able to enjoy a farm-based experience. Occupational therapy on the farm provides real life, hands-on skills to then bring into the home, school and public environment.
     
     Speech Therapy Utilizing Nature Based Therapy
     Farm-based speech therapy sessions bring communication to life through hands-on experiences with animals, gardening, and daily farm activities. Whether feeding chickens, caring for goats, planting vegetables, or exploring the farm, children are surrounded by natural opportunities to ask questions, make requests, describe what they see, engage in conversations, and build vocabulary. The farm provides a motivating and meaningful environment where communication happens for real-life purposes, making speech and language skills more functional and easier to carry over into everyday life. It's a place where children can learn, grow, and have fun while building confidence in their communication skills.
     
     Music Therapy Utilizing Equine Movement
     Music therapists work collaboratively with occupational therapists and the horse team to provide music assisted equine therapy. Music can support communication and vocalizing as riders are prompted to fill in the blank for preferred songs or tell their horse to "Go!" when they're ready to ride. Playing instruments while on the horse or completing musical cognitive tasks can support core strength while also providing opportunities for problem solving.
     
     Music Therapy Utilizing Nature Based Therapy
     Music therapy can support farm based sessions by providing cognitive, motor and socioemotional support as clients engage in tasks. Music activates the left and right side of the brain, making it a supportive tool to help individuals with attentiveness, sequencing tasks, coordinating body movement, as well as identifying and expressing emotions and coping skills. At the farm, this could look like using music to express how an animal may be feeling or attending to a task for the length of a song.

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 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
    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 require all equines are up to date on all vaccines and have hoof health and dental health assessed prior to arrival. They must have their hooves trimmed in the past 30 days before arrival. All incoming equines must have a negative coggins before arrival.

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

The organization has a procedure in place to assess equines for the following skills and behaviors:
    Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
    Leading with a halter and lead rope
    Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
    Saddling
    Bridling
    Lunging
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    Riding at the canter
    Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
    Jumping
    Driving (Pulling a carriage)
    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:
    Our organization evaluates the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden at least annually and maintains a written record for each equine that is ridden that documents the results of each evaluation of the equine's weight-carrying and workload limitations

The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden:
    Equine age, weight, breed, body condition, fitness, balance, health and soundness
    Equine conformation to include the top line, length of back, strength and width of loin, bone density (measured by the circumference of the cannon bone just below the knee)
    Size, shape, condition and angle of the hooves
    Participant weight, height, body proportions, balance, fitness and riding skills as well as behavioral issues and safety concerns
    Weight and proper fit of the saddle and other equipment
    Terrain and footing in the working environment
    Duration and frequency of working sessions, as the frequency with which an equine is subjected to maximum weight carrying and/or workload
    Nature and pace of work, repetitive or varied, radius of turns, degree of incline and regularity of footing when equine is subject to maximum weight-carrying capacity
    Temperature and/or weather conditions
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations


Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   2-3 times per week

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

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

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
We own 5 of the horses in our herd. The equines owned will remain at Iron Horse until they pass. All other horses are leased and will not be re-homed but will return to their owners if Iron Horse is no longer appropriate for the equine.

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

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Iron Horse Therapeutic Farm
5020 E. County Road 40 FORT COLLINS CO 80525
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 11
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.
     Larimer County Sherrif Office 970-416-1985 sherrif@co.larimer.co.us 2501 Midpoint DR. Fort Collins, CO 80525

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:  6

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

     1. Amy Mulligan
     2. Andrea Gurga
     3. Carolee Jaynes
     4. Lindsey Messenger
     5. Stephanie Voorhes
     6. Taneal Behm

Each of our equines have a dedicated 3-sided run-in shelter with outdoor pen identified with a name plate except for our donkey. Our mini donkey and horses also share a large pen with one larger run-in shelter.

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Veterinarian Information: Iron Horse Therapeutic Farm (*Main) Currently operational

Veterinarian: JD Leclair
Clinic Name: Leclair Equine
P.O. Box 1321
Berthoud   CO   80513
Phone: 970 578-9090

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Grounds: Iron Horse Therapeutic Farm (*Main) Currently operational
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 8
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 0  Run-in sheds: 10
Pastures: 2  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 4
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? 4-8
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 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:
    Equines are assigned the same exclusive stall/shelter location each day
    Name plates 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
    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
    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)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    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
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    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 monitored by police or a professional service
    The property is fitted with a security system that is monitored internally by staff (or the property owner)
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Iron Horse Therapeutic 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?
    Onsite computer with onsite backup storage system
    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 Traps and Tapes
    Premise Sprays/Insecticides
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fly Sheets

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

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

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
    Saddles are shared
    Saddle pads 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 always cleaned at least weekly
    Riding Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
    Riding Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
    Riding Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's body condition changes
    Riding Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's disposition changes
    This facility enlists the services of a professional saddle fitter at least once a year
    Assigned riding tack is clearly labeled
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are cleaned/disinfected after each use
    Helmets are replaced after a fall

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Emergency Preparedness: Iron Horse Therapeutic 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)
The written EPP addresses the following areas:
    Medical emergencies for clients, staff, and volunteers
    Medical emergencies for equines
    Human and Equine Evacuation plans
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Building/facility exit plans

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
    Aisles and doorways are kept clear
    Heaters with automatic shutoff settings are used

How often are the following checked or performed to ensure applicable working condition?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Semi-annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Quarterly
Fence lines are checked: Daily
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Daily
Fire drills are conducted: Semi-annually
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Semi-annually
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Monthly
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Semi-annually

Functioning Equine Transportation: Onsite: 3 (Owned 1 +Access 2) + Offsite: 1 = Total: 4