MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center provides professional equine assisted services to individuals impacted by social, emotional, developmental, physical or other disabilities.

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 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:

At Riverwood, the horses are valued partners and teachers. Their health, safety, comfort, and quality of life remain a priority in every aspect of our programming.
     
     - Preventive Veterinary Care: Routine wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, parasite management, and prompt veterinary attention when concerns arise.
     - Farrier & Hoof Care: Consistent, individualized farrier care to maintain soundness, comfort, and mobility based on each horse’s needs and workload.
     - Nutrition & Hydration: Quality forage, feed, supplements, and fresh water tailored to each horse’s age, health, workload, and nutritional needs.
     - Daily Health Monitoring: Staff regularly monitor body condition, movement, appetite, behavior, attitude, and overall wellness to identify concerns early.
     - Appropriate Workload & Rest: Horses receive individualized workloads, regular breaks, rest days, and recovery time. Participation is adjusted whenever a horse shows signs of fatigue, discomfort, or stress.
     - Emotional & Behavioral Wellbeing: Staff recognize and respond to equine body language and stress signals while using respectful, consistent, and compassionate handling practices.
     - Safe Living Environment: Horses have access to appropriate shelter, turnout, safe fencing, suitable footing, clean facilities, social interaction, and opportunities to engage in natural behaviors.
     - Grooming & Equipment: Regular grooming provides opportunities for hands-on health checks, while tack and equipment are routinely inspected for proper fit, condition, and safety.
     - Quality-of-Life & Retirement: Decisions about a horse’s continued participation are based on health, comfort, soundness, age, temperament, and overall quality of life. Horses are retired when therapeutic work is no longer appropriate.
     - Education & Training: Staff and volunteers receive education on equine handling, safety, behavior, and recognizing signs of discomfort or stress.
     - Ongoing Welfare Tracking: Riverwood continues to strengthen tracking of veterinary and farrier care, health assessments, workload, injuries, behavioral changes, and horse longevity.

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

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

Providers:
6: Total number of Providers at Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center

Equine Assisted Services (EAS) Overview:
Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center provides a comprehensive continuum of equine-assisted services (EAS) designed to support children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities and other identified needs. Riverwood’s current programs include Adaptive Riding, Adaptive Horsemanship, Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) in Education, and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP).
     
     Each program is individualized to the participant and is delivered by appropriately credentialed professionals within their respective areas of practice. Across all services, Riverwood is committed to maintaining high standards of participant safety, professional practice, and equine welfare while creating meaningful opportunities for growth, learning, connection, and independence.
     
     Adaptive Riding
     
     Riverwood’s Adaptive Riding program provides mounted equestrian instruction adapted to meet the individual abilities and needs of participants with physical, cognitive, developmental, sensory, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. Instruction is provided by PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRI).
     
     Lessons focus on the development of riding and horsemanship skills while providing opportunities for participants to strengthen balance, coordination, motor planning, communication, confidence, independence, sequencing, and social interaction. Teaching strategies, equipment, activities, and the level of volunteer support are individualized according to each participant’s abilities and goals.
     
     Population and disabilities served: Children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities, including individuals with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, neurological conditions, sensory processing differences, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, communication challenges, and emotional or behavioral needs.
     
     Adaptive Horsemanship
     
     Riverwood’s Adaptive Horsemanship program provides primarily ground-based opportunities for participants to develop practical horsemanship skills and a greater understanding of horses and their care. Instruction is provided by PATH Intl. instructors who hold the Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) credential.
     
     Participants may engage in grooming, leading, equine communication and behavior, horse care, barn management, safety, and other horsemanship activities. Activities are adapted to the abilities and goals of each participant and can promote sequencing, problem-solving, communication, fine and gross motor skills, responsibility, confidence, emotional regulation, and independence.
     
     Adaptive Horsemanship is particularly valuable for individuals who benefit from interaction with horses but for whom mounted activities may not be appropriate or whose goals are better addressed through ground-based horsemanship.
     
     Population and disabilities served: Children, adolescents, and adults with physical, cognitive, developmental, sensory, emotional, or behavioral disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, neurological conditions, physical disabilities, communication challenges, learning differences, and sensory processing needs.
     
     Equine-Assisted Learning in Education
     
     Riverwood’s Equine-Assisted Learning in Education program provides structured, experiential learning opportunities in which interactions with horses are intentionally incorporated to address educational, personal-development, and social-emotional goals. The program is led by a PATH Intl. instructor holding EAL-ED certification, providing specialized preparation for the delivery of Equine-Assisted Learning in Education services.
     
     The Equine-Assisted Learning in Education activities are primarily ground-based and are designed around clearly identified learning objectives. Participants may work on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, self-awareness, emotional regulation, confidence, boundaries, and relationship-building.
     
     Horses provide a particularly meaningful experiential learning environment because participants can observe and respond to the horse’s behavior while practicing new approaches to communication, problem-solving, self-regulation, and interpersonal interaction.
     
     Population and needs served: Children, adolescents, and adults, including individuals with disabilities as well as individuals and groups who benefit from experiential education and social-emotional learning. Participants may have challenges related to communication, social interaction, executive functioning, emotional regulation, problem-solving, self-confidence, relationship-building, or other educational and developmental needs.
     
     Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
     
     Riverwood’s Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy program incorporates horses and the equine environment into professionally delivered mental and behavioral health services. Psychotherapy services are provided by therapists licensed by the State of North Carolina as Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHCs), ensuring that assessment, treatment planning, clinical interventions, and therapeutic decision-making remain within the scope of appropriately licensed mental health professionals.
     
     Sessions are primarily ground-based and may incorporate observation of horses, grooming, leading, relationship-building, problem-solving, and other purposeful interactions with horses. Activities are selected according to the client’s individual treatment plan and therapeutic goals.
     
     Through these experiential interactions, clients may explore areas such as emotional regulation, communication, boundaries, trust, relationships, self-awareness, coping strategies, and behavioral patterns. No previous equine experience is required.
     
     Population and needs served: Children, adolescents, and adults receiving mental or behavioral health services, including individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related challenges, grief and loss, emotional or behavioral regulation difficulties, interpersonal challenges, low self-esteem, and other mental or behavioral health concerns.
     
     Professional Standards and Individualized Services
     
     Riverwood intentionally differentiates its equine-assisted services according to the goals of the participant and the professional qualifications required for each service. PATH Intl. CTRIs provide Adaptive Riding instruction; PATH Intl. instructors holding ESMHL credentials provide Adaptive Horsemanship instruction; PATH Intl. instructors with EAL-ED certification lead Equine-Assisted Learning; and North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors provide clinical services within Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
     
     This structure allows Riverwood to offer a broad continuum of equine-assisted services while maintaining clear professional roles and scopes of practice.
     
     Across all programs, Riverwood takes a person-centered and strengths-based approach. Participants are viewed not simply through the lens of a diagnosis or disability, but as individuals with unique abilities, interests, challenges, and goals. Equally important, Riverwood recognizes its horses as valued partners in these services and prioritizes their physical, behavioral, and emotional well-being.
     
     Together, these programs allow Riverwood to create individualized opportunities for participants to build skills, confidence, independence, relationships, and meaningful connections with horses while ensuring that services are provided by professionals appropriately qualified for their respective roles.Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center extends its mission beyond our facility through off-property visits and our Mobile Educational Outreach (MEO) Program. This program brings meaningful, educational equine experiences directly into the community, particularly to individuals who may have limited access to horses because of age, disability, transportation barriers, or other circumstances.
     
     Through the MEO Program, carefully selected Riverwood equines travel with trained staff to senior living and assisted living communities, schools, and other community organizations. Each visit is structured to provide a safe, positive experience for both participants and horses while promoting education, connection, and a greater understanding of equine behavior and welfare.
     
     Equine welfare is central to every off-property visit. Horses considered for the MEO Program are evaluated for their temperament, physical health and soundness, comfort with loading and transportation, and ability to remain relaxed and engaged in unfamiliar environments. Staff consider the individual needs and preferences of each horse when determining whether an off-site activity is appropriate. Horses are never expected to participate simply because they are physically capable of doing so. Their behavior and body language are monitored throughout the experience, and staff may modify or discontinue an interaction whenever a horse demonstrates signs of discomfort, fatigue, or stress.
     
     Transportation and scheduling are also managed with the horse's well-being in mind. The length and frequency of trips, environmental conditions, footing, weather, access to water, opportunities for rest, and the nature and size of participant groups are considered when planning each outreach experience. Participants are taught appropriate ways to approach and interact with the horses, helping create respectful encounters while also providing an opportunity to educate the community about responsible horse care and humane treatment.
     
     Within senior communities, visits offer opportunities for residents to engage with horses through observation, touch, grooming, conversation, and other appropriate supervised activities. These experiences encourage social interaction, reminiscence, sensory engagement, and meaningful connection. For individuals who can no longer travel easily or participate in traditional equine activities, bringing a Riverwood horse to their community can provide an accessible way to experience the human-equine bond.
     
     In school and educational settings, Riverwood uses the horse as an engaging educational partner. Age-appropriate programming introduces students to equine behavior, communication, care, and welfare while incorporating concepts such as empathy, responsibility, emotional awareness, teamwork, respect, and problem-solving. These visits also provide an opportunity to teach children that horses are sentient partners whose physical and emotional needs should be recognized and respected.
     
     Riverwood's off-property programming is intended to benefit both people and horses. Positive, appropriately managed community experiences can provide suitable Riverwood horses with enrichment and variety while allowing them to engage with people in ways that complement their work at the center. Participation is based on the individual horse, and not every horse in Riverwood's herd is expected to serve in an outreach role.
     
     Through the Mobile Educational Outreach Program, Riverwood is able to broaden access to meaningful equine experiences while promoting responsible horsemanship, equine welfare, inclusion, education, and community connection. Most importantly, the program reflects Riverwood's philosophy that successful equine-assisted and equine-based programming begins with respect for the horse as an individual and a commitment to protecting the well-being of every equine entrusted to our care.

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
    An examination of hoof health is conducted by a farrier
    An examination of dental health is conducted by a dentist or veterinarian


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
    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
    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

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):   Weekly

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

View Re-homing Agreement
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Our organization 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
    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

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
    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.

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 if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year

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

Transfer of ownership occurs:   After one year

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
None received

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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Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center
6825 Rolling View Dr TOBACCOVILLE NC 27050
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 8
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 0
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 8

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.
     sheriff@co.stokes.nc.us tel:336-593-2811 1014 Main St. Danbury, NC 27016

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. Aliza Schatz
     2. Amanda Rector
     3. Elisabeth Holthusen
     4. Evelyn Messick
     5. Lisa Rainwater
     6. Michele Carter

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Veterinarian Information: Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center (*Main) Currently operational

Veterinarian: Dr. Candace Thrift
Clinic Name: Sullivan Equine Veterinary Hospital
3251 NC 65 Hwy W, Germanton, NC
Germanton   NC   27019
Phone: 336-595-6540

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Grounds: Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center (*Main) Currently operational
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 14
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 2
Pastures: 3  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 3
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 1
























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

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or penned where they are restricted from roaming freely? 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?    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:
    Equines wear halters with nametags
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    A map/diagram is posted showing the location of each equine with equine names and photos
    Equine photos and profiles are available on the website
    Staff and volunteers are provided with an information packet with equine profiles, including photos and detailed descriptions
    Staff/volunteers are provided training on conformation, markings, colors, and breeds
    Team leaders work with new staff/volunteers until they are able to identify the equines

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
    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 natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
    Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for the maintenance of turnout areas, which includes a schedule for cleaning, manure removal, and dragging
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    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

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
    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

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center (*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 parasites
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Premise Sprays/Insecticides
    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
    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
    Equines are not quarantined on arrival.

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

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 cleaned/disinfected after each use
    Helmets are replaced after a fall
    Helmets are replaced at least every five years.

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Emergency Preparedness: Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center: *Main This section is required.
The following plans, policies, and procedures are in place at the facility to handle emergencies and address weather related issues, fire safety procedures, and/or any additional hazardous scenarios the facility could potentially experience:
    The facility owns or has access to a generator
    The facility maintains at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings and medications
    The organization has a written emergency preparedness/safety plan (EPP)
The written EPP addresses the following areas:
    Local fire department and/or the state's emergency planning department procedures
    Medical emergencies for clients, staff, and volunteers
    Medical emergencies for equines
    Human and Equine Evacuation plans
    Power outages
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    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.
    NO SMOKING signs are posted prominently
    Permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled are kept free of trash, cleaning rags, and other flammable items
    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: Monthly
Smoke detectors are checked: Monthly
Fence lines are checked: Weekly
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Monthly
Fire drills are conducted: Quarterly
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Quarterly
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Semi-annually
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Semi-annually

Functioning Equine Transportation: Onsite: 2 (Owned 1 +Access 1) + Offsite: 5 = Total: 7