EQUUS Foundation

MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
The mission of Dream Catcher of Los Angeles Therapeutic Riding Centers is to improve the lives of children, adults, and veterans with cognitive, physical, and emotional disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other Equine-Assisted Services, while serving the therapeutic riding profession and the larger community through training, education, research and public outreach.

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 community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
100% of our total programs and services are horse-related.
Our organization does not use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following equine assisted services (EAS):
    Therapeutic Mounted Services
    Therapeutic Unmounted Services
    Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

Not Checked:
    Therapeutic Driving Services
    Therapeutic Vaulting Services
    Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     With PATH/EAGALA certified staff, Dream Catcher of Los Angeles offers:

     (1.) THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP SERVICES
     Riding and groundwork conducted by PATH certified staff working with veterans, children, teens and adults with a wide range of abilities and disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, chronic pain/MS, trauma and emotional difficulties. Dream Catcher Los Angeles adapts its programs to each individual's needs, enabling our riders to benefit physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively. The program focuses on forming a partnership between horse and rider, leading to social, physical, psychological, cognitive and educational benefits unique to equestrian therapy:
     Social - participants experience social interactions with the horses, therapists, instructors, other students and volunteers;
     Physical - participants benefit from the horses gait, with the potential for increased strength and agility, improved balance and posture, better circulation, respiration and metabolism, normalizing of muscle tone, reduced spasticity, and improved motor skills, reflexes, coordination, and range of motion;
     Psychological - benefits can include an increase in recreation, fun, empowerment, social interactions, independence, improved self-image, increased attention span and motivation, self-discipline, risk-taking, patience and trust;
     Cognitive - benefits may include sequencing, hand-eye coordination, multi-tasking, sensory integration, left/right discrimination, motion planning, patterning, and visual/spatial perception; education occurs through play as riders learn to identify colors, numbers, shapes and animals; and finally,
     Bringing riders and horses together fosters friendships, respect for others and for animals, love for animals, personal bonds, increased life experience and simple enjoyment. Those who benefit: Cerebral Palsy, ADD/ADHD, PTSD, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, Paraplegia, Traumatic brain injury, Multiple sclerosis, Muscular dystrophy, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Mental Retardation, Hearing impairments, Visual impairments, spinal cord injuries, OCD. Our youngest rider is 3 years old, and our oldest was a veterans that is 98!

     (2.) EQUINE INTERACTIVE THERAPY SERVICES Psychotherapy/Counseling, Mental Health, involves a highly effective team consisting of a licensed clinical professional, a PATH INT’L or EAGALA certified equine specialist, and trained horses have been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health and human development needs such as behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, anger management, conflict resolution, relationship problems and communications. EAAT is experiential in nature. Participants learn about themselves by participating in activities with horses and then discussing feelings, behaviors and patterns.

     (3.) EQUINE INTERACTIVE LEARNING SERVICES also known as Equine Assisted/Facilitated Learning (EAL, EFL): Self-improvement, Wellness, Team Building, and/or Personal or Professional Coaching. Our PATH and EAGALA certified staff helps individuals better understand themselves and others through participation in activities with the horses followed by a discussion of how their feelings, behaviors and patterns relate to their “real life.”
     For example, a horse’s size alone offers a unique opportunity for participants to overcome fear and develop self-confidence. Accomplishing a task involving a horse in spite of one’s fears creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors for dealing with intimidating and challenging situations that arise in daily life.
     As social animals with distinct personalities, attitudes and moods, horses also have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Thus participants who complain that a horse is stubborn or antagonistic learn that if they change their own behavior the horse responds differently.
     Just by being themselves, our horses play a critical role by fostering teamwork, improving problem-solving skills, enhancing leadership and communication abilities, increasing self-confidence, and building healthier relationships. EAP & EAL builds skills in the following areas: Problem Solving, Work Ethic, Personal Responsibility, Teamwork, Confidence, Attitude, Emotional Growth, and Relationship Building. EAL and EAP are often used for clients that are experiencing the following: Personal issues, ADHD, PTSD, PDD, juvenile delinquency, Social anxiety or shyness, Anxiety, Trauma, Anger and acting out, Grief and loss, Poor self-esteem, Substance abuse recovery, Communication, Interpersonal relationships, Stress, Burnout, terminal illness, team building.

     (4) Vocational Learning: Dream Catcher has worked with such programs as: Cole Vocational, the Mentor Network, Integrated Life Social Vocational Services and CIP- College Internship Program where we have taught students with special needs taking College Courses. We provided Vocational training, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning as part of their Curriculum. We were awarded Best Community Program 2 years in a row!

     (5) Self-improvement, Wellness, Team Building, and/or Personal or Professional Coaching- Dream Catcher has provided, in conjunction with our EAP/EFP program Team Building and Professional coaching. Utilizing a PATH INT'L Instructor and an Advanced EAGALA Mental Health practitioner, Dream Catcher provides Businesses, Psychotherapists, and groups with Self-Improvement, Team Building and Coaching.

     (6) Veterans Program: Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Centers' Horses for Forces has partnered with PATH, International and their Equine Services for Heroes program. This program strives to assist military personnel and veterans through our available services.
     “Equine-assisted activity and therapy programs are tailored to address specific issues faced by wounded and traumatized military personnel, while also providing a supportive and therapeutic environment for their families and loved ones."
     Currently, Dream Catcher L.A. offers:
     Ground lessons (grooming, tacking, horse care, etc.) Natural Horsemanship i.e. Parelli games
     Recreational / leisure riding skills
     Sports riding - setting goals for developing riding skills (may include competitions)
     Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies: EAP and EAL

Community Outreach and/or Public Education:

Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Dream Catcher of Los Angeles actively engages in community outreach throughout the year.
     Joan Blank, Executive Director of Dream Catcher of L.A., is a champion for our program and our horses. Always looking for new educational opportunities, Joan brings her expertise and enthusiasm to local High Schools and colleges to recruit volunteers, particularly among students planning careers in mental and public health, psychology, kinesthesiology, Occupational, Speech and Physical therapists, nursing, or for community service. Dream Catcher of L.A. also participates as an exhibitor at the Abilities Expo Los Angeles. At this year’s Expo, Dream Catcher introduced our program and our miniature horses Studly and Carmelina to adults and children, some of whom had never had contact with horses. Our volunteers and staff educated the public about the benefits of EAAT and witnessed the simple joy of meeting our star minis.
     Dream Catcher of L.A. also holds public events at its facility including renowned guest speakers, clinics, horse shows, and training seminars. Each event allows the general public to meet and interact with equestrian experts and our horses. Most of our events are advertised on social media and invite the public to participate free of charge. DCLA has held open houses sponsored by our Councilmember Al Austin 11. He presented us with an award for his district. Dream Catcher also was given an award by Former California Senator Lara. Dream Catcher of L.A. encourages the community to visit, volunteer and to learn how horses enrich our lives.
     Reaching out to our nation’s veterans is a core element of our community program. Horses for Forces allows all veterans to engage with horses free of charge. In an effort to give back to those that give the country their all, Dream Catcher of L.A. invites veterans to come and learn with our program. The amazing process from the first meet and greet with a horse, learning to groom and appreciating how the equine mind works makes this program fun as well as very successful. It has been a privilege for Dream Catcher to welcome veterans and teach them with our wonderful horses. DCLA has worked with West Los Angeles VA (one of the biggest in the nation), Long Beach VA, halfway houses, and Veterans’ Court.
     These are just a few examples of how Dream Catcher of L.A. interacts with the community. We are always looking for new ways to educate, engage and excite the public about our program and horses in general.

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.
     One time: Our older thoroughbred has a heart murmur. Our Veterinarian recommended an echocardiogram. She said she could contact an associate that was teaching at an Equine Pre-vet program in Pomona, CA. He offered to demonstrate the procedure for his class of pre-vet students, for free, if we trailered the horse to his clinic. We did and the horse was cleared to continue in our program!

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.

EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICE PROVIDERS

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
    Therapeutic Mounted Services
    Therapeutic Unmounted Services
    Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

4: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Centers

     1. Joan Blank

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Centers

RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

BFA Pratt Institute
M.A. New York UNiversity
Attended 2 years at Pierce College's Equine Management Program, Dean's List
PATH INT'L Certified Therapeutic/ Adaptive Riding Instructor & Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
EAGALA Certified

2. Kristen Spendlove

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Centers

RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

El Camino College Degree plus AA in Child Development
PATH INT'L Certified therapeutic Riding INstructor

3. Patricia Richmond

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Centers

RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

ARIA American Riding Instructors Association
Licensed in the State of California Marriage and Family Therapist
EAGALA trained 2016
40 Hour Domestic Violence Counselor Training
Certificate of Completion Drug and Alcohol training
Introduction to Personal Centered Thinking
Certification of Completion for Gang Intervention Training

4. Rachael McCaskill

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Centers

RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor PATH INT'L
40 hour Domestic Violence Advocacy Certification
Interscholastic Equestrian League (IEL) Orange County, CA Trainer of the Year 2016, 2017, 2018

POLICIES: ACQUISITION

Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Donation
    Purchase/Adoption from Owner
    Auction

Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Lease
    Kill pen/Feedlot
    Return
    Surrender
    Seizure
    Abandonment

Our organization will accept the following:
    Geldings
    Mares

Not Checked:
    Pregnant Mares
    Foals
    Stallions
    Only Stallions to be castrated

Additional information about our acquisition policies and practices:
Dream Catcher is open to any breed of equine as long as it is suited to our program.

POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAININING

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the horse:
Vaccination records that have been administered within the last 12 months
If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Not Checked:
    A current Coggins
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, the owner is responsible for having vaccinations administered.
    A health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival attesting to the health status of the equine is provided to our organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
    The owner of a potential equine is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the equine
    The equine is evaluated at its place of residence
    The owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization
    Equines are on trial for up to 30 days
    Equines are on trial up to 60 days
    Equines are on trial for 60 or more days
    The trial period may be reduced based on the equine's progress
    During the trial period, the organization accepts total financial responsibility for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care

Not Checked:
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    Equines are not taken on trial
    During the trial period, the organization accepts financial responsibility for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care, up to a fixed amount agreed upon by the organization and the owner
    During the trial period, the owner/donor is financially responsible for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care
    The trial period may be terminated by either the organization or the owner for any reason

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination by trained barn staff
    Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Coggins test
    Vaccinations
    De-worming

Not Checked:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian upon arrival and/or prior to quarantine departure
    Blood work other than Coggins
    Fecal test
    The equine is scanned to check for a microchip
    The equine is microchipped if the scan indicates that there is no microchip

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:   Up to 10 days

Horses are assessed for 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
    Clipping
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Not Checked:
Jumping
Driving (Pulling a carriage)

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least monthly
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine monthly and kept with the equine's health records
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually

Not Checked:

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
Our organization evaluates at least annually and maintains a written record of the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden

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
    Temperature and/or weather conditions
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations

Not Checked:
    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
    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): 2-3 times per week

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
All our horses get out everyday. This can include, turn out with the herd, groundwork, training, and lessons. It varies every day.

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, does NOT breed equines.

Not Checked:
The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, breeds equines
The facility or facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, are permitted to house stallions

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization will never have a healthy equine euthanized under any circumstances
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

Not Checked:
Our organization may have a healthy equine euthanized if it is a threat to itself, other equines, or people and euthanasia is recommended by a veterinarian
Our organization may have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored

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

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
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility

Not Checked:
    Our organization will only re-home an equine to a location where another equine resides
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
    Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine
    Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
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 if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization

Not Checked:
    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 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 re-homed equines CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances.
    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 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 free of charge
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization for a fee
    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 states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for three or more years
    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:
Personal/Other

Not Checked:
    Veterinarian
    Farrier
    Not applicable or no references required.

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase)

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
Not applicable; None received

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer useful, 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 unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian

Not Checked:
    Equines may be sent to auction
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    If a suitable home cannot be located within 12 months, the equine may be euthanized
    If a suitable home cannot be located, and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization, the organization will secure a suitable home for the equine and accept financial responsibility for the lifetime of the equine