EQUUS Foundation

MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Hearts & Horses' mission is to enhance physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing through equine partnerships.

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 Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

15: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

     1. Angie Nelson

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl CTRI

2. Brenda Thompson

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. CTRI

3. Christina Ecker

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. Advanced CTRI

4. Deborah Linne

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. CTRI

5. Jan Pollema

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. CTRI

6. Kiera Fogg

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. CTRI

7. Laura Bottoms

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. CTRI

8. Lauren McClave

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. CTRI
Master's Degree, Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy License

9. Liz Ampe

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. CTRI
Master's Degree, Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy License

10. Maria Amann

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. CTRI

11. Michele Kane

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Masters Degree in Counseling
PATH Intl. CTRI

12. Rachel Karneffel

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. CTRI

13. Rebecca Ogilvie

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. CTRI

14. Rose Walsh

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Independent Contractor

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. CTRI
Master's Degree, Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy License

15. Tamara Merritt

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Intl. CTRI

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Hearts & Horses is a well-respected PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center with an outstanding record serving those with physical, mental and emotional needs since 1997. From youth at risk, to individuals with Alzheimer's, to children with Autism, Hearts & Horses impacts every life we touch.

     In all of our programs, the horse is viewed as a therapy partner, teaching our young riders valuable lessons in communication, teamwork, respect, trust, and independence. Our four-legged therapists act as gentle teachers in this "hands on," experiential learning environment, providing an abundance of love, respect, and patience to an often fragile and vulnerable population.

     All of our instructors hold their PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and most of them also hold their PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL).

     In our 25th year, Hearts & Horses is currently serving 161 participants weekly in our mission to promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with special needs. Within our programs, we work with children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, youth at-risk, senior citizens with Alzheimer’s and our greatest heroes, our military Veterans.

     Below are the programs that we offer to our community:

     Therapeutic Riding - Children and adults with disabilities work with certified instructors in equestrian skill-based lessons to develop independent skills that carry over to their everyday lives.

     Therapy Services (Hippotherapy) - Physical, occupational and speech-language therapists partner with a horse to provide a powerful therapy team. The horse’s movement can improve balance, strength and coordination for individuals with disabilities.

     Changing Leads: Youth-at-risk find friendship, develop trust and form a deep connection when partnered with a horse. Emotions and behaviors are explored in a safe setting to reflect, learn and grow in order to improve the development of trust, respect, empathy, self-respect and confidence, accountability and conflict resolution.

     Hearts & Horses for Heroes: Wounded service personnel and Veterans interact with a horse to nurture self-awareness, trust, coping skills and relationship skills, contributing to improved quality of life and hope for the future.

     Riding in the Moment: This program helps facilitate individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia in finding joy in equine related activities. For some it is a chance to experience past memories and for others it is a new adventure.

Community Outreach and/or Public Education:

Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
We provide a lecture series to our community monthly. Our most popular topics for this series revolve around the public education of equine care and training, fitness, and veterinary practices including complimentary medicine to support the health and well-being of equines.

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: ACQUISITION

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

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

Our organization will accept the following:
    Geldings
    Mares

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

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:
    A current Coggins
    Vaccination records that have been administered within the last 12 months
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, the owner is responsible for having vaccinations administered.
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations
    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

Not Checked:

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
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    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 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

Not Checked:
    Equines are not taken on trial
    Equines are on trial for up to 30 days
    Equines are on trial up to 60 days
    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

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian upon arrival and/or prior to quarantine departure
    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

Not Checked:
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Coggins test
    Blood work other than Coggins
    Fecal test
    Vaccinations
    De-worming
    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:   10 to 20 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:
    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:
    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

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
    Nature and pace of work, repetitive or varied, radius of turns, degree of incline and regularity of footing when equine is subject to maximum weight-carrying capacity
    Temperature and/or weather conditions
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
No equines are ridden; not applicable

Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   Daily

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
During our trial period, which is typically 90 days, Hearts & Horses is responsible for care, feed and board, while the owner is responsible for routine/emergency veterinary and farrier needs.

     Prior to arrival, a negative coggins result is received.

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 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
    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 will never have a healthy equine euthanized under any circumstances

The following are authorized to administer the procedure for your organization in accordance with state laws:
Veterinarian

Not Checked:
    A certified euthanasia technician
    Senior staff with appropriate training
    Employee of animal control shelter or humane society with appropriate training
    Veterinary student under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian
    Not applicable. Our organization prohibits euthanasia under any circumstances

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
It is rare for us to euthanize a horse, but it has been done in cases of severe colic, when there are no other options. We rely on the veterinarian on the case to euthanize the equine based upon their professional opinion, and its typically done via IV.

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

Not Checked:
Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
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.

Not Checked:
    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 should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that the terms of our organization's agreement will be binding on any future individual or organization taking and/or in possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
    The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make unannounced visits
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization 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:
Veterinarian
Personal/Other

Not Checked:
Farrier
Not applicable or no references required.

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase) or less than one year

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 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 remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    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

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
At Hearts & Horses, many of our horses are leased from their owners, and when/if the time comes for them to be retired from our programs, they would return to their owner. When Hearts & Horses rehomes, one of our equines, we require for prospective homes to provide information to us that helps us determine the best home for the equine. Included in our request: Who their veterinarian is and contact information, financial stability to be able to provide appropriate routine and emergency veterinary care, a description of where the horse will live, horse experience level of prospective owner(s), and the type of job the horse will have. We call the veterinarian as a reference and do a site visit of the property where the horse will be living.

     Over the past 5 years, we have always had several choices for our horses to go to, as our horses are sought after by many.

     We also have the wonderful resource of Colorado Horse Rescue here to partner with us in situations in which we are looking for a retirement home, or for any horses that may become unmanageable or dangerous for us. This has never happened, but we are fortunate to have this local resource, as they would always step in to take over ownership of a horse should the need arise.

     All of our owners keep in touch with us and send us updates and photos. Some owners have paid up to $2,500 for a young, sound and well-trained horse that no longer loves the job of therapeutic riding. In many other situations, we have not required any adoption fee.