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


Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Brook Hill Farm, a Path Premier Riding Center, provides the following programs
     
     1) Rockin’ Riders - A Traditional Therapeutic Riding Experience
     Brook Hill Farm’s Rockin’ Riders Program was designed to serve people with special needs in an inclusive community-based setting. The participants are taught riding and horsemanship skills in a social environment. The Rockin Rider experience aids in promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The program pairs participants with rescue horses to work on developing riding skills and independence. A new rider is generality assisted by two side-walkers and a horse leader and are taught by a certified therapeutic riding instructor (CTRI). Unlike most programs, with the help of licensed educators, an exercise physiologist, and our licensed counselor, our program includes teaching horsemanship, horse knowledge, and helps to allow this population to participate in horse activities. This program is also open to Veterans.
     
     2) United Neigh Pod School
     Brook Hill Farm offers professional Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) in a small pod school environment for local at-risk youth. This program offers many different activities involving the rescue horse as a partner, both under saddle and on the ground. Educators, a counselor, and a riding instructor develop an Individual Horse Program for each student, based on their individual needs. Skills taught in the riding arena are riding skills, academics, self-mastery, empathy, and resilience, with special emphasis placed on teaching life skills that improve socialization and relationship building. The sessions are led by an educator, with the help of a counselor, both trained in equine assisted learning in education. The participants work on their academics each morning, and participate in horse activities in the afternoon.
     
     3) United Neigh: “An At-risk youth development program with the goal of High School graduation”
     Brook Hill Farm’s unique program, United Neigh, utilizes Equine Assisted Learning in Education combined with traditional tutoring to provide at-risk ages 12-18, who have a learning disability, or are socially disadvantaged. Participants follow a program that instills self-confidence, a strong sense of personal responsibility, recognition of the value of teamwork, and real-life workplace skills.
     
     The youth come to the farm two days a week and get to call a rescue horse their own as they aid the farm with its mission of rehabilitation. College interns serve as mentors. These role models promote the value of education, healthy lifestyle choices, and hard work in a safe, supportive family setting. Academic performance is a high priority; the youth struggling with schoolwork are tutored by college interns, volunteers, and staff.
     The Equine Assisted Learning in Education model provides a program that teaches young people a strong sense of personal responsibility, work ethic, and accountability. Everyone works together towards the mission of helping the rescue horses. Through hard work and love, the youth care for and heal their rescue horses, and, very often, find healing themselves. Since the program’s inception in 2002, the at-risk youth who have completed the program have all graduated from high school and have pursued some type of secondary education.
     
     4) Research
     In keeping with its mission of education, Brook Hill Farm is involved in a number of research projects, from laboratory-based biological studies such as studies on better ways to cure rain rot or developing better methods doing parasite counts, to the relationship between Equine Assisted Learning in Education and high school graduation rates of at-risk youth. These projects are done in collaboration with colleges and universities, such as Virginia Tech and Randolph College.
     
     5) Seniors Helping Seniors – Created by Seniors to help the horses in Sanctuary
     The program was created in order to support, socialize, and enhance the life of the sanctuary horses. In return, the horses allow the seniors to socialize and meet the physical tests of growing older as well as share their horse experiences with the rest of us! They participate in learning sessions, grooming, and riding when appropriate.
     
     6) Gaits 4 Change
     Gaits 4 Change was developed to serve youth in transition, those in social service programs, or those who are not eligible for the Rockin’ Riders program but are not yet ready for the United Neigh program. This small group has up to six participants and meets once a week to take part in Equine-Assisted Learning in Personal Development, horsemanship, and riding skills.
     
     7) Community Outreach
     The mission of Brook Hill Farm is to offer equine education to the community. Brook Hill takes this very seriously, as there are so many horses needing homes. Educating the public about the horses is a way to help more horses in need!
     Learning Station Program: Brook Hill Farm offers a hands-on 2-hour educational program in basic horse care and knowledge to groups and organizations in our local community, including the Salvation Army, Horizon Behavioral Health, and School Groups.
     
     Brook Hill offers exciting opportunities to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The Boy Scouts have completed Eagle Scout projects including building new fence and building a deck. Girl Scouts have completed their Gold Key Award, such as helping to build the Rockin’ Riders arena. They also come to the farm to do one day service projects. Brook Hill Farm welcomes troops to come and see what Brook Hill Farm is about, and to meet and plan a troop or individual project! Please contact secretary@brookhillfarm.org to arrange a visit.
     
     Brook Hill Farm offers summer opportunities for local children. Each session runs for one week during the morning hours, and the session topics include horse care and safety, crafts, and mounted games. Many groups come to Brook Hill Farm to hold a club meeting – the farm loves to provide live demonstrations of the work that is done with people and horses.
     
     9) College Interns
     In collaboration with regional schools including Virginia Tech, Randolph College, University of Lynchburg, Sweet Briar, and Liberty University, the farm provides many opportunities for college students to participate in a variety of internships which earn them college credit in many fields. The farm offers internships for Pre-Vet and Vet tech students, Pre-Med and Biology students, Psychology, Social Work and Counseling, Education, Horse Training, and Riding instruction.
     
     10) United States Poly Club and 4-H
     In 2008, Brook Hill Farm established a 4-H Horse and Pony Club for all of the United Neigh members. With the four “H’s” standing for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, 4-H possesses more than a century of experience in youth development programming. The emphasis of the horse and pony program is equine selection, nutrition, management, riding, recreation, fun and horsemanship. It has been proven that participating in 4-H horseback riding provides an outdoor sports fitness program for physical, personal, and emotional development, including confidence building. Most importantly, 4-H members pledge to build a better community, country and world for themselves and others. The 4-H program’s positive effect on youth aligns directly with the goals of the United Neigh At-Risk Youth Program.
     
     In 2011 Brook Hill Farm became an official United States Pony Club Riding Center in the Old Dominion Region, offering membership to United Neigh participants who have more advanced skills, and the capability to mainstream in equine activities. Brook Hill Farm’s mission encompasses the same core values as Pony Club; those of horsemanship, teamwork, respect, service and education. The curriculum of Pony Club includes riding on the flat, over fences, and in the open, providing an instructional program both mounted and unmounted, at all levels. The at-risk youth are able to attain certifications that are internationally recognized. Youth involved in our Adaptive Equestrian Sport programs can earn the right to become a member of the USPC, as they strive to maintain the core values of Pony Club.
     
     11) Saddle Club
     This program was developed for young horse enthusiasts, ages 6 - 12 who are interested in learning how to ride, with the emphasis on horse care and management. This gives young riders a strong foundation both in riding and in horse knowledge.

Overview of our programs involved with providing community outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     1) Brook Hill Farm partners with Randolph College teaching college courses in Equine Science including a course entitled, Introduction to Equine Science and Equine Assisted Services.
     
     2) College Interns - Educational opportunities in collaboration with regional schools including Virginia Tech are provided for college students to participate in internships earning them credit in the following fields: Animal Sciences, Animal Psychology, Biology, Business, Communications, and Pre-Veterinary Studies.
     
     3) Community Outreach Programs: Brook Hill Farm partners with existing programs such as the Salvation Army, Alliance for Children, Boy and Girl Scouts, Church groups, School Groups and others to provide a hands-on one-day educational program in basic horse care and knowledge, that creates community awareness of the plight of the unwanted horse.
     
     4) Summer Program: Brook Hill Farm offers a summer program teaching children all about horses in a small group setting, including horse biology and the proper care of horses.
     
     5) As our mission is education, the Brook Hill staff speak at regional and national conferences speaking on how to be a horse advocate. Topics revolve around equine welfare and include things like soundness of body and mind, horse management, how to develop a business plan, weight-carrying and workload, caring and compassionate planning for the older horse, etc.

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. 
     All of our studies have been done in conjunction with a college or University. We have been a part of college study on herd behavior, a medical procedure, and discovering the best over the counter product for rain rot. We partner with colleges and provide internships for students in pre-vet and veterinary studies, as well as educators and mental health providers.

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 Academic Learning
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

5: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses, Inc.

     1. Gayanne Sparrazza

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses, Inc.

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Gayanne is a licensed Educator

     2. Jane Burks

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses, Inc.

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)

         Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Jane is a licensed counselor, and works with certified CTRIs or ESMHL when working with clients.

     3. Jo Anne Miller

         FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

         Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses, Inc.

         RELATIONSHIP: Employee

         SERVICES PROVIDED:

         Therapeutic Mounted Services

         Therapeutic Unmounted Services

         Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning

         DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

         Jo Anne Miller is a CTRI and ESMHL certified through PATH International. She is the Executive Director of the organization, holds a degree in education, and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Equine Science at Randolph College, teaching courses in equine behavior, introduction to equine science, and equine assisted services.

POLICIES: ACQUISITION

Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Donation  
    Return  
    Surrender  
    Seizure  
    Abandonment  

Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Lease  
    Purchase/Adoption from Owner  
    Auction  
    Kill pen/Feedlot  

Our organization will accept the following:
    Geldings
    Mares
    Pregnant Mares
    Foals
    Only Stallions to be castrated

Not Checked:
    Stallions

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

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 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 not taken on trial

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
    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

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
    The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time

The typical length of quarantine is:   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
    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
    Jumping
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    Clipping
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

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

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):   As needed; no set schedule

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
The above answers are based on averages. Our intake, assessment and training policies and practices are based on each individual horse and its circumstances and needs. Seizures and abandoned horses go into immediate quarantine and are seen by a veterinarian within the first 24 hours, and are given the appropriate vaccinations, etc. as prescribed. Horses that are surrendered are first screened through veterinarians - Brook Hill Farm's veterinarian talks with the horse's current veterinarian to determine eligibility, rather than an actual visit to the farm. We require a health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven (7) days for horses that are owner surrendered to come with the horse when they arrive at the farm. If a horse comes in that has had no training, we work with a professional training organization in the area that will volunteer and give that horse a professional start.

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.

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

The following are authorized to administer the procedure for your organization in accordance with state laws:
    Veterinarian
    Veterinary student under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
Euthanasia is only an option when there is no other humane option available. Reasons for euthanasia to include: terminal illness or injury where there is no possibility of recovery, behavioral problems that pose a perilous threat to other animals or humans, disease transmission, and old age where the quality of life is impaired by major loss of functions. This procedure is done under the guidance and recommendation of a licensed Veterinarian, and the veterinarian chooses the drug that is most appropriate.

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
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    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 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 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 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 three or more years

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

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
    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

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Due to insurance, Brook Hill Farm has had to amend their adoption contract to transfer ownership. To be sure that the horse returns to Brook Hill Farm if the adoption is unsuccessful, the contract now states that:
      If the recipient fails to comply with any of the conditions or regulations in the contract, Brook Hill Farm reserves the right to regain possession of the named horse.
      The named horse may not be bought sold or traded. If the adopter is not able to care for the named horse, it must be transferred back to Brook Hill Farm.
      Horses are checked on by Brook Hill Farm contacting the adopter's vet on a yearly basis to get an update.