EQUUS Foundation

MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Giant Steps is dedicated to enriching lives through the power of horses, team and community. Through the excellence of our equine assisted programs, people of all ages, means, and challenges experience the extraordinary benefits of therapeutic riding and activities.

Our organization conducts Equine Assisted Services which are in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS).
Our organization does not provide 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 foster, overflow and/or satellite facilities
Number of facilities/locations where horses used in our programs are HOUSED AND CARED FOR or were HOUSED AND CARED FOR during 2020: 1
     1. Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park (Main)  * Operational in 2020

Summary of organization's goals, strategies to achieve the goals, accomplishments, and capabilities to meet the goals, including its long-term plans to sustain its programs:
Our goals are to meet the physical, cognitive, and behavioral needs of our clients. As our longest running program, mounted lessons have a specific format:

     1. Our Head Instructor meets with each potential client to evaluate needs and abilities, and to match the client with the class and horse best-suited to his/her situation.
     2. At the beginning of each quarterly session, our certified instructors consult with parents, caregivers, and the client (when applicable) to develop specific session goals for each individual. Each client is also assessed on general horsemanship skills and supporting skills.
     3. Instructors develop lesson plans to address the specific goals of the clients. The instructors continually monitor the progress and achievements of each client, and track weekly gains. At the end of each session, instructors share these progress reports with the client and/or caregivers, ensuring the long term improvement of the client, and the success of our program. For recurring clients, their progress influences the goals for the following session.

     We measure our success in 1) the growth clients see in supporting skills, 2) the growth clients see in horsemanship skills, and 3) the overall rate of treatment goal achievement. Further, 97% of our clients who would recommend or highly recommend Giant Steps to a friend, and 93% of our clients remain with us session over session.

     [NOTE:
     -Horsemanship Skills: the ability to mount/dismount; knowledge of grooming, tacking, and safety; sitting upright; use of hand/voice commands
     -Supporting Skills: attention to tasks; balance and coordination; listening skills; confidence; display of appropriate emotions.]

     With respect to our capabilities to achieve our goals, Giant Steps is the only program in the area with Premier Accreditation from Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH). In our most recent accreditation, we again received a perfect score, meaning we exceed all PATH International standards.

     With respect to sustainability, over the past seven years, we have established a reserve fund to protect us against any sudden shifts in funding.

     Realistically, our goals for 2020 were to keep our staff and herd intact, which we did.

     With respect to services, in March of 2020 we, like the rest of the country, closed, and remained so until June. Starting in June, we were able to welcome back 25% of our clients, those who require little to no volunteer support to ride. In September we were able to add an additional 5%; clients who require some level of support (a horse leader and/or a side walker to ensure the client’s safety) whose family members were able to be trained to fill those positions.

     For clients who were not yet able or willing to return, we offered barn visits, which we began as soon as shelter in place orders were lifted. The visits allow both clients and volunteers an opportunity to get out of the house, visit with our horses, and get some fresh air.

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following equine assisted services (EAS):
    Therapeutic Mounted Services
    Therapeutic Unmounted Services

Not Checked:
    Therapeutic Driving Services
    Therapeutic Vaulting Services
    Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy/Counseling (Mental Health)
    Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Academic Learning
    Equine-Assisted Learning involving Personal and/or Professional Development

Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
     Giant Steps offers therapeutic riding, equine-facilitated learning, and tailored experiences.

     Therapeutic riding enhances the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with disabilities through lessons teaching horseback riding and general horsemanship skills.

     Conducted in small groups, equine-facilitated learning consists of unmounted lessons that include engaging activities with horses that teach character development and reinforce life skills. EFL is ideally suited to at-risk youth, trauma victims, veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder and other disabilities resulting from service, women’s groups, as well as individuals who are not able to participate in mounted lessons. Giant Steps staff collaborates with the group leader to establish specific goals for the group.

     Giant Steps welcomes groups for time-bound tailored experiences ranging from one-day field trips for members of the disabled community who are not able to ride but who want to interact with our horses and experience nature to families of deployed members of the military who want to enjoy a fun family experience.

At a time when equestrian sports are under pressure to protect horses while making those sports more accessible, so too must all equine organizations ensure that horses are treated humanely when interacting with people with and without special needs. Our organization takes the following steps to ensure that horses are benefiting from their interactions with people:
     When a horse first comes to our program, they undertake a two to three month trial period. During that time, the horse first acclimates to the barn and the herd. As s/he becomes for comfortable, various volunteers will begin grooming and tacking the horse. Eventually, the horse will be added to classes without a rider, then with an able-bodied rider, and eventually with a disabled rider. When horses do not successfully complete the trial period, it is typically for one of two reasons: 1) the horse is not the right temperament to work with disabled riders, or 2) the horse does not like being cared for by a variety of individuals. The trial period is a critical first step in establishing that the horse is an appropriate fit for the people with whom s/he will be interacting.

     Next in the process is our volunteer orientation. Not all of our volunteers have horse experience, and even for those who do, we required a 4.5 hour orientation to join our program. We want to be sure that each person who interacts with our horses is prepared to do so, and undertakes all tasks accomplished at the barn in "the Giant Steps way" so that there is as much consistency for the horses as possible.

     Lastly, on the rare occasion that a client is not well-suited to adaptive riding, and is displaying behavior that is not safe for, or kind to, the horse, we will ask the client to leave the program. In fact, they and/or their caregiver must initial that they understand that policy during their application process.

Our Programs/Activities that are not equine-related and/or involving animals other than equines:
N/A

EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICES CENSUS

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

Equine Assisted Services (EAS)


2020 EAS Operations - EAS Providers: 13	Mounted Only	Unmounted Only	Both Mounted & Unmounted	Total
Horses/Equines participating in EAS programs at this facility
Number of horses/equines aged 3-8	0	0	0	0
Number of horses/equines aged 9-14	0	0	0	0
Number of horses/equines aged 15-20	0	0	5	5
Number of horses/equines Over 20	0	0	8	8
Total number of horses/equines participating in EAS programs at this facility	0	0	13	13

	Mounted	Unmounted
Number of hours per day each horse works	1	1
Number of days per week each horse works	5	1

Clients participating in EAS programs at this facility	Mounted Only	Unmounted Only	Both Mounted & Unmounted	Total
Total number of individual clients (not lessons) served annually	144	14	0	158
Average number of clients (not lessons) participating in activities per week	44	8	0	52

	Mounted	Unmounted
Number of days per week programs are conducted at this facility	7	4
Number of weeks per year programs are conducted at this facility	36	36

	Mounted	Unmounted
Average wait list time for a client	15 Months	0

Additional explanation: COVID has significantly impacted our participant and lesson hours. Before COVID we had 144 weekly mounted participants and 6 unmounted participants. We are currently serving only our most independent clients, and see 44 mounted participants and 8 unmounted participants each week. In the meantime, our waitlist for mounted lessons is increasing. We are, however, able to immediately enroll participants for unmounted activities.

EQUINE ASSISTED SERVICE PROVIDERS

Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Our organization provides the following Equine Assisted Services (EAS):
Therapeutic Mounted Services
Therapeutic Unmounted Services

1. Amy Barbaro

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor

2. Chrissie Cutting

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor

3. Debbie Gardner

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor

4. Hillary Werhane

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Advanced Certified Instructor

5. Holly Hansen

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor

6. Jen McWherter

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning

7. Julie Larson

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning

8. Kayla Andersen

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor

9. Mariah Shields

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Volunteer

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor

10. Meghan Farley

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor

11. Nicole DeVito

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor

12. Sean Willer

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor

13. Sue Rickard

FACILITY PARTICIPATION:

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park

RELATIONSHIP: Employee

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Therapeutic Mounted Services

Therapeutic Unmounted Services

DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

PATH Certified Instructor

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO): Beth Porter
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time: 6  Part-Time: 11  Volunteers: 150
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    Staff and/or contractors are required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Staff and/or contractors are required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Staff and/or contractors are required to sign a Photo Release
    Staff and/or contractors are required to undergo a Background Check
    Staff and/or contractors are carry current health insurance
    Staff and/or contractors have a written job description
    Staff and/or contractors are updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Staff and/or contractors receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, horse handling, horse identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Staff and/or contractors have a supervisor and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The organization provides a handbook to every member of the staff, including employees and/or independent contractors serving in staff positions;
    The handbook includes information, such as hours of work, vacation, sick leave, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    The handbook is reviewed annually and updated
    One or more staff members or contractors are trained in CPR and human first aid
    One or more staff members or contractors are trained in equine first aid

Not Checked:
    Prospective staff/independent contractors complete a written application
    Prospective staff/independent contractors must provide in writing if they have ever been convicted of a felony, convicted of a sexual offense, or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect
    Staff and/or contractors provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Staff and/or contractors are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Staff and/or contractors are subject to Random Drug Screening

Volunteer Recruitment, Screening and Training processes:
    Prospective volunteers complete a written application
    Every volunteer is required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Every volunteer is required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Every volunteer is required to sign a Photo Release
    Every volunteer is required to undergo a Background Check
    Every volunteer provides parent/guardian information if applicable
    Every volunteer is updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Every volunteer receives training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, horse handling, horse identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    The organization records and maintains written attendance information and hours on every volunteer
    The organization provides a Volunteer Handbook to every volunteer
    The Volunteer Handbook includes volunteer-related information, such as hours of work, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    The organization holds regular orientation sessions for volunteers and prospective volunteers that includes an overview of the organization, its mission, activities, volunteer responsibilities and expectations, safety guidelines, and a tour of the facility

Not Checked:
    Prospective volunteers must provide in writing if they have ever been convicted of a felony, convicted of a sexual offense, or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect
    Every volunteer carries current health insurance
    Every volunteer has a written job description
    Every volunteer is evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Every volunteer is assigned a supervisor (staff member and/or senior volunteer) and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The supervisor assesses the volunteer's abilities and assigns specific duties to the volunteer based on their skills
    The Volunteer Handbook is reviewed annually and updated
    Every volunteer is subject to Random Drug Screening

Governing Body:
Board meetings per year: 6
Number of Board Members: 12  Number of Voting Board Members: 11

Board Compensation:
Is Board Chair compensated? No  Is Treasurer compensated? No
Are there any other Voting Board Members that are compensated? No

Board/Staff Relationships:
Are any members of the Board or Staff related to each other through family or business relationships? No

Board Affiliations:
Are any Board members or Staff associated with and/or compensated by another organization with a relationship or business affiliation to your organization? No

Conflict of Interest:
Does your organization have a written conflict of interest policy and regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy, including requiring officers, directors or trustees, and key employees to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts? Yes

Organization documents available on our website:
    Most recent Financials
    Most recent IRS Form 990

Organization documents available on request:
    Most recent Financials
    Most recent IRS Form 990
    Equine Intake Guidelines
    Adoption/Foster Agreement
    Volunteer Handbook
    Bylaws

Additional explanation regarding governance, staffing and volunteer practices or further explanation of the answers above.
We do not produce an annual report.

Financial Reporting:
Budget:  $1M to $2M
Equine Budget:   $150K to $250K
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 06
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Review
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990
Does the uploaded Pro Forma 990/990 represent 2020? Yes
View The IRS Form 990/Pro Forma 990

POLICIES

Acquisition
Our organization acquires horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Donation
    Lease

Our organization does not acquire horses/equines from the following source(s):
    Purchase/Adoption from Owner
    Auction
    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
Intake, Assessment & Training
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, the owner is responsible for having vaccinations administered.

Not Checked:
A current Coggins
If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

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 horse is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the horse
    The horse 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 horse to and from the organization
    Horses are on trial for 60 or more days
    The trial period may be reduced based on the horse's progress
    During the trial period, the owner/donor is financially responsible for the care of the horse, 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:
    Horses are not taken on trial
    Horses are on trial for up to 30 days
    Horses are on trial up to 60 days
    During the trial period, the organization accepts total financial responsibility for the care of the horse, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care
    During the trial period, the organization accepts financial responsibility for the care of the horse, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care, up to a fixed amount agreed upon by the organization and the owner

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
The horse is not quarantined

Not Checked:
The horse is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time
The horse is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine off-site for a prescribed period of time

The typical length of quarantine is:   Horses are not quarantined

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination by trained barn staff
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score is assigned
    Physical examination by a farrier
    The horse is microchipped if the scan indicates that there is no microchip

Not Checked:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian
    Photographs are taken
    Physical examination by a dentist
    Coggins test
    Blood work other than Coggins
    Fecal test
    Vaccinations
    De-worming
    The horse is scanned to check for a microchip

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
    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
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Not Checked:
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    Jumping
    Driving (Pulling a carriage)
    Bathing
    Clipping

Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding): Daily

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
All horses accepted into the program are current on vaccines and in good health. Horses have their own stalls, grooming tools, tack, and feed buckets. While not quarantined, horses are not turned out with other horses until their 60-90 day trial is complete.

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 horses.

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

Euthanasia
The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have a horse euthanized for space
    Our organization will never have a healthy horse euthanized under any circumstances
    Our organization may have a horse euthanized after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

Not Checked:
Our organization may have a healthy horse euthanized if it is a threat to itself, other horses, or people
Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility

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

Rehoming
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the horse on site
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing a horse
    Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates

Not Checked:
    Our organization does NOT re-home a horse to first time horse owners
    Our organization will only re-home a horse to a location where another horse resides
    Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the horse to the adopter/purchaser's facility
    Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the horse
    Our organization does not re-home horses under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our horses and ensures care of the horses for their lifetimes.

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    Our agreement states that re-homed horses CANNOT be sold, auctioned, or given away without prior written approval of our organization
    Our agreement states that re-homed horses cannot be bred
    Our agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits

Not Checked:
    Our agreement states that re-homed horses CANNOT be sold, auctioned, or given away under any circumstances
    Our agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the horse must be returned to our organization
    Our agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make unannounced visits
    Our agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return a horse to our organization free of charge
    Our agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return a horse to our organization for a fee
    Our agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year
    Our agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for two years
    Our agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for three or more years
    None of the statements are included.

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

Not Checked:
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:
    Horses may be found suitable homes by our organization
    Horses may be returned to their owners
    In the case a horse is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the horse may be euthanized

Not Checked:
    Horses remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Horses may be sent to auction
    In the case a horse is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the horse may be euthanized
    If a suitable home cannot be located within 12 months, the horse may be euthanized

View Re-homing Agreement

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 1

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to foster, overflow and/or satellite facilities:
Our organization does not use foster, overflow and/or satellite facilities

Management

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park: Main

Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Use

Please list all local, state and federal licenses held by the organization, including the expiration dates, or indicate that no licenses are required at the local, state or federal level. Please also list if this facility is accredited and recognized as compliant with the published standards of an accrediting organization, including the name of the organization and the date of the accreditation.
     We are compliant with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, having received their Premier Accreditation.

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.
     Sonoma County Animal Services 1247 Century Court Santa Rosa, CA 95403 (707) 565-7100

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 Equine Assisted Service 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: 13

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

     1. Amy Barbaro
     2. Chrissie Cutting
     3. Debbie Gardner
     4. Hillary Werhane
     5. Holly Hansen
     6. Jen McWherter
     7. Julie Larson
     8. Kayla Andersen
     9. Mariah Shields
     10. Meghan Farley
     11. Nicole DeVito
     12. Sean Willer
     13. Sue Rickard

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park: Main

Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian Assessment conducted on 03/05/2021

Veterinarian: Jill Thornton
Clinic Name: Sonoma Marin Veterinary Services
1120 Industrial Ave Suite 13 & 14
Petaluma CA 94954
Phone: 707-763-1222

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park: Main

Grounds
Total number of horses involved with your programs at this facility: 13
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those not involved with your programs: 13
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 16
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 2.85
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1  Run-in sheds: 0
Pastures: 0  Paddocks/Pens: 2
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 2  Covered Outdoor Rings: 1  Indoor Rings: 0

Regarding structures at this facility where horses are stalled:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s)?    Yes
Do all stalls/enclosures allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around?    Yes
Is there adequate ceiling & beam height (a minimum of 12 inches above the tip of the horse's ear) when standing in all stalls/enclosures?    Yes
How often are the stalls/enclosures cleaned? 6-7 Days a Week
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?    Yes
Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to control temperature and prevent buildup of toxic gases?    Yes
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety?    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
Are emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes

How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled? 17+
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Horses are out 1 to 3 hours per day

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    This facility does not have pastures where horses can graze on pasture grass

Not Checked:
    This facility has a written plan in place for pasture management, which includes 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
    Barbed wire is used for fencing
    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 horses (i.e., trees)
    Pastures have man-made protection for horses (i.e., shelters)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly

Not Checked:
    This facility does not have turnout areas
    This facility has a written plan in place for the maintenance of turnout areas, which includes a schedule for cleaning, manure removal, and dragging
    Barbed wire is used for fencing
    Electric fencing is used; electric wires or tape fence are visibly marked
    Turnout areas have man-made protection for horses (i.e., shelters)

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    By Appointment Only signs are posted.
    Authorized Personnel Only signs are posted
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The property is fitted with motion lights
    The property is fitted with a security system that is monitored internally by staff (or the property owner)

Not Checked:
    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 horses
    A security guard is present at night
    Horses are checked overnight
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Entrance gates are locked at night
    The property is fitted with a security system monitored by police or a professional service
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park: Main

Equine Care
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:
    Horses are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to age and any health issues
    Feed plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Horses are fed in individual stalls
    Staff and 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 debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals

Not Checked:
Horses are fed in groups
Medications are kept in a locked, climate-controlled area

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    Horses are assigned a Henneke Body Condition score upon arrival at the facility
    The Henneke Body Condition score is updated at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each horse upon arrival at the facility and kept with the horse's health records
    Horses at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Horses at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    Horses at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist

Not Checked:
    The Henneke Body Condition score is updated at least monthly
    The Henneke Body Condition score is updated with each visit by the veterinarian
    Photographs are taken of each horse monthly and kept with the horse's health records
    Photographs are taken of each horse annually and kept with the horse's health records
    Photographs are taken of each horse with each visit by the veterinarian and kept with the horse's health records
    Horses at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist

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

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine
Equines are not ridden; not applicable

The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine:
    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)
    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
    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

Not Checked:
    Size, shape, condition and angle of the hooves
    Terrain and footing in the working environment
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations
    Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine
    Equines are not ridden; not applicable

Do horses have access to clean drinking water at all times?     Yes

Hoof Care: How often is hoof care provided for each horse? Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises

Dental Care: How often is dental care provided for each horse? Annually and when an issue arises

Physical Examinations: How often is each horse given a physical exam by a veterinarian? Annually and when an issue arises

Horse checks: How often are horses visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility? Every day or 6 days a week

Parasite Control: Our organization has the following worming protocols in place: (Check all that apply
    The protocol for each horse is determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    A de-wormer is used without fecal testing

Not Checked:
    Fecal testing is performed prior to the use of a de-wormer.

Fly/Insect Control: What remedies are used to control flies and insects?
    Premise Sprays/Insecticides
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fans

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    A specific individual is assigned to care for sick, affected and/or quarantined horses
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined horses are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy horses
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined horses do not have contact with other horses or other animals
    Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined horses
    Hand sanitizers and footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined horses
    Horse trailers/vans used by sick, affected and/or quarantined horses are cleaned and disinfected after each use and cleaning takes place away from where horses are sheltered
    Horse-specific equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined horses is not shared and is clearly labeled
    Shared equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined horses is cleaned of organic debris and disinfected after each use
    Latex gloves are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined horses
    Horses/equines are not quarantined on arrival.

Not Checked:
    Our organization follows the AAEP's Biosecurity Guidelines and/or the UC Davis Biosecurity Guidelines
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    All staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    All volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined horses is disposed of in specific areas designated for infectious materials - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
    Stalls, aisle ways, and common areas are disinfected after conclusion of the quarantine
    Personnel are required to leave the facility (or shower and change clothing) after working with quarantined horses

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
Manure is piled in an area where horses are not located
Manure is hauled, sold or given away

Not Checked:
    Manure is stored in dumpster(s)
    Manure piles are covered
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by state and/or local authorities

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    Horses are assigned the same stall/location each day
    Name plates are located on the stall
    Horses wear halters with nametags
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each horse is easily accessible
    Horse photos and profiles are available on the website
    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 horses

Not Checked:
    Photos are located on the stall
    A map/diagram is posted showing the location of each horse with horse names and photos
    Staff and volunteers are provided with an information packet with horse profiles, including photos and detailed descriptions

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
     All horses have specifically assigned tack, apparel and equipment that is not shared
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are fitted and utilized for each horse appropriate to the horse's needs and the weather conditions
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are cleaned regularly as needed
    Tack is cleaned weekly
    Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when a horse's body condition changes
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when a horse's disposition changes
    Assigned tack is clearly labeled
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are cleaned/disinfected after each use
    Helmets are replaced after a fall
    Helmets are replaced at least every five years.

Not Checked:
    Saddles are shared
    Saddle pads are shared
    Bridles are shared
    Bits are shared
    Blankets are shared
    Sheets are shared
    Turnout apparel is shared
     Halters are shared
    Tack is cleaned after each use
    Tack is cleaned only when needed
    This facility enlists the services of a professional saddle fitter at least once a year
    Tack is stored in a climate-controlled location
    Equines are not ridden; not applicable.

Emergency Preparedness
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:
    Emergency procedures are posted prominently
    Emergency phone numbers are posted prominently
    The facility maintains at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings and medications
    The facility collects and maintains medical information from staff, volunteers, and clients
    The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
    All staff/volunteers are briefed regularly on emergency preparedness/safety procedures
    The organization has a written emergency preparedness/safety plan (EPP)

Not Checked:
The facility owns or has access to a generator

The written EPP addresses the following areas:
    Medical emergencies for clients, staff, and volunteers
    Medical emergencies for horses
    Evacuation plans
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans

Not Checked:
    Local fire department and/or the state's emergency planning department procedures
    Power outages
    Terrorist attacks

The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited
    NO SMOKING signs are posted prominently
    Hay is stored away from permanent or temporary structures where horses are stalled
    Permanent or temporary structures where horses are stalled are kept free of dust, cobwebs, trash, cleaning rags, and other flammable items
    Aisles and doorways are kept clear

Not Checked:
Heaters with automatic shutoff settings are used

How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Not at all/NA
Electrical Systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fence lines are checked: Weekly
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Quarterly
Fire drills are conducted: Quarterly
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Quarterly
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Quarterly
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually

Equine Transportation
2-horse trailer with truck or van:
    0 Owned onsite  1 Access onsite but not owned  3 Access offsite;
3-horse trailer with truck or van:
    1 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  1 Access offsite;
4-horse trailer with truck or van:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
6-horse trailer with truck or van:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
8-horse trailer with truck or van:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
10-horse trailer with truck or van:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;

EQUINE CENSUS SUMMARY

Total Facilities: 1
Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park: 2020 - Yes

14 Total number of horses involved with your programs on January 1, 2020
PLUS: Horse Intake during 2020
1 Donated
0 Lease
0 Purchase from Owner
0 Auction
0 Kill Pen/Feedlot
0 Surrendered
0 Seized
0 Abandoned
0 Returned
0 Transfer
0 Born at facility
0 Adoption from Rescue
1 Total intakes
LESS: Horse Departure during 2020
2 Horses adopted/sold:
0 Horses transferred/returned
0 Horses deceased
0 Horses euthanized
2 Total departures
13 Number of horses involved with your programs on December 31, 2020
13 Total number of active horses (not retired) including
horses undergoing rehabilitation and/or retraining.
0 Total number of horses permanently retired.

Summary: 14 on 1/1/2020+ 1 Intakes - 2 Departures = 13 on 12/31/2020

Total days that equines were in the care of Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. during 2020: 5068

2020 Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park Equine Census
14 Total number of horses involved with your programs on January 1, 2020
PLUS: Horse Intake during 2020
1 Donated
0 Lease
0 Purchase from Owner
0 Auction
0 Kill Pen/Feedlot
0 Surrendered
0 Seized
0 Abandoned
0 Returned
0 Transfer
0 Born at facility
0 Adoption from rescue
1 Total intakes
LESS: Horse Departure during 2020
2 Horses adopted/sold:
0 Horses transferred/returned
0 Horses deceased
0 Horses euthanized
2 Total departures
13 Number of horses involved with your programs on December 31, 2020
13 Total number of active horses (not retired) including
horses undergoing rehabilitation and/or retraining.
0 Total number of horses permanently retired.

Summary: 14 on 1/1/2020+ 1 Intakes - 2 Departures = 13 on 12/31/2020

1 Horse Intake Detail during 2020 0
1 Donated 0
1Warm Blood1 Aged 15-20 1 Geldings
0 Leased 0
0 Purchased from Owner 0
0 Auction 0
0 Kill Pen/Feedlot 0
0 Surrendered 0
0 Seized 0
0 Abandoned 0
0 Returned 0
0 Transferred 0
0 Born at facility 0
0 Adoption from rescue 0

2 Re-homing Detail Horses adopted/sold by breed, age & gender during 2020:
1Paint1 Aged Over 20  1 Mares
1Quarter Horse1 Aged 15-20  1 Mares

Definitions:
Donation: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization by its owner/trainer/responsible agent utilizing a donation document.
Lease: The ownership of the equine is maintained by the owner/trainer/responsible agent; the custody and responsibility for the shelter and care of the equine is transferred to the organization utilizing a lease document.
Owner Purchase: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization by its owner/trainer/responsible agent utilizing a purchase or adoption document.
Auction: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization by acquiring the equine at an auction.
Kill Pen: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization by acquiring the equine from a kill pen.
Surrender (Hardship): The ownership and custody of the equine is relinquished to the organization by its owner/trainer/responsible agent with or without the use of an intake document.
Seizure: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization as a result of the equine being seized by law enforcement or another agency and removed from the owner.
Abandonment: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization as a result of the equine being abandoned by the owner or the owner was unable to be located.
Return: The equine was previously a part of the organization, was adopted, and ownership and custody of the equine has been transferred back to the organization.
Transfer: The custody of the equine is transferred within an organization or from one organization to another non-profit or foster organization to provide retirement, retraining, rehabilitation and/or adoption services with no change in ownership.
Born: The equine was born at the facility.
Adoption: The ownership and custody of the equine is transferred to the organization by an organization specializing in the re-homing of equines in transition utilizing a purchase or adoption document.

Foal: An equine up to one year old; a colt is a male foal and a filly is a female foal.
Mare: A female equine.
Stallion: A male equine that has not been castrated.
Gelding: A castrated male equine.

Equine Assisted Services (EAS): Any activity that incorporates equine interactions and/or the equine environment, mounted or unmounted, to include 1) psychotherapy and/or mental health counseling aimed at achieving goals set forth by the licensed mental health professional and the client, 2) occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology treatment strategies utilizing equine movement set forth by the licensed therapist and the client, 3) horsemanship instruction adapted to the ability/disability of those receiving services, for the purpose of contributing positively to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being conducted by a certified professional, and 4) experiential learning approaches that promote the development of life skills to achieve educational, professional and personal goals conducted by a licensed educator, mental health professional or coach. Please refer to our Guidelines for Conducting EAS for additional information.

Special Needs: Any difficulty or difficulties (such as a physical, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive disability or impairment) that require or benefit from instructors, specialists, counselors, trainers and/or facilitators who have certified training for their scope of practice applicable to the people participating in the programs and specific to the program offerings. The difficulty may not be limited to a health issue but may result from the interaction between the individual and the society in which he or she lives arising from an abusive or unhealthy environment or situation and/or a lack of resources, including economic resources, placing them at risk of a future with less than optimal outcomes.

At-Risk: Refers to being at-risk of a future with less than optimal outcomes. Youth are considered at-risk for a number of reasons, such as if they are homeless or transient, involved in drugs or alcohol, abused sexually, physically or emotionally, mentally ill, neglected at home or live in stressful family environments, lacking social or emotional supports, and involved with delinquent peers. At-Risk youth are likely to be involved in a number of risky behaviors, such as running away, skipping school, drinking underage, engaging in sexual behavior, displaying disruptive behavior, bullying/harassment, fighting, and committing acts of vandalism.

Community Outreach: Refers to public education programs aimed at educating the public about the horse-human bond, issues impacting the welfare of horses, and how horses change lives and activities that include, but are not limited to, any activity OTHER THAN Equine Assisted Services (EAS) that require a credentialed service provider, such as off site visits with horses at hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, crisis response, workplace well-being, on site tours, seminars and clinics, camps, community service hours, able-bodied mounted and unmounted lessons, etc.