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 in accordance with the
EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS).
Our organization does not provide 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 equine-related.
Our organization does not
CURRENTLY 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
11: Total number of Equine Assisted Service Providers at Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park
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. Elise Boutet
FACILITY PARTICIPATION:
Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park
RELATIONSHIP: Employee
SERVICES PROVIDED:
Therapeutic Mounted Services
DEGREES, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
Elise is in the process of being a PATH Certified Instructors. She is currently completing her mentoring hours. She also serves as our Volunteer Coordinator.
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. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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
Overview of our programs involved with providing EAS to individuals with special needs:
Giant Steps offers therapeutic riding, unmounted therapeutic activities, 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, the unmounted lessons include engaging activities with horses that teach character development and reinforce life skills. These activities are 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.
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.
Our Programs/Activities that are not equine-related and/or involving animals other than equines:
N/A
POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAINING
Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
The owner 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 when the equine is acquired from the equine's owner other than by purchase from an auction or kill pen, or by seizure or by abandonment
The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
Not Checked:
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 is provided to our organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine attesting to the health status of the equine
Trial Period: Check all that apply:
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 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 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
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
Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
The equine is not quarantined
Not Checked:
The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time
The equine 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 to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a trained staff member upon arrival
A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned
Physical examination by a farrier
The equine is microchipped if the equine has not been microchipped
Not Checked:
Physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a veterinarian upon arrival
Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
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
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
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually
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
Not Checked:
Photographs are taken of each equine monthly and kept with the equine's health records
Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
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)
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 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:
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.
POLICIES: BREEDING
The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
Our organization does not conduct breeding of equines owned or under the care of our organization.
Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.
Not Checked:
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, breeds equines
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster facilities, are permitted to house stallions
POLICIES: EUTHANASIA
The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
Our organization will 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
Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours
Not Checked:
Our organization will never have an equine euthanized under any circumstances
Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian if the equine is a threat to itself, other equines, or people
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
POLICIES: RE-HOMING
View Re-homing AgreementOur 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
The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine
Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates
Not Checked:
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
Our organization conducts a site visit of the adopter/purchaser's facility before the transfer of the equine to the adopter/purchaser's facility
Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine
Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
Equines may 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
The organization will accept financial responsibility for equines in the current care of the organization that need to be retired or are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization if all alternatives have been explored to find the equine an appropriate placement and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization.
The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must 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 bred
The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
Not Checked:
The agreement states that the re-homed equine CANNOT be sold, adopted, transferred, auctioned, released, given away, or otherwise placed into the possession of another individual or organization under any circumstances and must be returned to our organization should the adopter decide that he/she is no longer able, or no longer wishes, to care for the equine.
The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, the adopter must grant the organization first right of refusal prior to the equine being placed into the possession of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
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 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 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 as long as the adopter/purchaser is responsible for the care of the equine
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
Farrier
Personal/Other
Not Checked:
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
Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
NA
EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION
Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs:
1Our organization does not
CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.
Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park
7600 Lakeville Highway Petaluma CA 94954
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 13
Total number of horses at this facility INCLUDING those counted above: 13
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 16
Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Use
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:
11Equine 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. Elise Boutet
5. Holly Hansen
6. Jen McWherter
7. Julie Larson
8. Mariah Shields
9. Nicole DeVito
10. Sean Willer
11. Sue Rickard
Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park
Veterinarian InformationVeterinarian: Jill Thornton
Clinic Name: Sonoma Marin Veterinary Services
1120 Industrial Ave Suite 13 & 14
Petaluma CA 94954
Phone: 707-763-1222
Overview: Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park (*Main)
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/Turnout Areas: 2
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 2 Covered Outdoor Rings: 1 Indoor Rings: 0
Regarding structures/barns where horses are housed other than run-in sheds:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s)? Yes How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled? 17+Regarding all shelters where horses are housed
including run-in sheds:
How often are the stalls/shelters cleaned, i.e., kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris? 6-7 Days a WeekDo all stalls/shelters allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around and provide protection from inclement weather (wind, sleet, rain, snow and extreme temperatures)? Yes Is there adequate ceiling & beam height (a minimum of 12 feet above the tip of the horse's ear) when standing in all stalls/shelters? Yes Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction? Yes Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to allow free flow of air to control temperature, and humidity, and to prevent air stagnation? Yes Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety in all areas of facility? Yes
Are fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) maintained and in good working order? Yes
Is there adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas of facility? Yes
Are the organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) and 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 turned out:
Equines are out 1 to 3 hours per day
The following describes the pastures at this facility:
This facility does not have pastures where equines 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 equines (i.e., trees)
Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
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 equines (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 equines
A security guard is present at night
There is a practice in place to monitor equines 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
Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park (*Main) 2025 and 2024 This section is required.
Horse Health Care/Barn Management Records: What system is used to collect and store health/horse care records?
Notebook or equivalent (technology not utilized)
Onsite computer with cloud-based backup storage system
The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
Equines are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to the equine's age, breed/type, condition, size, work level and any health issues, consisting of nutritious food provided in sufficient quantity and access to adequate natural forage, or be fed daily, or as recommended by the organization's veterinarian
Feed plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
Equines are fed grain 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 contaminants, debris and chemicals, protected from weather and other animals, and be positioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
Not Checked:
Equines are fed grain in groups
Medications are kept in a locked, climate-controlled area
Is clean, potable water available at all times for all equines, or if not at all times, at least twice daily? Yes
Hoof Care: How often is hoof care provided for each equine? Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises
Dental Care: How often is dental care provided for each equine? Annually and when an issue arises
Horse checks: How often are equines visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility? Every day or 6 days a week
Our organization has the following parasite and fly/insect control protocols in place, including remedies used to control flies and insects:
Our organization follows the parasite control guidelines of our veterinarian, including fecal testing and de-worming
Fly/Insect Control Remedies:
Premise Sprays/Insecticides
Fly Spray Repellent
Fly Masks
Fans
Not Checked:
The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
A specific individual is trained and assigned to care for sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy equines
Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Hand sanitizers and footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Trailers/vans used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cleaned and disinfected after each use and cleaning takes place away from where equines are sheltered
Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is not shared and is clearly labeled
Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is cleaned of organic debris and disinfected after each use
Latex gloves, or equivalent gloves, are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
Equines are not quarantined on arrival.
Not Checked:
Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
The organization has a written biosecurity plan
Staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
Volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined equines 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 equines
The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
Manure is piled in an area where equines 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 the state, local authorities, and/or our organization's veterinarian
The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
Equines are assigned the same exclusive stall each day
Name plates are located on the stall
Equines wear halters with nametags
A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
Equine 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 equines
Not Checked:
Photos are located on the stall
A map/diagram is posted showing the location of each equine with equine names and photos
Staff and volunteers are provided with an information packet with equine profiles, including photos and detailed descriptions
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
All equines have specifically assigned tack, apparel and equipment that is not shared
Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are fitted and utilized for each equine appropriate to the equine's needs and the weather conditions
Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are cleaned regularly as needed
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 an equine's body condition changes
Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine'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
No equines are ridden; not applicable.
Emergency Preparedness: Riverside Equestrian Center/Sonoma Horse Park: *Main This section is required.
The following plans, policies, and procedures are in place at the facility to handle emergencies and address weather related issues, fire safety procedures, and/or any additional hazardous scenarios the facility could potentially experience:
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
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 equines
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 equines are stalled
Permanent or temporary structures where equines 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: AnnuallySmoke detectors are checked: Not at all/NAElectrical Systems are checked: Not at all/NAFence lines are checked: WeeklyTurnout Areas are checked: DailySprinkler systems are checked: QuarterlyFire drills are conducted: QuarterlyReview of safety protocols with staff are conducted: QuarterlyReview of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: QuarterlyThe Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually
Equine Transportation
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
0 Owned onsite 1 Access onsite but not owned 3 Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
1 Owned onsite 0 Access onsite but not owned 1 Access offsite;
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
0 Owned onsite 0 Access onsite but not owned 0 Access offsite;
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
0 Owned onsite 0 Access onsite but not owned 0 Access offsite;
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
0 Owned onsite 0 Access onsite but not owned 0 Access offsite;
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
0 Owned onsite 0 Access onsite but not owned 0 Access offsite;