EQUINE WELFARE NETWORK PROFILE
Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc.

http://www.giantstepsriding.org




Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc.
7600 Lakeville Highway
PETALUMA, CA 94954

Mailing Address:
1390 N. McDowell Blvd., Suite G #331
PETALUMA, CA 94954


Phone: 707-769-8900
MAKE AN INQUIRY

View our WEBSITE

View our GUIDESTAR PROFILE

EIN: 68-0404917
Founded: 1998

View our PHOTO GALLERY

Profile Last Updated July 5, 2024

Public Charity



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 Agreement
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
    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: 1
Our 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:  11

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. 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 Information
Veterinarian: 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 Week
Do 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: 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 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;


DISCLAIMER: The listing of this organization on this site is not an endorsement.  If you have concerns about this organization, please contact us here.

© Copyright 2018 EQUUS Foundation                            81 EWN Yes