EQUUS Foundation

Select your PRIMARY mission type/focus:
Select Horse Welfare if your organization is primarily involved with the rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, retirement and re-homing of horses.
Select Public Service if your organization is primarily involved with conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS) or Outreach.
Select Sport & Recreation if your organization is primarily involved with the equestrian sport and/or sport/athletic-related recreational activities.

Please provide your purpose or mission limited to 50 words.

Please answer the following questions:

1.  Which of the following best describes your organization's responsibility for the care of horses/equines:
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
Our organization relies on other organization(s) for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of some of the equines involved in our programs and some of the equines in our programs are cared for and sheltered by other organization(s).
The mission of our organization is equine-related, but the programs we conduct do not involve the direct use, care or shelter of equines to fulfill our mission.

2. Are any of these equines involved with any mounted and/or unmounted programs and activities? Please select Yes or No.

3-a.  Does your organization provide Equine Transition Services - specific programs involved with horse rescue, foster care, rehabilitation, adoption, re-homing, and/or retirement?
Please select Yes or No.
Answer YES only if your organization conducts a specific program or programs aimed at the rescue, adoption, re-homing, and/or retirement of horses in transition that is clearly defined on your website. Answer NO unless your organization meets the criteria above even if your organization has adopted "rescued" horses or "rescued" horses participate in your EAS and/or Outreach programs.

3-b.  If yes, select one answer below that describes the primary activity of your organization.


4.  Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? Please select Yes or No.

5.  Does your organization provide Outreach and/or public education programs? Please select Yes or No.
*Before answering this question, click here to review the EQUUS Foundation definition of OUTREACH.

6. Has your organization ever made, or would 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? Please answer Other if equines have been or would be considered for use in research or medical training that does NOT involve invasive or painful procedures; otherwise, please answer Yes or No.

6-b. If you answered YES or Other, please list ALL circumstances and explain for what purpose equines have ever been or would be considered for use in research or medical training including research or medical training that involved invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine.

7. Has your organization ever sold, donated or given an equine to an auction or ever allowed, or would 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? Please answer Yes or No.

   7-b. If YES, describe the circumstances whereby your organization sold, donated or gave an equine to an auction that caused or allowed the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter or the circumstances whereby your organization would 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.

8. Does your organization 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? Please answer Yes or No.

   8-b. If YES, please provide a detailed explanation:

Please describe how your organization is involved with horses in the United States, i.e., programs that are outlined on your website involving:
      1 - equine rescue, rehabilitation, re-training, re-homing and/or retirement;
      2 - Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS);
      3 - outreach and other programs involving involving equine interactions (mounted and/or unmounted) with the public.

I. Business Practices

The organization is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as tax-exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) to which contributions are tax deductible pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 170(c)(2) as a public charity and the organization is not a private foundation.
The organization has operated as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity for at least two full operating years.
The organization conducts publicity and promotional activities based upon its actual program and operations, and that these activities are truthful and non-deceptive, include all material facts, and make no exaggerated or misleading claims.
The organization has a presence on the internet, i.e., a unique domain/url address that clearly defines its equine programs and ensure that the content displayed is kept current and based on actual programs and operations. A Facebook page is not acceptable.
The organization effectively uses funds contributed for its announced purposes.
The organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, national origin, disability, handicap, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
The 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.
The organization maintains its GuideStar profile annually at https://www.guidestar.org/ with the required minimum information to display the Guidestar seal reflecting the current year.
The organization abides by the EQUUS Foundation Code of Conduct.
The organization prepares and submits to the IRS a complete copy of the organization's IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N in accordance with IRS regulations that is no more than two (2) years old.
The organization prepares an annual financial statement.
The organization's total expenses are at least $10,000, such that 5% of the organization's total expenses exceeds $500.
The organization has a liquidity ratio of at least one (1) month and/or has sufficient cash reserves to offset net losses in any given year.
The organization tracks its direct equine costs in writing.
The organization's programs and activities are directed by an active and responsible governing body.
The governing body of the organization consists of at least three voting members.
The organization has a written conflict of interest policy that ensures that any compensated board member is a NON-VOTING (Independent) board member or that any compensated board member or any board member related to a compensated staff member, independent contractor, or any related board members, or any individual or organization that might benefit from a board decision, abstains from voting on issues impacting such compensation and requires officers, directors or trustees, and key employees to disclose at least annually in writing interests that could give rise to conflicts. The organization may be required to provide its written conflict of interest policy and the signed Conflict of Interest statements of its board members
The organization carries General Liability Insurance and may be requested to provide a Certificate of Insurance.
The organization attests in writing annually to the accuracy of its information displayed on the EQUUS Foundation Equine Welfare Network.

II. Equine Welfare Practices

The organization provides or conducts real services, benefits, assistance, or program activities involving equines in the United States.
The organization must provide programs that involve one or more of the following:
a - Shelter and rehabilitation for America's equines subjected to abuse and neglect, and at risk for slaughter
b - Retraining and re-homing of America's equines in transition with careers as athletes, companions, teachers, and healers
c - Peaceful and humane retirement and end of life for aged equines that ensures that they are able to live out their lives in comfort and with dignity
d - Mutually beneficial opportunities for people and equines to partner for the purpose of contributing positively to cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being
The organization has practices in place to ensure that all equines in the care of the organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program have access to clean drinking water at all times, or at least twice daily; nutritious food in sufficient quantity, including natural forage such as pasture grass and/or hay; appropriate veterinary, farrier, and dental care; shelter and protection from the weather; and sufficient safe space for equines to move around comfortably and where equines have contact with other equines.
The organization has practices in place to ensure that all equines in the care of the organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program are afforded immediate veterinary care if known or suspected to have an injury, accidental or deliberate, or exhibiting such signs as shock, colic, founder, tremors, swelling, broken bones, open wounds, inability to eat or drink, blistering as a result of fire, acid, etc., irregular or abnormal breathing, partial or total paralysis, abnormal discharge or bleeding, signs of disease, severe parasitic infestation or infection, loss of appetite, weight loss, abnormal skin condition or hair loss, temperature fluctuation, persistent diarrhea, inability to bear weight on a limb or lameness, or other such signs.
The organization conducts programs involving at least three equines.
Equines involved with the organization's programs are cared for or sheltered at one or more facilities.
The organization does not engage in any activity that disregards the welfare of animals of any kind, causes an animal to feel pain or fear, exploits or harms an animal to benefit the organization, or willfully slaughters an animal to benefit the organization.
The organization has not made and would not 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.
The organization abides by the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions.
The organization does not conduct breeding of equines owned or under the care of the organization that participates in the organization's programs.
The organization adheres to a policy which does not permit euthanasia of equines on the sole basis of needing space.
The organization has a practice in place that an equine will be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored.
The organization has a practice in place to euthanize an equine upon the recommendation of the veterinarian that the equine is a threat/danger to itself, other equines, other animals or people after all other remedies have been explored, excluding if, upon the recommendation of the veterinarian, the only remaining remedy is isolation from other equines, animals, and people, and that the safety of other equines, animals and people can be guaranteed.
Prior to a horse (equine) being accepted and/or arriving at the organization, records are required that vaccinations have been administered within the last 12 months, or if health records are not available or are out-of-date, either the owner will have appropriate vaccinations administered, or the organization will have its veterinarian administer appropriate vaccinations.
On the equine's arrival, the organization has its veterinarian or a trained staff member conduct a physical exam upon the equine's arrival to include temperature, pulse and respiration or the organization requires a health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival be provided to the organization attesting to the health status of the equine.
An organization that conducts programs where riding is or will be a key component has a mechanism in place to assess the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine to include but not limited to evaluating the limitations at least annually and maintaining a written record for each equine that documents the results of each evaluation of weight-carrying and workload limitations.
Vaccinations are administered at least annually
All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury.
All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury.
To ensure that an equine is free of contagious diseases on arrival, the organization adheres to a practice that either 1) quarantines an equine for a minimum of 7 days if the equine is arriving from a facility with minimal perceived risk or 21 days if the equine is arriving from a facility of unknown risk or 2) requires that a health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no more than seven days prior to arrival is provided to the organization either prior to or upon arrival of the equine attesting to the health status of the equine.
The organization has a mechanism in place to ensure that sick, affected, and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines, and that all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent spread of disease by humans, equipment, and/or disposal of potentially contaminated substances.
The organization operates in compliance with the biosecurity guidelines of the organization's veterinarian.
The organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) and emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information are conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations.
Human and equine First Aid kits easily accessible.
There is adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas, wiring is inaccessible to equines, and electrical systems and fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) are maintained for safety.
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 positioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
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.
Staff and volunteers are trained in proper feed measurements and protocols and observed periodically to ensure they are feeding correctly.
Shelters for equines have a roof, are kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects, and debris, provide protection from inclement weather conditions (i.e., wind, sleet, rain, snow, and temperature extremes) allow equines to lie down, stand up and turn around, have adequate ceiling & beam height (a minimum of 12" above the tip of the equine's ear) when standing, have good drainage and traction and have an adequate ventilation and circulation system in place to allow free flow of air to control temperature, and humidity, and to prevent air stagnation.
The organization has not allowed, and 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.
If an organization re-homes equines for any reason, the organization requires that all potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between the potential adopter/purchaser; such contract must state or reflect 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.
It is the position of the EQUUS Foundation that including this verbiage in the agreement reflects the shared recognition of the organization and the adopter that equines continue to be inhumanely 'slaughtered' and the shared commitment of the organization and the adopter to ensure that the equine be protected from slaughter for his or her lifetime.
1. This statement is not required to be included in the organization's re-homing agreement if the organization:
a - retains ownership of re-homed equine;
b - requires 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 the organization should the adopter no longer wish to, or cannot, care for the equine;
For an agreement to be binding on any future adopter, the agreement must include a statement that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, the 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 AND include the following statement below:
This agreement shall remain in effect until the death of the equine. The terms of this agreement are binding on any future adopter or any third-party person or entity taking possession of the equine and this agreement must be incorporated as an addendum to any future agreement.
The agreement may also include the statement: Any future adopter or any third-party person or entity taking possession of the equine must re-sign an agreement with our organization prior to the equine being placed into the possession of any future adopter or any third-party person or entity.
The organization acknowledges that approval may be denied if the organization has been investigated by any animal control or protection authority - federal, state or local - depending on when the investigation was conducted as well as the circumstances and outcome of the investigation.
For organizations that conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS), until such time there is consensus in the EAS community on terminology and enforcement of guidelines for conducting EAS, the organization conducts its EAS programs in compliance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines for Conducting Equine Assisted Services.

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