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Ride On St. Louis, Inc.
Hillsboro, MO
Location: The equine will be located at Ride On St. Louis, Forever Home, 9000 Grab Ln, Hillsboro, MO 63050
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Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 27
The organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1 Run-in sheds: 0
Pastures: 1 Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 1
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 0 Covered Outdoor Rings: 0
Indoor Rings: 0
Horses have assigned stalls in the structure(s) or exclusively assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier.
Horses are stalled for 9-12 hours per day, on average.
Horse Turn Out Practices:
Equines are out 9 to 15 hours per day
The following describes the pastures at this facility:
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
Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
This facility has a written plan in place for the maintenance of turnout areas, which includes a schedule for cleaning, manure removal, and dragging
A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
Turnout areas have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
Clean, potable water is available at all times for all equines, or if not at all times, at least twice daily
Hoof care is provided for each horse: Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises
Dental care is provided for each horse: Annually and when an issue arises
Each horse is visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility: Every day or 6 days a week
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The organization requires the following with respect to the health status of the equine prior to acceptance and arrival at the organization:
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
The organization has the following policies in place prior to an equine being accepted and/or arriving at the facility:
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
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 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
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
The organization assesses equines 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
Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
Mounting and dismounting
Riding at the walk
Riding at the trot
Riding at the canter
Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
Grooming
Bathing
Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time
Following arrival at the facility, the following is performed:
Physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a trained staff member upon arrival
Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned by a trained staff member upon arrival
Physical examination by a farrier
Physical examination by a dentist
Fecal test
Vaccinations
De-worming
The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by the veterinarian
Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):
As needed; no set schedule
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
Our organization evaluates at least annually and maintains a written record of the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden:
Equine age, weight, breed, body condition, fitness, balance, health and soundness
Equine conformation to include the top line, length of back, strength and width of loin, bone density (measured by the circumference of the cannon bone just below the knee)
Size, shape, condition and angle of the hooves
Participant weight, height, body proportions, balance, fitness and riding skills as well as behavioral issues and safety concerns
Weight and proper fit of the saddle and other equipment
Terrain and footing in the working environment
Duration and frequency of working sessions, as the frequency with which an equine is subjected to maximum weight carrying and/or workload
Nature and pace of work, repetitive or varied, radius of turns, degree of incline and regularity of footing when equine is subject to maximum weight-carrying capacity
Temperature and/or weather conditions
Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations
Additional information about intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
We have not taken a horse on trial or acquired a new horse at our center for several years. Intakes have received a physical exam conducted by our veterinarian PRIOR to arrival at the facility included in the PPE, as well as a chip scan, health record, or Coggins (as required). Prior to or following arrival, vaccinations (as required/recommended) are delivered in accordance with state and regional requirements, and a fecal test is administered followed by de-worming protocols if recommended. Upon arrival a trained staff member conducts a physical examination including temperature, heart rate, and respiration. Typical on-site quarantine is a minimum of 14 days with an average of 21 days.
Formal training is scheduled specific to the individual horse. Frequency, duration, and intent vary. Mounted and ground-driving exercises are on hold as we work toward establishing a safe and appropriate arena with proper grading, footing, and fencing. While we are actively installing the arena, necessary excavation work must be completed first to ensure a stable and secure training environment. In the meantime, each horse continues to receive ongoing mental conditioning, enrichment, and positive behavior shaping. We continuously monitor their mental and physical condition and tailor activities and program involvement accordingly to maintain their well-being. All equine involvement is thoughtfully assigned based on each horse’s current fitness and appropriateness for participation. Once the arena is fully prepared, formal mounted or ground driven training (on lunge or long lines) will resume at an appropriate level on a structured schedule.
Each horse in our care is evaluated for weight-carrying and workload limitations, regardless of the extent of their involvement in our programs. Some equines may or may not be ridden by qualified trainers and exercisers if it is suitable for that equine’s health, conditioning and training needs, but Ride On St. Louis does not currently offer or provide mounted programming for client services.
Sidewalker training includes components that would incorporate a mounted horse, either by volunteers and or staff, with respect to the equine’s carry-weight limit. Each potential sidewalker in training completes a liability and release waiver. We did not offer Sidewalker training with mounted components in 2024 due to our relocation. Ride On St. Louis currently utilizes portions of our Sidewalker training and Sidewalker training manual to train unmounted safety and best practices for volunteers and staff in roles outside the scope of Sidewalker.
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.
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Rehoming
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
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
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
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
Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates
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 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 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 re-homed equines cannot be bred
The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled 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 organization requires references from the following:
Veterinarian
Farrier
Personal/Other
Transfer of ownership occurs:
Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase) or less than one year
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 remain at our organization for their lifetimes
Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
Equines may be returned to their owners
In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
Additional information about rehoming policies and practices:
Horses generally remain at our facility and in our care while they are on-trial, training, actively serving, and retired from services. If a horse is being leased, he may return to his owner after he has been discharged from the program. In the past, some horses have been permanently retired to equine retirement home Out2Pasture in Columbia, MO. Since 2020, our retired horses have entered into Ride On St. Louis's permanent retirement program Always Home, and remain on our property and in our care for the remainder of their life. In extremely rare cases, horses that our equine management team have determined unsuited to equine-assisted services, but may be suited for other careers or activities, are re-homed to appropriate individuals and or organizations with vetted and qualified owners/staff, caretaking protocol, and riders/trainers. Price is subject to vary with each individual case. New owners may sell the horse under circumstances outlined in our contract. Ride On St. Louis retains first right of refusal to re-possess the Equine, and a price from $0-TBD will be negotiated between both parties. If ownership is transferred, Ride On St. Louis will approve the transfer prior to the sale or transfer, and the subsequent owner will complete a copy of the Agreement, and be bound by the terms. Ride On St. Louis has never permitted and will never permit an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or placed in the possession of any individual or entity that could result in the horse being sent to auction for slaughter. Agreement also states that mares shall not be kept in proximity to a stud or non-gelded equine, either by accident or purposefully. Mares will not be transferred to an Adopter whose facility has a stud or non-gelded equine residence.
View Re-homing Agreement
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The 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 remain at our organization for their lifetimes
Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
Equines may be returned to their owners
In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
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 if the equine is a threat to itself, other equines, or people
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
Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility
Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours
The following are authorized to administer the procedure for the organization in accordance with state laws:
Veterinarian
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Ride On St. Louis, Inc.
9000 Grab Ln
Hillsboro MO 63050
636-464-3408
Last Updated 2025-07-21
Public Charity
Mission/How we are involved with horses:
Ride On St. Louis promotes health and enriches lives through love, joy and holistic healing. Our credentialed experts have met rigorous criteria and standards of practice in the field, demonstrating a deep understanding of disabilities, equines, teaching methodologies and human-animal interactions, to provide equestrian instruction and therapeutic value to people, by ethically partnering with specifically selected and conditioned equine athletes and companions. Our programs focus on facilitating function, integration, and or increasing overall wellness to benefit people with mild to medically complex health challenges, and ensure the optimal wellbeing of the equines in our care and service.
Primary Focus involving horses
(Horse Welfare, Public Service, Sport & Recreation):
Public Service
The organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in the organization's programs.
The organization conducts Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine-Assisted Services (EAS)). The organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses. 100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
The organization conducts its horse-related programs at one facility.
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EIN: 43-1885666
Founded: 1998
2025
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206/3976/501
