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Kentucky Foothills Therapeutic Horsemanship Center
Richmond, KY
Location: The equine will be located at KFTHC at Jacks Creek Riding Stables, 292 Jacks Creek Rd, Richmond, KY 40475
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Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 6
The organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 2 Run-in sheds: 0
Pastures: 3 Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 6
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1 Covered Outdoor Rings: 0
Indoor Rings: 1
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 1-3; 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
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)
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
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
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
The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
Equines are on trial up to 60 days
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
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
Coggins test
Blood work other than Coggins
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 massage therapist
Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist
Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
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:
All of KFTHC's equines are trained using the Parelli Seven Games and in conjunction with Monty Roberts and other equine practitioners' best practices. Prior to use by participants, all equines are assessed annually and as needed using a "Trial Horse Checklist. Only trained, steady and "bomb proof" equines are mounted using the Life Essentials Equestrian Lift.
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
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 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 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 organization requires references from the following:
Veterinarian
Farrier
Personal/Other
Transfer of ownership occurs:
After 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
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
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
Additional information about the euthanasia policies and practices:
KFTHC’S POLICY ON EUTHANASIA
American Association of Equine Practitioners Guidelines for Euthanasia (2011)
KFTHC follows AAEP recommendations that the following guidelines be considered in evaluating the need for humane euthanasia of a horse. The attending veterinarian is often able to assist in making this determination, especially regarding the degree to which the horse is suffering. It should be pointed out that each case should be addressed on its individual merits and that the following are guidelines only. It is not necessary for all criteria to be met. Horses may be euthanized at an owner’s request for other reasons, as the owner has sole responsibility for the horse’s care. Prior to euthanasia, clear determination of the insurance status of the horse should be made as this policy constitutes a contract between owner and insurance carrier.
In accordance with American Veterinary Medical Association’s position on euthanasia of animals, the AAEP accepts that humane euthanasia of unwanted horses or those deemed unfit for adoption is an acceptable procedure once all available alternatives have been explored with the client. A horse should not have to endure conditions of lack of feed or care erosive of the animal’s quality of life. This is in accord with the role of the veterinarian as animal advocate.
The following are guidelines to assist in making humane decisions regarding euthanasia of horses.
• A horse should not have to endure continuous or unmanageable pain from a condition that is chronic and incurable.
• A horse should not have to endure a medical or surgical condition that has a hopeless chance of survival.
• A horse should not have to remain alive if it has an unmanageable medical condition that renders it a hazard to itself or its handlers.
• A horse should not have to receive continuous analgesic medication for the relief of pain for the rest of its life.
• A horse should not have to endure a lifetime of continuous individual box stall confinement for prevention or relief of unmanageable pain or suffering.
Techniques for Euthanasia – The following techniques for performing euthanasia of horses by properly trained personnel are deemed acceptable:
1. Intravenous administration of an overdose of barbiturates
2. Gunshot to the brain (http://vetmed.iastate.edu/HumaneEuthanasia) Shearer JK, Nicoletti P. Humane euthanasia of sick, injured and/or debilitated livestock. University of Florida IFAS Extension)
3. Penetrating captive bolt to the brain (http://vetmed.iastate.edu/HumaneEuthanasia) Shearer JK, Nicoletti P. Humane euthanasia of sick, injured and/or debilitated livestock. University of Florida IFAS Extension)
4. Intravenous administration of a solution of concentrated potassium chloride (KCl) with the horse in a surgical plane of general anesthesia.
5. Alternative methods may be necessary in special circumstances.
Special Considerations for the Insured Horse and Cases Involving Multiple Practitioners: Each insurance policy for a horse is a contract between the horse owner and the insurance company and will dictate the specific terms and conditions concerning the payment of a mortality claim. Careful consideration should be given to possible “conflicts of interest” as referenced in the Ethical and Professional Guidelines in the AAEP Resource Guide and Membership Directory. The attending, consulting and referring veterinarians should follow the Ethical and Professional Guidelines under section IV, “Attending, Consulting and Referring,” as described in the AAEP Resource Guide & Membership Directory.
ADDITION: KFTHC would never use "Captive Bolt to the brain" or "Gunshot to the brain" unless the veterinarian was unable to use any other method due to the presenting circumstances, of which there are several, including time factors due the seriousness of the horse's condition. At KFTHC we have never used any other method than Veterinarian Intravenous administration of a solution of concentrated potassium chloride (KCl) with the equine in a surgical plane of general anesthesia.
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Kentucky Foothills Therapeutic Horsemanship Center
292 Jacks Creek Rd
Richmond KY 40475
606-965-2158
Last Updated 2025-07-31
Public Charity
Mission/How we are involved with horses:
The Kentucky Foothills Therapeutic Horsemanship Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals with physical, emotional and developmental disabilities. This we do by facilitating the exploration of the age-old relationship between horse and human. This is done in a manner which acknowledges the needs and the abilities of each and every rider.
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: 46-3425636
Founded: 2012
2025
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2432/3702/497
