Are we the next chapter for your horse?
Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida
POMPANO BEACH, FL
Location: The equine will be located at Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida, 3601 West Sample Road, POMPANO BEACH, FL 33073
Click on photo to view larger image
Close X
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 5.25
The organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 1 Run-in sheds: 0
Pastures: 5 Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 1
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1 Covered Outdoor Rings: 1
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 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
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
Close X
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If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations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 for 60 or more days
The trial period may be reduced based on the equine's progress
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
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 veterinarian upon arrival
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 veterinarian upon arrival
Physical examination by a farrier
Coggins 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 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):
Weekly
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)
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
Additional information about intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
The horse herd members at Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida (EATSF) are invaluable assets to the mission of the organization. As a Premier Accredited Center (PAC) with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, we set the highest standards possible when working for and with our horse herd.
The following Herd Stewardship Standard Operating Procedure outlines and provides guidance on the on-boarding, care, specialized limitations, and retirement of EATSF horses. These processes reflect current PAC standards for equine care and management.
RECRUITMENT AND ON BOARDING
The Barn Manager at Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida (EATSF) is responsible for evaluating the current herd and determining prospective herd needs based on collaboration from the program team members and the strategic direction of the organization. The horse herd should reflect the program service needs of the organization. EATSF serves participants through four programs:
- Therapeutic Riding (TR)
- Hippotherapy (HIPPO)
- Unmounted Horsemanship (UH)
- Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
EATSF horses shall be able to serve participants within multiple programs.
While potential herd members are considered on a case-by-case basis, the organization also utilizes the following general elements in the screening process:
- Age: Between the ages of 7-12
- Soundness: Must be sound at all three gaits (walk, trot, canter)
- Medical history: Must have limited medical issues that could cause pain, lameness, or increased care/expense later in life
- Size and Confirmation: Between 14.2 – 18 hands with a body shape that fits the current needs of the program
- Temperament: Must be able to be patient and have the ability to withstand sidewalkers, handlers, toys and a variety of accessible tools
- Training: Must have a basic training background in English or Western pleasure with decent ground manners. Other disciplines will be considered in order to provide the best benefit to EATSF programming
- Movement: Must have a gait which provides the best possible feedback to the EATSF participant
These elements are subject to change based on the current needs of EATSF. The organization does not consider gaited horses of any kind. This includes but is not limited to Standardbreds, Paso Finos, etc.
During the trial period, the EATSF Barn Manager will consult with the veterinarian, farrier, and/or the equine dentist to determine if the horse has any long-term health challenges that may make long-term service difficult.
The horse will also be worked with by the EATSF professional staff on a variety of therapeutic program requirements. Notes are kept and maintained by the EATSF Barn Manager.
EATSF makes every effort to find donated herd members. If the organization requires a horse of a specific size, age, or confirmation, EATSF may consider an outright purchase. The Barn Manager collaborates with the fundraising team in order to determine if there are funders that can assist with the purchase.
Schooling and exercise schedules incorporate both mounted riding and groundwork to give each horse a well-rounded program. This includes but is not limited to:
- Flat work
- Trail riding
- Lungeing (with and without side reins)
- Free Lungeing
- Groundwork/ground training (body language, voice commands and lead rope use)
The Schooling and Exercise schedule is changed after every session (10 weeks) due to each horse’s program usage hours and evolving/specific needs. While schooling and exercise do not count against a herd members maximum program hours (explained below), the barn and program team must remain vigilant with total work hours for each horse on a weekly basis.
All schooling team members are expected to act in the best interest of EATSF and follow all safety protocols that are set by the organization.
As a Premier Accredited Center with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, EATSF abides by all standards regarding herd regulations in order to be good stewards of the mission of PATH, International and of the horses in the care of EATSF.
Weight limitations are different for each center. EATSF sets a weight limit of 190 pounds, regardless of ability or riding-level of the rider.
This weight limit is based on the health and condition of the current herd and can be changed by organizational leader
ship at any time to preserve the health of the herd and the program team members.
This weight limit is determined using multiple factors:
- Horses:
- Initial height and weights of all herd members are collected by the Barn Manager.
- In consultation with the veterinarian and the instructor team members, specific weight limits are determined for each herd member based on the following calculations:
- Initial Weight x 20% (Body Weight) minus 20 pounds for Tack and Equipment
- Multiplied by 1% for age
- Multiplied by 1% to 3% for health and/or expected activity level. Confirmation is considered when determining the Grace Percentage, this is an additional percentage of 1% to 10% depending on the special needs of the horse.
- Balanced Rider Weight is the Final Weight Limit with 10 pounds added.
- Humans:
- Weight limits for riders are considered in the event of an emergency. When performing an emergency dismount, the instructor must dismount the rider from the mounted position to the ground quickly. The 200-pound weight limit is made in consideration of the physical capabilities of the EATSF Program Team.
It is the responsibility of the Barn Manager to update the weight limitations on the following document every quarter (3 times/year).
Participants are matched to horses every session based on weight, horse confirmation and horse usage hours. In the event that a participant cannot ride, the EFL program as offered as a continuation of service from the ground.
EATSF sets stringent rules regarding horse usage hours in order to ensure that horses are not overworked during a given week. It is the responsibility of the Program Director to update usage hours after use.
Work hours are defined as "service within a program."
At EATSF, the parameters for horse work hours are as follows:
- No horse shall work over ten (10) hours during the week.
- No horse shall work over three (3) hours in a given day (unless there is medical/health issue with a herd member and the horse is an acting substitute).
- EATSF shall make every effort to give each horse at least two (2) days off during the week.
Work hours do not include schooling and exercise or volunteer training activities. When scheduling horses for these functions, the EATSF staff member must take the horses weekly work hours into consideration and consult with the EATSF Barn Manager prior to scheduling the horse for an activity.
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.
Close X
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
Potential adopters/purchasers must visit our organization and be observed with the equine on site
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 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:
In the event that the horse is retired and the retirement contact desires to sell, give away, or otherwise dispose of the EATSF retired horse, the retirement contact grants EATSF first right of refusal.
Any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the rehoming/Bill of Sale 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 for be sold at auction for slaughter.
- Barn Manager will draft a “Transfer of Ownership Document” document for the rehoming of a retired EATSF horse.
View Re-homing Agreement
Close X
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
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:
It is the responsibility of the Barn Manager to determine when other measures might be in the best interest of the horse (euthanasia), due to extreme or rapid health deterioration or sudden illness.
Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida (EATSF) will make every effort to exhaust all other options for a horse before opting for euthanasia. Horses with an injury or illness will be provided with preventative and intervention care, and horses that exhibit extreme behavior challenges will be trained to determine the best possible outcome for the horse.
EATSF will only euthanize a horse at the recommendation of the organization’s veterinarian, and will do so on the EATSF campus, unless the horse is off-site for a veterinary procedure (i.e. colic surgery). EATSF will only euthanize using IV medications, which will be provided and administered by the EATSF veterinarian.
If a horse needs to be euthanized during an active program session, the program will close for the duration of the euthanasia, disposal, and clean-up. Only essential and designated staff will be present for the euthanasia. The Barn Manager/Executive Director is responsible for working with the EATSF veterinarian to move the body from the EATSF property immediately following the time of death, not to exceed a 12-hour timeframe.
If a retired horse under the ownership of a retirement contact needs to be euthanized, the retirement contact will provide notice to EATSF staff in a timely manner. The decision to euthanize a retired EATSF horse under the care of a retirement contact is the choice of the retirement contact.
Close X
Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida
3601 West Sample Road
POMPANO BEACH FL 33073
954-974-2007
Last Updated 2025-07-30
Public Charity
Mission/How we are involved with horses:
Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida is dedicated to providing therapeutic riding and equine activities to children and adults with special needs so that they may improve physically, mentally and emotionally.
We envision a place where abilities are strengthened, where activities lead to self-confidence, and each person can experience life without limits.
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.
|
EIN: 59-2211126
Founded: 1982
2025
|
View our WEBSITE
View our GUIDESTAR PROFILE
View our EQUINE WELFARE NETWORK PROFILE
2509/3906/490
