MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Bagaduce River Equine Rescue's mission is to provide food, shelter, farrier and veterinary care to horses and donkeys in need and find safe, knowledgeable homes after rehabilitation. For those horses that are unable to find forever homes, we offer sanctuary for the remainder of their lives.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue, adoption & retirement
Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
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).
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.

Our organization CURRENTLY uses satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities which adhere to all the policies, procedures and practices of our organization or did in the previous year. Facility information is provided for the organization's main, satellite and overflow facilities.
Summary of organization's recent accomplishments, goals, strategies to achieve the goals, and capabilities to meet the goals, including its long-term plans to sustain its programs:
Although our intake numbers for 2024 were smaller than previous years, (9 in 2023 / 5 in 2024) we accomplished wonderful things and developed our program throughout the year. We brought five new horses into our program and adopted four to forever homes. Our sanctuary program remains full currently with eight horses living permanently at our barn. When full, we assist owners with finding new homes for their horses that need to relocate. We leave the decision making in the owners’ hands. However, we assist with educating the owner regarding the need for vet and farrier references and we also help promote these horses on our social media platforms. We have provided at least four homes with hay when they needed a little extra help. We accept donated blankets, and we offer these blankets to the community, helping keep our local horses warm and dry. We have been developing our Board of Directors and learning how to become an effective group. We have a solid Board at this time that actively participates in decisions made at the rescue. We have developed a Humane Euthanasia fund as well as a Gelding fund. We have assisted three individuals with the cost of humanely euthanizing their horses as well as one older gelding surgery. We sent a group of volunteers and Board members to a clinic on Large Animal Rescue. With this education, we realized how important this issue is in our very rural area of Maine. We have received a grant to host our own Large Animal Rescue clinic and purchase the equipment needed to assist large animals in need. We will be inviting local first responders and any community members that are interested in this education. We hosted our second biennial Equine Extravaganza. This is a day long event of hosting clinicians, veterinarians, trainers, vendors and experts in individual equine matters. We had a donkey expert as well as speakers from the University of Maine system teaching pasture management and an entomologist teaching about specific equine pests. This event was open to the public free of charge and the attendance was amazing. Over one hundred visitors attended, some for a few hours, some for the entire day. We have hosted two events open to the public to celebrate Halloween and Christmas. Families with children as well as adult individuals came and celebrated our horses and our community.
     Our long-term goal for BRER is to develop a second location that will eventually become the main facility, and the present location will remain the sanctuary facility. Our Board of Directors is collaborating closely with an individual interested in providing the property for this project and our hopes are this goal will continue to develop over the next few years.
     For this coming year, we plan to develop and strengthen our foster program. This will allow us to continue to take in horses and donkeys at risk and in need while keeping our present facility under our maximum capacity of twelve. We will be working closely with potential foster homes and matching them closely with horses that will fit into their families. This will not only provide a solid rehabilitation period for the horse, but the family will also benefit by the mutual bonding of the rescue they bring into their lives. By having a list of pre-approved foster homes for horses after quarantine, we will be able to continue helping abused, neglected and surrendered horses and donkeys while allowing our sanctuary horses to live a peaceful life with space to run with their herd and quality of life tailored for their senior needs.



Please describe what steps your organization takes to ensure that:
1) all interactions between your equines and people are mutually beneficial and conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions stated below;
2) all equines in the care of our organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program have access to clean drinking water at all times; 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; sufficient safe space to move around comfortably on a daily basis; and daily opportunity to freely interact and have contact with other equines:

At our rescue, visitors are not allowed to enter the pasture with the herd or interact with individual horses unless accompanied by a staff member. With each interaction, we instruct any handler on equine body language and allow each horse and donkey to have a 'voice'. There are times that we need to perform certain activities that the horse would rather not have done. With these situations, we acknowledge their feelings and wishes while we perform unpleasant tasks. Each horse and donkey are assessed for their individual needs by licensed veterinarian, equine dentist, farrier, and equine chiropractor. Because all our equines have experienced trauma in their lives, we continuously evaluate their physical as well as their psychological needs.
     We strongly believe that horses thrive in a herd environment and all our equine spend their days in the pasture together as a herd. The donkeys are in a separate dry paddock. They have access to 24/7 forage, fresh clean water (heated in the winter) and freedom to move. Each equine has its own space at night with an attached paddock for freedom to choose to be inside or outside. Each paddock is adjoined by the next horse. In extreme inclement weather, we can close the barn doors for protection from the elements.

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     We at BRER not only rescue from killpens, but also purchase at risk horses at auctions before they reach the killpens. We accept owner surrenders and search out horses for sale that are at risk. After quarantine if needed, they are brought to our barn and allowed to breath, acclimate and adjust for as long as they need. They are fed, watered and allowed to just live for the moment, while the whole time we evaluate their physical as well as mental needs. We give them as much time as they need to recover from whatever situations they have been in, working closely with a trainer and giving each horse individual attention as they require. When they are in a safe place in their minds and bodies, we begin searching for their forever barn. For some, the task of rehoming, having them adjust yet again to another life, is beyond what we will ask of them. These horses need to simply find a soft landing and they will stay with our small herd for as long as they live. We believe humane euthanasia is a way of rescuing those animals that would otherwise live in pain or fear that could not be overcome. We work hard to learn the individual personalities and will only place in a new home if the match will be mutually beneficial.
Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Our goal is to educate the public about over breeding, flipping of horses, humane euthanasia and the neglect and abuse that some horses experience because of lack of a knowledge. We try hard to give unbiased information about the plight of our nation's unwanted horses. We educate the public about where their horse may end up if they are taken to an auction. We also advocate for humane euthanasia and have developed a humane euthanasia fund dedicated to assist owners with this difficult decision. A gelding fund has been developed to help those owners that might otherwise not neuter their stallions, creating the potential for unplanned breeding. This helps the horse live a safer and less stressful life and helps prevent dangerous behavior with inexperienced handlers. As our rescue becomes larger and more of a community run organization, we are developing a large following on social media. We reach out to local groups for field trips and ‘meet and greet’ get togethers. Our open house events have become anticipated by the community and are a great way to give back to our supporters. We find that by telling the story of each horse, their personalities and their experiences, our social media supporters will follow their story and this gives us the opportunity to educate the public through the horses voice.

Research/Medical Use of Equines:
Our organization has made equines available for research studies or medical training.
Please explain where and for what purpose equines are/were provided to use in research or medical training. 
     We have never had any of our equines used for research or medical training, however, if we could help with research or training that did not involve invasive procedures or cause pain or suffering, we would definitely consider doing so.

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. 

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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
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Trial Period: Check all that apply:
    Equines are not taken on trial

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
    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:   20 to 30 days

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 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
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist

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
    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
    Jumping
    Driving (Pulling a carriage)
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    Clipping
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

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 by the veterinarian
    Vaccinations are administered at least annually
    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

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


Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   As needed; no set schedule

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
We work closely with a local trainer to evaluate each horse's abilities before placing them in a new home. We want the transition to go smoothly and successfully, therefore, we are open about all issues that may arise. We quarantine off site for those equine that have a high risk of exposure to contagious disease. If the horse/donkey has been in relative confinement in its previous location, we quarantine on site.

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.

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 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 your organization in accordance with state laws:
    Veterinarian

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
In an emergency and under the verbal guidance of a certified veterinarian, we would allow euthanasia of a horse by gunshot to the brain by a person qualified and experienced in this procedure, however, we have never had to administer euthanasia by this method to date.

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
    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

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 remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
    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 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 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 re-homed equines cannot be bred
    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

Our organization requires references from the following:
    Veterinarian
    Farrier
    Personal/Other

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Our organization retains ownership of the equine for its lifetime

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
Not applicable; None received


Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Our 'at capacity' limit ensures that all horses and donkeys at our facility have large pastures to live and each have a stall if needed. In the case of a returned animal and we are at capacity, we have several options. One is to divide one of our paddocks into a smaller temporary living space until a larger area can be constructed. Each of our paddocks have run in shelters that can house extra horses if needed. We also have several foster homes that are willing to take in a horse on an emergency, short term basis, providing us the time to create a suitable space at our barn.

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 2
Our organization CURRENTLY uses satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities which adhere to all the policies, procedures and practices of our organization or did in the previous year. Facility information is provided for the organization's main, satellite and overflow facilities.

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Bagaduce River Equine Rescue
111 BAGADUCE RD Brooksville ME 04617
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 9

Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 12

Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Lease

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.
     Douglas Radziewicz 287-3846 Douglas.Radziewicz@maine.gov District Humane Agent, Animal Welfare Program, Dept. of Ag. 28 State House Station, Augusta, Me., 04333

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)? No

(6) stalls have the option of the horse going in/out into a small paddock while in the barn. (2) stalls are enclosed and the horses do not have access to a paddock in these 2 stalls - During enclement weather, the horses are stalled from 8 - 12 hours maximum, however, during most of the year, the horses in the 6 open stalls have the option to come and go as they please. We also have 2 true run in sheds that horses are housed in during the spring, summer and fall where they have access to pasture 24/7.

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Bagaduce River Equine Rescue

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Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Dennis Ruskinis
Clinic Name: Foxcroft Large Animal Associates
1441 Dexter Rd
Dover Foxcroft   ME   04426
Phone: 207-717-3023

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Overview: Bagaduce River Equine Rescue (*Main)
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 10
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 2  Run-in sheds: 2
Pastures: 2  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 5
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 0
















Are the organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are the organization's emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes    

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the barn/structure(s) or exclusively assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier?    Yes    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or restricted to these sheltered exclusive shelter locations? 0-3;
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    
Are stalls/shelters kept in good repair, with adequate ceiling height, and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris?    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    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 24/7
    Equines are out 24/7 except they are brought in if there is inclement weather

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    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:
    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

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    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
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Bagaduce River Equine Rescue (*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)

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/or 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.
    Medications are kept in a secure 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:
    Fly parasites
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    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
    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 are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is removed from the facility - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
    Quarantine areas, such as stalls, aisle ways, paddocks, and common areas, are cleaned (and needed, disinfected) after conclusion of the quarantine.
    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
    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

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
    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/shelter location each day
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    Equine photos and profiles are available on the website
    Team leaders work with new staff/volunteers until they are able to identify the equines

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
    Saddles are shared
    Saddle pads are shared
    Bridles are shared
    Bits are 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
     Halters are shared
    Tack is cleaned only when needed
    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
    Helmets are replaced after a fall

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Emergency Preparedness: Bagaduce River Equine Rescue: *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 owns or has access to a generator
    The facility maintains at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings and medications
    The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
    The organization has a written emergency preparedness/safety plan (EPP)
The written EPP addresses the following areas:
    Local fire department and/or the state's emergency planning department procedures
    Medical emergencies for equines


The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited
    NO SMOKING signs are posted prominently
    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

How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Quarterly
Fence lines are checked: Weekly
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: Not at all/NA
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Annually
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Annually
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Not at all/NA

Equine Transportation: 3= Onsite: 1 (0 + 1) + Offsite: 2
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Access onsite but not owned  1 Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Access offsite;
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Access offsite;
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
    
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Financial Reporting
Budget:  $100K to $500K
Equine Budget:   $50K to $100K
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 12
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Compilation
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990


Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  10
Number of Board Members:  6  Number of Voting Board Members:  6

Board Compensation:
Is the Board Chair compensated?  Yes  Is the Treasurer compensated?  No
Are there any other Voting Board Members that are compensated?  No
If yes, provide the name, title and responsibility of each VOTING Board member who is compensated:
Kelly Saunders, Founder and Board Chair, owns the facility where programs are conducted and is compensated for the use of the facility.


Board/Staff Relationships:
Are any members of the Board, Staff or Program Participants related to each other through family or business relationships? No

Board/Staff Affiliations:
Are any Board members providing services to your organization or compensated by your organization, or are any Board members or staff members associated with and/or compensated by another organization with a relationship or business affiliation to your organization? Yes
If yes, provide the name, title, responsibility and family/business relationship of each Board and/or Staff member, and the name of the related organization.
The CSO and Founder, Kelly Saunders, owns the facility where programs are conducted and is compensated.

Conflict of Interest:
Does your organization have 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?  Yes


Compliance:
Below is a list all local, state and federal licenses held by the organization, and/or accreditations or compliances with the published standards of an accrediting organization, if applicable:  Maine State rescue/shelter license 2025

Organization documents available on our website:
    Adoption/Foster Agreement

Organization documents available on request:
    Most recent Financials
    Most recent IRS Form 990
    Most recent Annual Report
    Equine Intake Guidelines
    Adoption/Foster Agreement
    Volunteer Handbook
    Bylaws


Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Kelly Saunders, co founder and manager
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  0  Part-Time:  1  Volunteers:  5
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    Our organization has a practice in place to ensure that the organization has sufficient knowledge of the background of prospective staff and independent contractors that may impact the safety of your clients and your horses, such as whether prospective staff/independent contractors serving in the capacity as staff have been convicted of a sexual offense or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect. Such practices must comply with local, state, and federal mandates.
    Staff and/or contractors are required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Staff and/or contractors provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Staff and/or contractors have a written job description
    Staff and/or contractors are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Staff and/or contractors are updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Staff and/or contractors receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Staff and/or contractors have a supervisor and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities

Volunteer Recruitment, Screening and Training processes:
    Prospective volunteers complete a written application/agreement
    Our organization has a practice in place to ensure that the organization has sufficient knowledge of the background of prospective volunteers that may impact the safety of your clients and your horses, such as whether prospective volunteers have been convicted of a sexual offense or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect. Such practices must comply with local, state, and federal mandates.
    Volunteers required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Volunteers provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Volunteers are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Volunteers are updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Volunteers receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Volunteers are assigned a supervisor (staff member and/or senior volunteer) and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The supervisor assesses the volunteer's abilities and assigns specific duties to the volunteer based on their skills

Additional explanation regarding governance, staffing and volunteer practices or further explanation of the answers above.
Our rescue is run by myself and one other member of the board. 3 volunteers and 1 part time employee. Board members include Kelly Saunders, co-founder, owner of barn, Mary Cockburn, co-founder, Erin Banis, Naomi Bowden, Christine Black (treasurer), Ren Albon (secretary)