EQUUS Foundation

MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Aftercare for Thoroughbred horses in their post racing lives. Aftercare for Virginia Thoroughbred Project includes rehabilitation, retraining, adoption and also life as a sanctuary horse if unable to have a second career or rehomed.
     The Virginia Thoroughbred Project also provides opportunities for local youth to learn about educational topics related to horses.

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 equines involved in our programs.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.

Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.

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:

*Missing

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     The Virginia Thoroughbred Project provides rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming and retirement as a sanctuary horse at the VTP facility. VTP has the ability to provide rehabilitation to horses. VTP takes horses from Aftercare Charlestown, privately owned horses at risk, rescue from kill pen and seizures for rehabilitation to be adopted by VTP or life as a sanctuary horse at VTP if adoption is not an option. Horses that come into our care are evaluated for soundness and overall potential and suitability for various riding disciplines. Horses that are suitable for a second career are restarted/retrained and then will enter our adoption program. Emphasis is on matching the horse to the potential adopters abilities. If a horse is not suitable to be transitioned to a riding horse, for either physical or behavioral aspects, the horse will live his/her life out at VTP as a sanctuary horse. VTP's intake policy includes at risk horses identified by various sources, including the broader aftercare community as well as rescues situations.

     After Care Charlestown send VTP horses that they are placing as part of their mission, to find homes for horses coming off the track at Charlestown. We do not send horses to Charlestown for retraining as they are just a placement service for horses that have raced at Charlestown.

Outreach and/or Public Education:

Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Started in May 2023, VTP is conducting a eight week program with the Boys and Girls Club of Orange Virginia. The program will focus on educational aspects of horse care and barn management. For example, the kids will learn about financial aspects of caring for horses, veterinary science and nutrition, the environmental science and various careers involving horses. At the end of the program, students will design a model barn. The kids will also have the opportunity to tour James Madison's Montpelier. the program will be lead entirely by VTP board members and staff and the Orange Boys and Girls Club staff. The inaugural program occurred in June-July 2023 and our third year is currently in progress.

     VTP will also be offering our facility to women Veteran groups through the Wounded Warrior program. Our first session was September 7, 2024. Participants will be able to learn about, ride and groom horses. VTP will host Wounded Warriors again on Sept 6,2025

Research/Medical Use of Equines:
Our organization has never made, and would not ever consider making, equines available for research studies or medical training that involves invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine.

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.

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
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from 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

Not Checked:

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

Not Checked:
The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine off-site for a prescribed period of time
The equine is not quarantined

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 veterinarian upon arrival
    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 veterinarian 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
    The equine is scanned to check for a microchip
    The equine is microchipped if the equine has not been microchipped

Not Checked:
A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned by a trained staff member upon arrival

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
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    Clipping

Not Checked:
Driving (Pulling a carriage)
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 monthly and kept with the equine's health records
    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

Not Checked:
The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by a trained staff member

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

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
No equines are ridden; not applicable

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

Not Checked:
Our organization does not evaluate the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden
No equines are ridden; not applicable

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

Additional information about our intake, assessment & training policies and practices:
VTP takes in transfers from After Care Charlestown and other organizations.

     Horses undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a veterinarian. The vet will advise and make recommendations as to the future use of the horse with regards to temperament and physical ability and/or limitations. A physical assessment will help determine the level of use for a transitioning horse. Soundness is initially evaluated and previous injuries (if known) are taken into account to determine the level of activity the horse will be able to tolerate. Levels include: companion animal (pasture turnout), light trail riding (trail, pleasure), moderate use (low-level hunters, etc.), and full use (no limitations on athletic workload). Assessments are recorded and updated as needed on in the event that the horse’s initial prognosis has changed. General temperament (mental soundness) is also taken into consideration for what the horse may be suitable for. Regular monitoring and observation of a horse’s demeanor. Manageability, willingness to learn, temperament, and socialization (with people and other horses/animals) on the ground, as well as under saddle, will be recorded and updated throughout the retraining process. Consideration and adjustments will be made as to the horse’s future repurposing goals and overall usability throughout transitioning.

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.

Not Checked:
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster/temporary care facilities, breeds equines
One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster/temporary care facilities, are permitted to house stallions

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

Not Checked:
Our organization will never have an equine euthanized under any circumstances
Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility

The following are authorized to administer the procedure for your organization in accordance with state laws:
Veterinarian

Not Checked:
    A certified euthanasia technician
    Senior staff with appropriate training
    Employee of animal control shelter or humane society with appropriate training
    Veterinary student under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian
    Not applicable. Our organization prohibits euthanasia under any circumstances

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

Not Checked:
    Our organization does NOT re-home an equine to first time equine owners
    Potential adopters/purchasers are encouraged to do a short-term, on-site foster with the equine
    Adopters/purchasers are NOT required to provide updates

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

Not Checked:
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    Equines may be sent to auction
    If a suitable home cannot be located within 12 months, the equine may be euthanized
    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 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, 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 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 scheduled visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization free of charge
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for as long as the adopter/purchaser is responsible for the care of the equine

Not Checked:
    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 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 our organization reserves the right to make unannounced visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization for a fee
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for two years
    None of the statements are included.
    The organization does not re-home equines under any circumstances; our organization retains custody of our equines and ensures care of the equines for their lifetimes.
    Our organization does not have the authority to transfer ownership and/or does not own any of the equines involved with our programs.

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

Not Checked:
Farrier
Not applicable or no references required.

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase) or less than one year

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
$501 to $750

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
The VTP requires updates, including photos every thirty days for first 6 months following adoption date and then every six months beginning in the 12 month after adoption.

     The VTP Horse Adoption Agreement provides the adopter with two options pertaining to the Possibility of Resale – 1) the option to sell or transfer ownership of the horse provided that the VTP grants approval of the new owner and the new owner executive a new agreement with VTP or 2) the option that resale is prohibited and the horse must be returned to VTP.

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 1
Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.

Grounds of James Madison's Historic Montpelier
11350 Constitution HWY Montpelier Station VA 22957
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 35
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 2
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 50

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.
Orange County, VA Animal Control Bryan McFarlane bmcfarlane@orangecountyva.gov 540-672-1200

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

Grounds of James Madison's Historic Montpelier

Veterinarian Information
Veterinarian: Dr. Payge Flemming DVM.
Clinic Name: Old Dominion Equine
6539 Gordonsville Rd.
Keswick VA 22947
Phone: 434-951-9225

Overview: Grounds of James Madison's Historic Montpelier (*Main)
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: *Missing
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 0  Run-in sheds: 0
Pastures: 0  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 0
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 0  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 0

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

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?  *Missing
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or restricted to these sheltered exclusive shelter locations? *Missing
How often are the stalls/shelters cleaned, i.e., kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris? *Missing
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)?  *Missing
Are stalls/shelters kept in good repair, with adequate ceiling height, and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris?  *Missing
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?  *Missing
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?  *Missing
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety in all areas of facility?  *Missing
Are fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) maintained and in good working order?   *Missing
Is there adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas of facility?   *Missing

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
*Missing

Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Grounds of James Madison's Historic Montpelier (*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? *Missing

The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
*Missing
Our organization has the following parasite and fly/insect control protocols in place, including remedies used to control flies and insects:
*Missing

Not Checked:
Our organization follows the parasite control guidelines of our veterinarian, including fecal testing and de-worming
No fly/insect control/remedies in place.

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
*Missing

Not Checked:
    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
    Equines are not quarantined on arrival.

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
*Missing

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
*Missing

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
*Missing

Emergency Preparedness: Grounds of James Madison's Historic Montpelier: *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:
*Missing

The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
*Missing