Mission

Safety Protocols

The safety and well-being of both our miniature horses and participants are our highest priorities. Every Impact Horse visit is carefully planned and supervised to ensure a safe, positive, and enriching experience for everyone involved.

Horse Welfare and Monitoring

All miniature horses are therapy-trained, temperament-tested, and carefully selected for community outreach work.

Horses are monitored continuously during visits for signs of stress, fatigue, or discomfort.

At the first indication that a horse needs a break, the horse is immediately removed from the interaction area and provided with rest, water, and forage.

Visit schedules are designed to prevent overwork, with ample downtime between appearances and limits on the number of visits each horse participates in monthly.

Trained Handlers and Volunteers

Every horse is accompanied by a trained handler at all times.

Volunteers receive instruction in horse behavior, safe handling practices, emergency procedures, and visitor engagement.

Volunteers actively supervise interactions and help maintain a safe environment for both horses and participants.

Participant Safety

Participants are provided with guidance on how to safely approach and interact with the horses.

Handlers ensure appropriate spacing around the horses and monitor interactions to prevent crowding or overstimulation.

Interactions are adapted to meet the needs and abilities of individual participants, including those in memory care, assisted living, rehabilitation, and healthcare settings.

Facility Collaboration

Prior to each visit, Impact Horse coordinates with facility staff to identify appropriate locations, access routes, participant needs, and potential risks.

Recreation Directors, Activities Professionals, or other facility staff accompany visits and assist in managing participant engagement.

Visits occur only in environments that can safely accommodate both horses and participants.

Transportation and Equipment

Horses travel in a well-maintained miniature horse trailer equipped with safety equipment and emergency supplies.

Horses wear properly fitted halters and, when needed, non-slip protective boots for indoor surfaces.

A first-aid kit for both humans and horses is available during transportation and visits.

Health and Biosecurity

Horses receive routine veterinary care, vaccinations, dental care, farrier services, and wellness checks.

Horses showing signs of illness or injury do not participate in visits.

Grooming and cleanliness protocols are followed before every visit to promote health and professional presentation.

Emergency Preparedness

Handlers and volunteers are trained to respond calmly and appropriately to unexpected situations.

Emergency contacts and veterinary resources are readily available during visits.

Activities may be modified, paused, or discontinued immediately if safety concerns arise for participants, staff, volunteers, or horses.

Insurance and Risk Management

Impact Horse maintains general liability insurance coverage to support our operations, participants, and community-based programs. Our insurance coverage provides an additional layer of protection for the mobile miniature therapy horse visits, educational programs, wellness activities, and special events we conduct throughout Maine.

We also employ proactive risk management practices by:

Conducting site assessments and coordinating with facility staff before visits.

Reviewing and signing the terms and conditions document by the appropriate facility personnel 

Ensuring all horses are appropriately trained, healthy, and suitable for public interactions.

Requiring trained handlers to maintain control of horses at all times.

Following established emergency response procedures.

Maintaining current health records and veterinary care for all participating horses.

Providing volunteer training focused on safety, horse welfare, and public engagement.

By combining comprehensive insurance coverage with thorough safety protocols and a commitment to equine welfare, Impact Horse strives to create a safe, enjoyable, and professional experience for everyone involved.

Through these protocols, Impact Horse remains committed to creating safe, respectful, and mutually beneficial interactions that support both human wellness and exceptional equine welfare.