Bright Futures Farm

44793 Harrison Road

Spartansburg, PA  16434

Phone: 814.827.8270

 email:info@brightfuturesfarm.org

CONTRACT / QUESTIONNAIRE FOR OWNERS

Dear Owner,

Thank you in advance for helping your horse find a safe home for the remainder of his/her life.  We understand that this is an emotional decision for many of you, but a necessary one as well.  Please be certain you are ready to “let the horse go” prior to signing our Owner Questionnaire/Contract.  If you are even slightly unsure about your decision do not forward the paperwork to our office.  Once you are sure, sign the contract, and we indicate acceptance of your horse into our program, ownership of the horse lies with Bright Futures Farm, Inc. and we will begin the search for a new home for him/her.  If the horse you are placing with us requires ongoing rehab at the time of placement, he/she will not be offered for adoption until rehab is complete.  Any veterinary expenses for checkups through the rehab process will be your responsibility, while we will follow the vet’s instructions and provide whatever work is necessary to ensure his/her recovery.

While your horse is in our care – at our main facility or any one of our pre-screened, approved foster farms, he/she will receive lay-up (if required), turnout, supplements, veterinary, dental and farrier care as necessary, rugs in winter, regular clipping, bathing, daily handling, and schooling if necessary.  Once adopted, we require that the adopter provide us with quarterly photos of the horse which we will forward to you  if you would like periodic updates on the horse you have placed with us.  We also retain the right to visit the horse without prior notice.  And, we retain ownership of the horse so that if the adopter’s circumstances change and he/she can no longer keep the horse, their only recourse is to return the horse to us.

The welfare of the horse is always first and foremost in our minds and hearts.  Bright Futures Farm, Inc. is committed to making the best “fit” possible between horse and adopter to alleviate stress on everyone – especially the horse.  You are welcome to download and read our adoption application and contract from our web site - forms that each potential adopter must complete in total prior to being approved to adopt any horse in our program.  Our adoption process is extensive for a reason.  We want the best home only once for each horse.

For this program to work, it is vital that you provide us with as much information as you can about the horse you are about to place with us – both good, and not so good.   By knowing your horses' history we can work with him/her while at our farm or foster farm.   We want to make the right “fit” only once to alleviate stress on everyone involved - especially the horse.  Again, if your horse is accepted into our program, your signature on this document (the Owner Questionnaire/Contract) transfers ownership of your horse to Bright Futures Farm, Inc. upon our receipt of this document.  We understand that this is a difficult decision for many of you to make, so please be certain that you have made the right decision in your own mind to relinquish your horse to a new home prior to sending us this form.  We do not want a potential adopter to choose a horse, and then complete our application and contract only to find that the owner changed his/her mind.  And we don’t want to place a horse with  a new family only to find out that you feel you made the wrong decision and wish to keep the horse.  Once we receive a signed contract, ownership transfers to Bright Futures Farm, Inc..  At the time ownership transfers, you acknowledge that you have entrusted our organization to find a new home for your horse.   Therefore, you can no  longer continue to search for a home for your horse on your own or register your horse with another organization ( you  may, of course, direct any interested parties to us). 

Bright Futures Farm, Inc. is a non profit organization, which means that you may deduct the fair market value of the horse you are donating to our program and any cost associated with transferring the horse to us (temporary fostering while waiting for transport, transport, coggins, etc.).  A copy of your signed Owner Questionnaire/Contract serves as your receipt, as we ask you to indicate the fair market value of your horse on this document.  Horses with a fair market value of $5000 or higher must be appraised by a current member of the American Society of Equine Appraisers, and a copy of the appraisal must accompany your donation contract (www.equineappraiser.com) – not our rule, the IRS’s.   You will also need to retain a copy of any appraisal for tax purposes and complete IRS form 8283 which requires your signature and ours.

Because you have chosen to place your horse through an adoption agency, such as Bright Futures Farm, Inc., we can assume that you believe in our mission, purpose and our organization.  Since we operate strictly from adoption fees, donations and fundraisers, we ask that you also make a monetary donation to our organization.  At any given time, we have between ten and twelve horses at our main facility.  The “minimum” cost to care for a healthy horse is $250 a month.  Most of the horses here come with an injury, or need  dietary supplements or medication.   Some are under weight.  We have additional expenses for some of the horses in foster care (which can number between six and ten) and, we have several retirees here that need daily ‘extras’.  Every penny of every dollar goes to the care of the animals and whatever supplements/vet care it takes to make them healthy.  I am not paid for the work that I do here, nor is anyone else.  All help is voluntary.  Your monetary donation is also tax deductible. Our annual expenses are between $40,000 and $48,000 a year.  Most horses are with us a minimum of three months prior to finding a new home.   We evaluate the horse, school the horse in ground manners (at the very least) and give the horses off the track a break and rest prior to starting a new career.  Therefore, we respectfully request a minimum donation of $400.   This donation is also tax deductible.

If the horse remains with you for any time once we have accepted him into our program, all of your expenses that are directly associated with that horses’ basic care may also be considered a donation to our program for tax purposes (you would be “fostering” the horse for us).   If the horse is going to be transported to our main facility or one of our foster homes, you will be required to provide transport, or hire a transport company to deliver the horse.  That cost is also tax deductible for you.

Because you have chosen Bright Futures Farm, Inc. to find your horse a new, safe, home, you think highly enough of us to entrust his/her care to us.  Please, then, help us continue to provide quality care for the horses in our program, with your financial contribution.  

Thank you for your kindness, consideration and generosity toward your horse and our program.

Best regards, always,

 Beverlee Dee

Bright Futures Farm, Inc. 

OWNER QUESTIONNAIRE

& PLACEMENT CONTRACT

This questionnaire is designed to provide us with as much information as possible about the horse(s) you are placing into our program.  By answering all questions as completely as possible, we can better transition each horse into the best home for that particular horse. 

Your donation ensures that the horse will always have a loving home.  And your donation is tax deductible (fair market value of the horse).  We are a 501c3 non profit organization registered with the federal government.

= = = = = = = =

1.       Your name __________________________________________________

   Address ____________________________________________________

   City, State, Zip _______________________________________________

          Phone ______-________-___________      Fax ______-________-______

          Alternate phone number (e.g. work/cell): ____-_____-___________

          E-mail address _______________________________________________

2.       Horses registered name (required if registered) __________________________________ Date foaled ________

   Nickname ______________________________ 

          Sire __________________________________ Dam ______________________         

          If the horse is a grade horse, what do you know about his/her parentage – any genetic issues we should

          know about? _______________________________________________________________________________________

          ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

   Breed ________________________________ Age ____________  Sex ______

   Height _________________  Weight ________________  Color ____________

          Markings__________________________________________________________

          Scars_____________________________________________________________

          Are you the owner of record? _______ If no, who is? ___________________________

               Address of Owner (if you are not the owner of record): __________________________________________

                __________________________________________ phone #: ______-________-______________

NOTE:  Owner of record or authorized agent, must sign this form.

What is the current turnout situation for your horse? ________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Is this what the horse is used to? _____________________  If no, explain: __________________________

 ____________________________________________________________________________________________

If currently stabled somewhere other the address given in question 1, please provide the following information:

    NAME OF FACILITY WHERE HORSE IS CURRENTLY STABLED: ________________________

    HOW LONG HAS HORSE BEEN AT THIS FACILITY? __________________________________

    ADDRESS OF FACILITY: __________________________________________________________

                                           __________________________________________________________

    PHONE: ____-_____-__________ CONTACT PERSON: __________________________

3.       Registration/tattoo/brand number/chip id: (Required)   ________________   Association: _______________

  For Thoroughbreds, you must include the registration papers as we receive a grant from Blue Horse Charities (www.bluehorsecharities.org) and Thoroughbred Charities of America (www.thoroughbredcharities.org) each year for each registered Thoroughbreds  we place into a new home.  Directions for signing the horse over to Bright Futures Farm, Inc. are at the end of this contract.

4.       Is the horse sound? ___________________  If no  (if he has been unsound due to injury at some time), please explain _______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date the horse was last ridden:___________________type of riding done: _____________________________________

5.          If the horse you are placing with us is recuperating under a veterinarian’s instruction, or has been sick or injured in the past, please notify your veterinarian and farrier in writing, that you authorize the release of their records for your horse to Bright Futures Farm, Inc..  This information will ensure that we continue any treatments that they may have started, and will allow us to determine what progress the horse is making with respect to specific treatment. 

Please authorize our vet (Dr. Amanda Turner, Marley Veterinary Clinic, 11416 Hydetown Road, Titusville, PA  16354)  to obtain access to any x-rays or ultrasounds that have been done to assist us and our veterinarian with continued treatment (You may also provide the films with your paperwork if they are in your possession, or you can get them).  This information helps us keep expenses at a minimum, and provides a base line for our vet w.r.t. ongoing physical issues.  To expedite our receipt of this information, you may contact your veterinarian and farrier requesting that they forward all records (and x-rays, etc., where applicable) to Amanda Turner, Marley Veterinary Clinic, 1416 Hydetown Road, Titusville, PA  16353).   And, please provide us with the following information (if the horse is being  treated at this time).

Veterinarian ___________________________________ phone __________________

Veterinarian ___________________________________ phone __________________

Farrier ________________________________________ phone __________________

Farrier ________________________________________ phone __________________

6.    Please attach a copy of the current coggins.   Must be no less than six months old.  If horse  is being transported across state lines, we will also need a Health Certificate.  Health Certificates can only be issued within  thirty days of transport date.

7.     Please list all vaccinations the horse has had within the last twelve months, and the date of administration (any horse placed with us must have had the following vaccines within the last six months…tetanus, rabies, West Nile virus – Receipt is required.  Please enclose the receipt from your vet to show when the vaccines we require were administered).

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

8.   Has the horse ever worn corrective shoes? ______ Explain ___________________

______________________________________________________________________

(note:  The horse will need to be trimmed no less than four weeks prior to his arrival here.  Back shoes must be pulled unless they serve a medical purpose.)

9.   Has the horse ever had surgery? _______ Explain ___________________________

10.   Has the horse ever had colic? ______ Explain ______________________________

11.   Do you wish to be provided with periodic updates regarding the horse you have placed with us? ___

12.   What is the degree of schooling the horse has had to date? __________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

What skill level rider do you feel would be most comfortable on this horse at this time (we realize that this is relative to what each of use is used to, so our definitions are listed at the end of this document.  Please use our definitions to make your determination)?___________________________________

13.  Please check all that apply:

      This horse will/is . . .

____Stand tied                         ____Stand in cross ties                          ____Kick

____Walk with you                   ____Come when called                       ____Strike

____Bite                                    ____Load/unload                                   ____Well                                

Mannered

____Crib                                   ____Know leads                                     ____Easily

trained

____Good w/other horses      ____Child safe                                        ____Picks up

feet

____Good w/vet                     ____Bucks                                                ____Spooks

easily

____Has foundered                ____Jumps                                                ____Has

colicked

____laid back                         ____Has had navicular pbs                    ____Has had

stifle pbs

____Gaited                             ____Likes people                                      ____Sensitive

skinned

____Clumsy                             ____Clips                                                  ____Bathes

____Sensitive feet                   ____Even tempered                                ____Arthritic

____Good alone                     ____Needs companion                          ____Longes

____Trained to ride                 ____Trained English                                 ____Trained

Western

____Good in stall                    ____Drives                                                 ____Fully

halter broke

14.   Has the horse ever had a virus/disease (strangles, epm, etc.)? ____ explain (and provide dates) ____________________________________________________________________________________________

15.    Is the horse sensitive to specific weather (i.e.  sun, cold)? ______________________

Is the horse used to being blanketed in the winter?  ______ At what temperature do you

blanket him/her? ___________________________________________________

16. Does the horse have any sensitive areas on its body? _________________________

________________________________________________________________________

17. Has the horse ever had a prolonged illness/injury (more than 30 days)? _______

explain (please provide dates)_____________________________________________________________

Has the horse been ill in the last sixty days?  Explain: ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

18. Does the horse have any known allergies? __________________________________________________

19. Does the horse have a history of hives? ___________ explain __________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

20. Current feed/times/amount _________________________________________________________________

               What supplements, if any does your horse receive, and how often?_______________________

         __________________________________________________________________________________________

21. What does the horse do when scared? ______________________________________________________

       Does the horse have any issue with loading/unloading? ________ If so, explain the issue, and

what you do to rectify it? _______________________________________________________________________

        ___________________________________________________________________________________________

22. What do you consider this horse’s best trait(s) ________________________________________________

_________________________________worst trait(s) ______________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

23.  If you are placing a horse that can be ridden with us, we require at least two clear, good quality color photos of your horse working under tack, at least one  with no tack (conformation type photo), and one head shot.  The better the photos, the more interest we will receive from potential adopters.

 “OUR” DEFNINTIONS FOR RIDER/HANDLER SKILL LEVEL:

Each of us has a different interpretation of what a beginner rider/handler is, an intermediate and an advanced individual.  It’s all relative to what you’re used to, and what you’ve been taught or told.  Please follow our definitions when you rate your ability and review the information we’ve provided you with regarding the horse you are interested in adopting… even though your definition may be different than ours.  We use “ours” when we write the bios for each horse, and we need to be on the same page as potential adopters with each horse’s information.

Beginner:  never ridden or ridden well trained, slow, or very forgiving horse;  can sit the walk and trot, but may be uncomfortable, timid or stiff due to even minimal fear of a sudden surprise;  doesn’t know leg, hand or weight cues well;  hasn’t developed enough strength in arms to hold a strong horse back;  hasn’t developed enough strength in legs to move an obstinate horse or hesitant horse forward; can lead a horse, but doesn’t know what to do to discipline the horse if the horse doesn’t just “follow along”, or if the horse decides to go off in his own direction;  would panic if a horse tried to pull away, rear or buck;  screams, freezes, jumps or yells when a horse surprises them; doesn’t know the rules of safety with regard to walking, standing beside, working around a horse.

Advanced Beginner/Early Intermediate:   knows leg and hand cues, some weight cues; can sit all gaits relatively comfortably, but may not be able to balance a buck, or know what to do if a horse bolts or rears; is developing strength in arms to hold a strong horse back;  is developing strength in legs to move an obstinate horse or hesitant horse forward;  Knows leads;  knows how to post;  knows how to sit a horse that bucks, even if they aren’t yet able to balance the movement well;  may  have started over cavelettis;   knows a good amount of safety skills with regard to handling, walking, working around horses;  if a horse does something that surprises them, they aren’t easily rattled, and can sit the issue through and know how to attempt to calm the horse.

Intermediate:   Knows cues well;  can ride all gaits very comfortably;  can sit a buck;  at least knows what to do with a rearing horse;  knows what to do if holding a horse that rears;  knows how to handle a horse that bites or kicks;  has strength in arms  to handle a strong horse, or stop a bolting horse;  Has strength in legs to cue a non responsive horse;  may have started jumping and can balance a jump comfortably;  doesn’t spook when the horse does and can immediately begin to calm a horse that is afraid;  can anticipate changes in behavior when riding or handling a horse and knows how to react to maintain control of the situation.  Knows safety issues on the ground and under saddle and follows the rules of safety; can comfortably get on a relatively  new horse and ride with confidence.

Advanced:  skilled professional.  Can do all of the above and more.

I have completed this questionnaire, and do hereby certify to the best of my knowledge that the information I have supplied to Bright Futures Farm, Inc. about said horse is correct.  Furthermore, I warrant that if Bright Futures Farm, Inc. accepts my horse into their program, that Bright Futures Farm, Inc. has a good and clear title to the horse, free from any liens, encumbrances and claims by third parties to said horse.   And finally, upon acceptance of my horse into the adoption program at Bright Futures Farm, Inc., I do hereby transfer this horse to the care of Bright Futures Farm, Inc. (with or without “papers”), who, in turn, will find a suitable home for my horse to be adopted into.  Your signature confirms the donation and transfer of care of said horse to Bright Futures Farm, Inc..  

I have determined the fair market value of the horse I am donating to be: $___________________ (if this figures is $5000 or greater, you will need to have an appraisal and complete form IRS 8283 as indicated in the introductory letter to this contract.)

I agree that if my horse is accepted by Bright Futures Farm, Inc. that I will provide a monetary donation to Bright Futures Farm, Inc., and that I will provide transport of the horse to Bright Futures Farm, Inc. or one of their approved foster facilities if there is an opening.  _____________(initials).  I understand that there may be a waiting list, and that I will be advised of that if my horse is accepted.    If there is a waiting list, I understand that I may foster the horse for Bright Futures Farm, Inc. until either they have an opening, or the horse is adopted.

I understand that Bright Futures Farm, Inc. cannot provide me with a specific date of acceptance and that if I choose to foster, I could be asked to hold onto the horse for several months.    [Again, all of your expenses directly related to this horse from the date you donate him/her may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution as we are a registered 501c3 charity.]

Once we receive your completed application we will contact you  to confirm, in writing,  our acceptance of your horse into our program.  Once all paperwork is in order we will begin the search for a new home for your horse.

In summary…

Once you sign this contract, you transfer ownership of the horse to Bright Futures Farm, Inc. if we accept the horse into our program.  The only way to “get the horse back” if you still change your mind, is to complete the adoption process through our organization. 

Please include the following with this document…

Negative coggins, no less than six months old (copy only.  Original is shipped with the horse)

Photos as described in item 23 above (can be emailed in .jpg format).

Video of your horse at walk/trot/canter and being ridden if at all possible will go a long way in

helping us find him a home faster.  Horses that have videos available for prospective adopters to

view are adopted three times faster on average than horses with no video available.

Registration papers for all registered horses, or original bill of sale (make yourself a copy if you want).

Vaccine receipt a receipt showing the date of the vaccines we require prior to receiving the horse.

Farrier  The horse must have been trimmed within four weeks of coming to our location and back shoes must be pulled unless they are on the horse for health related purposes.

Any additional comments you’d like to include about the horse you are placing with us.

   Directions for transferring ownership on registration papers:  For Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, simply write below the transfer, diagonally across the remaining spaces:  “Donated to Bright Futures Farm, Inc., Adoption Agency.  Not to be raced, or sold.”

If you are not fostering the horse, you must provide the transportation (or cost of) of your horse to our farm or the satellite farm that will accept him/her.   

***************DO NOT HIRE S&E TRANSPORT OUT OF CROSSVILLE, TN.******************

Reminder… back shoes must be pulled unless they are there for health reasons.

I have read, understand and assent to the terms and conditions herein.  I understand that this document is a binding legal contract, and I further understand that my signature automatically transfers ownership of the horse mentioned herein to Bright Futures Farm, Inc.. 

__________________________________________________ date ______________

donor

Thank you for your kindness and generosity

Rev. 041008