Back in the Saddle Equine Therapy Center
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It owes more than it owns.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
Through encouragement and innovative programs involving horsemanship and equine therapy, we strive to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and their families.
- Income
- $326,546
- Spending
- $363,693
- Spent on programs
- 92%
- Reserves
- -4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 53%
- Employees
- 15
- Highest pay
- $75,002, executive dir.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 24 out of 100. Higher than 2% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
0 of 20It owes 357% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 11% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 16% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1592% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 76 out of 100. Higher than 61% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 255 of 5 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $336,025 spent. SOAR Program: The SOAR Program is a unique, integrative approach that combines therapeutic horseback riding with mental health counseling to support individuals facing depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Outcome data showed promising results: individuals who completed the program experienced notable decreases in depression and anxiety, along with increased self-worth, confidence, and peer connection.
- Therapeutic Riding: Our therapeutic riding program supports individuals with physical, emotional, and mental health challenges. Through structured riding sessions, participants build confidence, improve physical strength and mobility, and develop trustall while forming powerful, healing connections with horses.
- Project CONNECT is a trauma-informed, equine-assisted learning program designed to support youth facing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. Through ground-based work with horses, participants develop critical life skills such as emotional regulation, communication, empathy, and self-awareness. Led by trained facilitators in a supportive, non-clinical setting, Project CONNECT helps youth build resilience and trust while fostering a sense of connectionwith themselves, others, and the horses. This program has been particularly impactful for students experiencing anxiety, social isolation, or trauma-related stress, offering a unique and meaningful path toward healing and personal growth.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 2005.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.