Colds-I understand you know one of the board members, and certainly I do not know how your particular therapeutic center works, I can only go by mine and how it worked. The board, in most cases, meets monthly or so, and does not really have day to day familiarity with the staff, volunteers and horses like the director or barn manager. If I had an issue with the way my horse was being handled, I spoke with them, not the board. (mine was also on "loan" or "free lease" ). I can also say that even tho I lived 300 miles away at the time-they NEVER knew when I would stop in to see how my horse was, bring treats, etc. Might be 3 times in one week, and not again for a month. Sort of like a parent with teens-keep them guessing. If you know when this particular person might be around-I would suggest some well placed "visits".
I can say that, at least around here, the horses are a valuable commodity, and are well cared for and treasured. If something is being done that might jeopardize them-the director needs to know about it. If they do nothing-THEN the board.
As a board member of another entity myself-I do not get involved in the day to day. I have my contact, and if there is an issue-they (the director) are the ones I let know about it. If they do not respond, I bring it up at a board meeting and we quite possibly are then looking for a new director.