The Running Horse
A Bi-monthly Newsletter from Horse Play
Issue August-September 2010
Horse Play
EIN: 05-0506340
Website: www.hptrc.org
Email: horseplayri@msn.com

Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare
Whew! Has it been hot, humid and buggy or what! Good weather for napping or just grazing – whichever. Haven’t been on the trail in awhile – Deidre is afraid the deerflies will carry us off and the giant B-52s have been outrageous. I’ve worn more spray and eaten more garlic than I care to think about. At least it makes Buddha smell better!!

Aidan is a 23 year old Thoroughbred mare, rescued almost 18 years ago and a “co-founder” of Horse Play. Fresh off the track, she was loaded with baggage (she lived up to her registered name “Slightly Nasty”) and a severe hoof injury. Her strong, dominant persona made things very difficult at first – but over the years and with proper teaching, she has become an incredible partner, teacher and friend. Almost adopted several times, her “alpha” nature proved her undoing and she found a permanent home here at Horse Play. She is the alpha mare of the big herd here. She will also contribute her opinions and stories on the herd’s blog at http://herdwhispers.blogspot.com/ The blog will have stories and observations by all the horses and a couple of humans of Horse Play.

A Message from Deidre

Our summer seems to have flown by. Want to thank everyone who has helped with our events as well as camp and the day-to-day stuff – it’s been a hot one and we appreciate your dedication!
We have a couple of new horses – Willie and Sandman – featured below. They will be available for adoption in September or October.

We have a few events coming up – the Ride/Walk should be a lot of fun (fun show after the ride!) – we’re do for some silliness. We are also offering some free workshops in August and probably in some September too.

Summer Camp – final session August 16 – 20 (time will be from 9:00am – 1:00pm) – suitable for ages 7 and up. Contact us for an application and more info.

Sept 18, 2010 - Autumn Ride/Walk and Fun Show – Goddard Park, Warwick, RI - Come join us on for a soon-to-be-annual trail ride (or walk) and fun show - 4 or 5 silly classes - entry is $20 and includes lunch and t-shirt - sponsorships encouraged - registration/sign-up will begin at 9:00 - ride or walk to begin at 10:00 with the fun show and prizes after lunch - entry and sponsorship forms will be available on our website - www.hptrc.org or by contacting Horse Play at (401)294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com
Your participation in this event helps feed horses in need. Horse Play currently has 25 horses in residence and at least 5 more on our "waiting list". Several are available for adoption
And finally a couple of free workshops –
1. Introduction to Evolutionary Horsemanship – Safe Horse Handling, Body Language and Horse Behavior – Sunday August 21, 2010 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Horse Play – 143 Gilbert Stuart Rd, Saunderstown, RI 02874 – ph# 401-294-3565 – email – horseplayri@msn.com
2. Evolutionary Horsemanship – Trust, Respect, Connection – This workshop will focus on forming a bond, building trust and establishing a connection with your horse – Sunday, August 28 - 1:00 – 4:00 at Horse Play, 143 Gilbert Stuart Rd, Saunderstown, RI 02874 – ph# 401-294-3565 email – horseplayri@msn.com
*** If you are interested in any of theses workshops, please contact us by phone or email so we can get an idea of number of folks attending.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Gandhi

Who We Are
Horse Play is a Rhode Island based non-profit equine rescue and sanctuary. We provide rescue, rehabilitation and sanctuary for abused neglected & unwanted horses.We provide adoption services for horses deemed adoptable those that are not have a home here for the rest of their lives.
It is our intent:
• To provide rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary services for abused, neglected, and/or unwanted horses.
• To provide placement & follow-up services for rehabilitated horses and permanent sanctuary for horses that cannot be placed.
• To increase public awareness through community outreach.
• To develop and present educational programs and printed media, clinics and seminars on the responsible care and training of horses
We are a 501© 3 tax-exempt organization supported solely by public donations and grants.
If you’d like to stop by for a visit, please give us a call first. We love visitors but want to make sure someone will be available to show you around.

Follow our blogs at http://herdwhispers.blogspot.com/ and http://sagemare.blogspot.com – we’re also on Facebook – www.facebook.com/horseplayri

Horse Play offers riding instruction, horse training, farrier service and birthday/special occasion parties. Also “Horses and Heroes” - a program for veterans, Kids After School Literacy Program (need volunteers!) and some Equine Experiential Learning workshops – contact us for more info.

New Horses

Sandman – 15 year old bay Arab gelding, 15 hands – currently fostered in West Greenwich, RI – getting back in shape after 4 years off. Sound, good-natured, easy-keeper.

Willie (with foster friend Lauren) – 12 yr old, 16.1 hand bay Thoroughbred gelding – fostered in Kingston RI. This boy was active on the “A” circuit and a minor stifle injury forced him to have the summer off – he is now getting back into work and will be available in the fall. He knows a lot!!! Sane,sweet and beautiful

TEACHING

Evolutionary Horsemanship
What is it? It is a way of keeping and working with horses that considers the “whole” horse – diet/nutrition, health (physical, mental and emotional), hoof care, age, conformation, as well as stable management practices. It incorporates many methods and variations of Natural Horsemanship – but- it is not just another Natural Horsemanship method, it’s not just “round penning” and it’s not your grandfather’s way of horse training. Why evolutionary? Because we’ve hopefully evolved to more humane, communication-oriented methods of horse teaching and moved away from the more dominant, aggressive methods of whips, chains, tie-downs and punishment. Evolutionary Horsemanship encompasses much more than basic groundwork and riding skills. It’s about building a relationship, developing a partnership and strengthening a bond. It encompasses all that is “horse” with an emphasis on natural. Join us for free workshops, demos, and clinics .

Horse Play is happy to announce the opening of our Used and Consignment Tack Shop – right here at the farm – come browse or sell your “stuff”. Our commission rates are great – 10% for saddles and 15% for everything else. Feel free to contact us for more info. Hours: Usually Monday – Friday Noon – 6:00p.m Saturday 9:30a.m. – 3:30p.m. and Sunday Noon – 3:00p.m. Please give us a call or email if you need something in particular.

"The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different." Hippocrates

UPCOMING EVENTS

Free Workshops
August 21, 2010 - Introduction to Evolutionary Horsemanship – Safe Horse Handling, Body Language and Horse Behavior –from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Horse Play – 143 Gilbert Stuart Rd, Saunderstown, RI 02874 – ph# 401-294-3565 – email – horseplayri@msn.com

August 28, 2010 - Evolutionary Horsemanship – Trust, Respect, Connection – This workshop will focus on forming a bond, building trust and establishing a connection with your horse –1:00 – 4:00 at Horse Play, 143 Gilbert Stuart Rd, Saunderstown, RI 02874 – ph# 401-294-3565 email – horseplayri@msn.com
*** If you are interested in any of theses workshops, please contact us by phone or email so we can get an idea of number of folks attending.

Sept 18, 2010 - Autumn Ride/Walk and Fun Show – Goddard Park, Warwick, RI - Come join us on for a soon-to-be-annual trail ride (or walk) and fun show - 4 or 5 silly classes - entry is $20 and includes lunch and t-shirt - sponsorships encouraged - registration/sign-up will begin at 9:00 - ride or walk to begin at 10:00 with the fun show and prizes after lunch - entry and sponsorship forms will be available on our website - www.hptrc.org or by contacting Horse Play at (401)294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com

NEEDS AND WANTS

***URGENT*** Looking for Round Pen Panels – 10 or 12 footers - any color or finish, as many as you want to sell or give away. Also we really need a horse trailer! Two–or-more horse, in good condition and inspected - Contact Deidre (401)294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com *****

Horse Play is also currently seeking donations of tack – Western saddles, rope halters, saddle pads/blankets, bareback pads, bitless bridles – sidepulls, hackamores or the Bitless Bridle, helmets, anti-sweat sheets/coolers, and as always – cash donations. Remember, we are a non-profit organization and any donation is tax deductible.

Horse Play always needs volunteers! From cleaning paddocks, to grooming and exercising horses, mailing letters to planning fundraisers and annual campaigns, the horses depend on you. Also you don’t have to be an equine expert — if you’re interested in working directly with the horses, you can sign up for our Safe & Humane Horse Handling/Intro to Evolutionary Horsemanship Class. Just contact Horse Play and say you want to volunteer—the horses will thank-you for it!

“Past the seeker as he prayed came the crippled and the beggar and the beaten. And seeing them...he cried, "Great God, how is it that a loving creator can see such things and yet do nothing about them?"...God said, "I did do something. I made you."
- Sufi Teaching

How Your Contributions Help Horses at Horse Play

Your donations, memberships, sponsorships, service and merchandise fees go directly to the care and support of the horses at Horse Play.

Annual expenses for one horse (approximate)

Feed $1850.00

Routine Vet Care (no emergencies) $210.00

Hoof Care $450.00

Routine Dental Care $75.00

Total for 1 horse $2585.00

****Please note we currently have 26 horses ****
This is just for basic horse care. No training, equipment (saddles, bridles etc), emergencies, utilities, rent, maintenance or administrative expenses. Also, Horse Play is staffed entirely by volunteers – no paid employees.

To Sponsor a Horse or To Make a Donation
Horse Play is staffed entirely by volunteers. Every donation goes directly to supporting the horses. All of our funding depends on your generosity. A $15 dollar donation buys a bag of grain. A $35 dollar donation buys dewormer for 10 horses. 50 people donating $1 each buys 6 bales of hay. You can make a difference.
Horse Play has several ways for you to make that difference. Sponsor a horse of your choice. We have several options for sponsorship. This also makes a great gift!
We can help you find out which way is best for you. Please Contact:
Deidre Sharp
Horse Play
PO Box 660
Exeter, RI 02822
Phone (401)294-3565 or (401)864-2943
Email horseplayri@msn.com
Website: www.hptrc.org

The Running Horse is published bi-monthly by Horse Play.
Issue August-September 2010 is copy write ©2010 by Horse Play and Deidre Sharp,
P.O. Box 660, Exeter RI 02822, Phone (401)294-3565, Email: horseplayri@msn.com,
www.hptrc.org
Trust, Respect, Compassion