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

Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare
Yep, winter is here! Snow, snow and more snow – fun to roll in also I really enjoy the hot squishy food when it’s really cold. The trails are ok too but the fields are a blast – the ”roller coaster” is tons of fun to gallop when it’s snow-covered. A couple of new arrivals – Thunderbolt (a cranky old-timer) and Leo – he seems pretty laid back. Fine with me – they are living down the hill with Monkey, Zak, and Storm.


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

More thank-yous are in order – first to Phyllis and Fran of the Trattoria Simpatico in Jamestown and all the volunteers, sponsors and donors, for a very successful Winter Hay Drive. Also need to thank everyone who helped with our Holiday Craft Fair and Pasta Dinner – it was a lot of fun too!
Our free workshops/clinics will be starting again in a few weeks – will have dates on our website.
Anyone looking to buy or sell used tack, don’t forget to check out our Used and Consignment Tack Shop here at Horse Play. The hours are listed below. Our commission rates are super-reasonable.
Also looking for volunteer(s) to help Monday – Friday from around 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. or thereabouts – prepping and feeding lunch and also watering and some paddock cleaning – can’t be afraid to get dirty or mind the cold weather. Please contact us if you may be interested.

As some of you may know, on December 10, 2009, Horse Play helped the RISPCA with the rescue/rehoming of the animals at Bonniedale Farm in Glocester RI – please take a moment and read the following account.



Operation: Noah’s Ark

His real name is Montenapoleone – named after the most expensive and elegant district of Milan, Italy - the most important street in fashion. When we met, he was called Pepper. A 15.2 hand grey Thoroughbred gelding, he was born on the Haras Santa Maria de Araras in Ocala, FL. His pedigree is one of greatness – his dam by Alydar, and great grand-sire, Seattle Slew. He won almost $200,000 in 4 years of racing –ending up in New England. Skinny under a winter coat, Pepper seemed to be fairly old. Arthritis and previous injuries have permanently fused both front fetlocks. He’s kind, gentle curious and surprisingly resilient. How did a relatively successful horse, who seemed destined for greatness, end up in a pathetic circumstance which came to a head on December 10, 2009? That’s a story only he can tell and he’s not talking.

Horse Play is a non-profit equine rescue and sanctuary located in Saunderstown, RI. On December 10, 2009 we were going about our business of caring for the 22 horses in residence, when we received a call from Dr. E J Finocchio, President of the RISPCA. He asked for our assistance in rehoming a couple of horses in an endeavor dubbed “Operation: Noah’s Ark”. Although we were pretty maxed out space-wise, we agreed. “Operation: Noah’s Ark” was the rescue of some 136 animals – cats, dogs, chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, pigs, a llama, 15 equines and other assorted animals that had been surrendered to the RISPCA from Bonniedale Farm in Glocester, R.I. The former owner of Bonniedale had been operating a private sanctuary of sorts and had fallen into dire financial difficulties which culminated in his eviction – leaving all the animals in the care of the bank which had taken over the property. The RISPCA was called in to clean up the mess - a huge undertaking by a small agency in a small state. So when all the animals were signed over to the RISPCA and Doc called, we rallied our troops (a couple of volunteers with trucks and trailers) and headed up to Glocester.

I wasn’t prepared for the scene on my arrival. The place had definitely fallen on some hard times. Dr. Finocchio, Dr. Scott Marshall (the Rhode Island state vet), the Glocester ACO and Joe Warzycha of the RISPCA were on hand as well as numerous other volunteers and prospective adoptees. Doc greeted me and we went to the barn to see the 2 horses Horse Play would be adopting. Wading through the piles of garbage in the “office” and down the barn aisle, there were pet carriers, some with cats, others with chickens waiting to go to their new homes. Several horses watched as we made our way down to the last stall on the left. In the back stood Thunderbolt, an old-timer, probably about 30, his graying face looked very sad. Doc said he wanted us to take him as his chances of being adopted were slim-to-none even though he seemed to be in pretty good shape. I agreed then we went back up the aisle a few stalls where a handsome bay gelding was watching the goings-on. His name was Leo. Doc asked us to take him too as even though he is in good health, he is blind in his left eye. In his mid-teens and with visual impairment his adoption chances were also limited. So that settled that, and while Dr. Marshall gave the rabies vaccines and drew the Coggins, I signed the adoption papers for Thunderbolt and Leo. Shortly after, they eagerly loaded on board our Ark and were on their way to Horse Play.

But it wasn’t over yet. The following day, December 11 was very cold and windy. Myself and my 2 intrepid volunteers, went back up to Bonniedale in the morning to help wrangle goats, ponies and pigs and offer assistance where necessary as the RISPCA had only a few hours to remove all of the animals. Leading a very strong and reluctant hinny over a semi-frozen driveway and chasing little goats with really big horns through foot-deep muck and swill will warm one up quickly. By early afternoon, it seemed as though all the animals were spoken for, except for one - the gray Thoroughbred gelding called Pepper. Doc approached me and asked if there was any way possible for Horse Play to take this horse, also saying that the RISPCA would help with his care. Doc knew this horse several years ago and had an idea about his past, touching a big soft spot in his heart. I knew we really didn’t physically have the room at the moment but I asked one of our volunteers, Donna, if she could foster him for us for a short while until we re-arranged some turnout and paddocks. Luckily, she agreed and after the obligatory paperwork was signed, Pepper, the last animal left on the farm, climbed aboard the Ark.

I really had no idea who this horse Pepper was, but my curiosity got the better of me so once back at Horse Play, I traced his tattoo. I was stunned to discover he was only 10 years old. What an indomitable spirit. He is still at Donna’s putting on some weight hanging out with her 2 mares. He will be moving to Horse Play in mid-January and reunited with Thunderbolt and Leo. Those two are doing very well and have made friends with their new herd, which include another old-timer (30 yr old former polo pony), a 16 year old Saddlebred and a two-year old Shetland/Arab/Quarterhorse. Both are sound and Leo is ridable. He will be out cruising on the trails soon. Thunderbolt is taking turns as baby-sitter and really enjoys his 3 hot meals and unlimited hay. When Pepper comes, they will all become re-acquainted. He appears to be fairly comfortable despite the arthritis. His condition is closely monitored and it is our hope to involve him in our developing Horses and Heroes program for veterans. Although he can longer be ridden, he has more than earned the right to be cared for and loved. He will join Aidan, Red, Rasa, Ginger, and Luna – all Thoroughbreds who ran for money and were almost forgotten. Even though he can no longer run, he has a place to rest and be comfortable.

Horse Play is staffed entirely by volunteers and depends on public donations for support. We offer riding lessons, horse training, barefoot trimming, summer camp and other programs which are tax-deductible donations. We have several horses available for adoption. We offer free workshops and clinics as well as memberships and a “sponsor a horse” program and have a used and consignment tack shop. For additional info, please visit our website at www.hptrc.org or contact us at (401)294-3565 or by email at horseplayri@msn.com. All life is sacred here. The RISPCA is also a non-profit organization. They, too, depend on the public for support. They have many wonderful pets available for adoption and offer numerous programs for pet owners. Visit their website at www.rispca.com or call (401)438-8150.

Peace all ways
Deidre Sharp
Horse Play
www.hptrc.org


“They too, are created by the same loving hand of God which created us...It is our duty to protect them and to promote their well-being.”— Mother Teresa

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

New Horses


Thunderbolt


Leo

Pepper day 5


Pepper day 15


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 – dates to be posted soon!
Horse Play offers riding instruction, horse training and farrier service. Coming soon “Horses and Heroes program for veterans, Kids After School Literacy Program and some Equine Experiential Learning workshops – contact us for more info.

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

More will be added soon– look for more free clinics and workshops

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 25 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 January – February 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