The Running Horse
A Bi-monthly Newsletter from Horse Play
JAN-FEB 2012
Horse Play
EIN: 05-0506340
Website: www.hptrc.org
Email: horseplayri@msn.com


Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare

Where is winter? Not complaining- just curious.

Aidan is a “20-something”Thoroughbred mare, rescued almost 20 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.

A Message from Deidre

A new year and we begin by extending our thanks and enormous amounts of gratitude to:
Garry, Rico, Troy & Patrice, The Ashleys, Mandy, Debbie Konicki & family, Natalie & Lutz,
Jan & Matt, Joan, Fran Hamilton, Mel Witham, Sheila Ryan, Lynn Smiley & BrassRing Farm,
Wendy R, Alan, Chris, & Dillon Post, The Foleys, Dean, Bronwyn, Bonnie, Brian Larkin, Judy V,
Leslie C, Ginger C, Fulvio, Hannah & Caitlyn, Pam & Caitlyn, Carla, John, Kim & Rachel,
everyone at Allie’s Tack & Feed, Dr. Jones, Dr. Cook, The RISPCA, Jim Ricci, Majorca Farm,
Alice LePage, Stella M, Heather & Bing, Sarah M, Lori T, Nat B, Linda & Colleen, Matt & Kat,
all who have attended our events, all anonymous donors, all who have kept us in their prayers, Chili the Great, the Cat Tribe and all the horses we have had the joy of being with throughout the year!! Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!!

Now I am asking for your help yet again. Horse Play could really use and economic stimulus!
Please consider a tax-deductible gift.

Since our beginning in 1999, we have helped over 210 horses. Horse Play is supported solely
by public donations and staffed entirely by volunteers. Horse Play is seeking your help to fill
our hayloft and help horses in need. This past year has seen a serious decline in funding and
donations as well as a rise in feed and hay costs.
The recession/economy has created an overwhelming increase in the number of horses
surrendered to our rescue. We provide an alternative for many people who can no longer
afford to keep their horses and otherwise would have to send them to an auction which,
again due to the recession, most would go to slaughter. Horse slaughter is a cruel, tragic,
inhumane death that no living creature deserves. Horse Play serves a purpose much like a
dog/cat shelter only for horses. Last year we placed 9 horses in adoptive homes but have
also taken in 10. We have been operating at an over-full capacity since 2008 with at least 5
horses always on the waiting list. At present we are supporting 26 horses and the average
cost is $275 per month per horse. A $25 donation will buy hay for one horse for one week.
BUT – any amount will help.

In addition to providing rescue, shelter, adoption and sanctuary, Horse Play also offers the
following ; riding instruction, horse training services, hoof care and summer camp too - all to
help support the horses in residence. We also have a Sponsor-a Horse program, monthly
workshops on horse care and handling as well as Community programs described below.

Horses and Heroes - a no-cost Equine Experiential Learning program for veterans and
others battling PTSD and other challenges related to stress, trauma, abuse, violence etc.

Horses as Leaders, Teachers and Healers ( HALTAH)- another Equine Experiential
Learning program which is suitable for everyone - it enhances self-awareness, self-esteem,
responsibility, living in the moment and promotes leadership skills.

Reading & Writing with Horse Play - an all-ages Reading/Writing Program - also offered at
no cost.

Donations may be mailed to Horse Play, 143 Gilbert Stuart Road, Saunderstown, RI
02874 or you may pay online through Paypal (accepts credit cards). On our website at
the “Donate” button or just go to www.paypal.com and our account name is horseplayri@msn.com
You can help. Please consider a tax-deductible gift to Horse Play or for more information
feel free to contact me either by email - horseplayri@msn.com or phone - house/office #
(401)294-3565 or cell (401)864-2943

*** Note*** We are currently working on a webpage which will list the horses on our
“waiting list”. If you need to place a horse we’re happy to place the info on this page –
However – we will need photos and all vital info on horse – age, size, disposition etc! We cannot help you place your horse without information on the horse.
Please contact us for info on the horses available for adoption at Horse Play – there are several and we’d be happy to discuss your needs/wants as well as particulars on each
horse - we do not list them online.

"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 help put an end to neglect and abuse through education, community outreach and
awareness.
• To develop and present educational programs and printed media, clinics and seminars
on the responsible care, ownership and training of horses.
• To provide equine experiential learning and healing programs to veterans, emergency
services personnel and others in need.
• To provide an all-ages literacy program.
We are a 501© 3 tax-exempt organization supported solely by public donations and
grants and stafffed entirely by volunteers.
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 blog at http://herdwhispers.blogspot.com/
we’re also on Facebook – www.facebook.com/horseplayri


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


TEACHING
Blog - http://evohorseman.blogspot.com
Evolutionary Horsemanship – the basis for all equestrian pursuits
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, tiedowns 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 .

The last 4 years have brought many changes in the way we are now interacting with the horses at Horse Play. We are getting rid of the terms "work", "school", and "train" and replacing them with play, bond, teach and connect.
Much is done at liberty and the horses are given choices - we establish ourselves as leaders (not about dominance) - no reprimands, no punishment - no "my way or else" - this has led to amazing results - great manners, interest in participating, better focus, eagerness and all around really good behavior. They do what we suggest because they want to, not because they have to, and thus in situations where we really need them to comply, ie the vet,
trailering, farrier, dentist etc, they are much more willing! The methods we use, I call Evolutionary Horsemanship and I will happily share it with any who would like to learn - humans or horses. With any luck, I am hoping to get some videos of our methods up on our website, blog (see link below) and Youtube soon! It's not about "what can the
horse do for me" but “what can I do for the horse".

And here 'tis –the blog - www.evohorseman.blogspot.com - check it out - there is alot of info - Best bet is to scroll to the right and read the posts in chrono order - or whatever you like - but take your time - this blog is to enlighten and educate and hopefully some of you will be interested in learning more and I will gladly share with you!
ALSO - please note that any and all fees for services are a direct donation to Horse Play - I do not get paid for any of this - and feel free to contact me, comment or whatever with any thoughts, ideas questions etc - thank-you for taking the time to read this!
For more info on any of this, please contact Horse Play at horseplayri@msn.com or (401)294-3565


UPCOMING EVENTS

January 16, 6:30pm – Wildtree Chef Gathering – Mandy’s, 420 School St, North Kingstown, RI - Bring your friends and join us! Taste Wildtree's 100% ALL NATURAL, peanut-free cooking products with no dyes, no MSG, no fillers & nopreservatives! Plus learn how to make meal time delicious, nutritious & economical!
Proceeds go to help horses at Horse Play - RSVP (401)886-4291

January 19th, 6:30pm – Wildtree Chef Gathering - Mandy’s, 420 School St,
North Kingstown, RI - Bring your friends and join us! Taste Wildtree's 100% ALL NATURAL, peanut-free cooking products with no dyes, no MSG, no fillers & no preservatives! Plus learn how to make meal time delicious, nutritious & economical!
Proceeds go to help horses at Horse Play - RSVP (401)886-4291

January 29, 8:00am – Winter Show Series #1 - Once In A Lifetime Farm,
121 Tarklin Rd Smithfield RI 02814 - Winter can be so boring and by January
we are all itching to get back into the competition ring. Well here is your chance,
chip the ice off and join us for a super fun show series! There are classes for
everyone, great food provided by Dee's catering (the best horse show food you'll
ever eat) and HEAT!
*Ample trailer parking;*A HEATED 1500 sq ft lounge area with 3 bathroom
stalls*Bleachers that seat up to 100 people. *Indoor warm up and competition! Also
you will be helping horses in need - The show office fee has been waived in order
to replace it with a donation to local rescue, Horse Play!
Contact: www.onceinalifetimefarm.com
401 949 0378 athenaisis2@gmail.com for entry, prize & sponsor list

February 26th, 8:00am – Winter Show Series #2 - Once In A Lifetime Farm,
121 Tarklin Rd Smithfield RI 02814 – see info above


FOR SALE – 100% proceeds go directly to the care of the horses here at Horse Play

Collegiate English Saddle $175.00
All-purpose, Super condition, good for schooling or show, 16" seat, medium tree, with
leathers and stirrups – more photos available

Eldonian English Saddle $60
Older, close contact - some wear marks but in extremely good condition - lightweight
- 16.5" seat, narrow tree - great for high withered horse – more photos available

Loads of blankets – all weights, sizes

2-Horse trailer w/dressing room - all-new EVERYTHING! – this was donated to us this past summer and we hate to part with it but the horses can’t eat a trailer! Please contact us for info and price

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. Contact Deidre (401)294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com *****
Horse Play is also currently seeking donations of tack – English saddles, 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! 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 and they are tax-deductible.
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.
JAN-FEB 2012 copy write ©2012 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