The Running Horse 

A Bi-monthly Newsletter from Horse Play

March - April 2011

Horse Play

EIN: 05-0506340

Website:  www.hptrc.org

Email:  horseplayri@msn.com

Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare
Spring might be coming! Rain, mud – but mud is better than ice - then there will be GRASS!!!
 Aidan is a “20-something”Thoroughbred mare, rescued almost 19 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

Thank-you to Gian, Mandy, Deb, Lynn, Mel, Sheila, Fran, Pam, Kathleen, Lilian and everyone who has donated, sponsored or fostered a horse – you’ve helped us get through a really tough winter! Hopefully, with better weather coming, we can get back to our lessons, workshops and clinics.  Also congratulations to Debbie, Frank, Chris and Derek on the purchase of your new home! Dora and friends will be very happy and if we go camping, we know where to go for a shower! We would also like to let everyone know that still we have loads of blankets (have inventoried again so we have a list of sizes etc) as well several Western saddles, a couple of English saddles, bridles, bits, tons of saddle pads, horse boots (splint, brush etc), polos and other stuff in our tack shop - all at really great prices. THE MANE ATTRACTION AT HORSE PLAY!Announcing MUSTANG AWARENESS at Horse Play
 
Horse Play is holding “Mustang Awareness”during the months of March, April & May - thru May 22, 2011
Visit Horse Play and meet The Mustangs!! Living Symbols of the American SpiritCome see them up close as they play, hang out, pose for pics and get some love! Learn the history and help save the future for the Wild Ones!Our nation’s historical icons – The Wild Mustangs – are being managed to extinction! You can help! Informational packets will be available – Donations acceptedSaturdays from 11:00am – 1:30pm  Sundays 12:00pm – 2:30pm – weather permitting (no visits March 27)Please call (401)294-3565 or (401)864-2943  Email horseplayri@msn.com for more infoHorse Play is located at 143 Gilbert Stuart Road, Saunderstown, RI 02874Please call if you’d like to visit on another day or timeAlso – check out the slideshow/videoThe Mustang Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyLtlBL2qTo
Although latest news states the BLM has suspended all roundups through the summer due to budget cuts, we still need to act to insure their protection, please forward to everyone – let this become viral – raise awareness - if you feel motivated, take action - call Congress, write letters - I know it may not be as important as tax cuts, unemployment and world peace - but it's important to the remaining wild horses! Soon there will be none – We have a couple of the mustangs here who’s herds no longer exist – Gone – wiped out in one round-up Feel free to forward to anyone else who may be interested - also note - DNA proof that the horse originated in North America! not an invasive species - but soon to be an "endangered" one – thanks!

"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.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://evohorseman.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.

TEACHINGBlog - http://evohorseman.blogspot.com
Evolutionary HorsemanshipWhat 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 .

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 - took forever to edit and post but for the most part it has begun! 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  

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
Weekends thru May 21, 2011 – Mustang Awareness - Saturdays from 11:00am – 1:30pm  Sundays 12:00pm – 2:30pm (no visits March 27)Please call (401)294-3565 or (401)864-2943  Email horseplayri@msn.com for more infoPlease call if you’d like to visit on another day or time.March 27, 2011 – The Rhode Island Federation of Riding Club’s Indoor Horseman’s Bazaar & Indoor Yard Sale – 9:00am – 2:00pm – Metcalf Elementary School. Rte 3, West Greenwich – we’ll have saddles, blankets and loads of stuff for horses and humans!
April 2011*** Planning several workshops & clinics – some on horsemanship, some on barefoot trimming – just haven’t confirmed the dates – stay tuned!
May 1, 2011 – The RISPCA Horse Ride at Goddard Park – we’ll be there!
May 28, 2011 – 11:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. – Horse Play’s Annual Open House – at Horse Play – raffles, silent auctions, food, drinks, vendors, music, demos and meet-n-greet the horses – Details soon!
June, July & August Summer Camp Sessions – June 27 – July 1 (maybe if kids get out of school by then), July 18 - 22, August 15 – 19 – Ages 7 and up – call Horse Play at (401)294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com for details, registration etc

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. Stall Mats – looking for approx 20 but any amount will be great! 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 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 DonationHorse 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 SharpHorse PlayPO Box 660Exeter, RI 02822Phone (401)294-3565 or (401)864-2943Email horseplayri@msn.comWebsite: www.hptrc.org

The Running Horse is published bi-monthly by Horse Play.  March – April 2011 is copy write ©2011 by Horse Play and Deidre Sharp,  P.O. Box 660, Exeter RI  02822, Phone (401)294-3565 Email:  horseplayri@msn.com,  www.hptrc.orgTrust, Respect, Compassion