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

Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare
I knew spring was coming! The grass is growing and the bugs are coming out. The big rain wasn’t much fun although the geese and Prinny enjoyed the pond it made in our field. Prinny loves mud!! It’s nice too ‘cause more folks are coming around visiting, grooming us and giving treats – love those treats!

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

As always, thank-yous are in order. After all, gratitude is what it’s all about. Thank-you to all the regulars (you know who you are!), Allie’s Tack and Feed, Emily & Nicole Ball, David Burnham, Fran Hamilton, The RISPCA and Dr. Finocchio, Sheila Ryan, Sue Healey, John & Kim D’Ellena, Cathy, Rachel, Emma, the Dyers, Laurie Sturdevant, Lynn Smiley, Carla and Nina, Frank Nolan, Kathleen Knudsen, Elise Maggiacomo and Gian Malozzi.

Last year we had a lot of fun with Summer Camp so we’re going to do it again this year – here are the dates of the sessions - June 28 – July 2, July 12 – 16 and August 16 – 20 – time will be from 9:00am – 3:00pm) – suitable for ages 7 and up. Contact us for more info.

Next, The Sandman is our newest adoptee thanks to the timely fostering of Lynn Smiley of Brassring Farm. He’s a 15 yr old, 15 hand bay Arab gelding. Available for adoption in the fall (we hope!). And also we’re keeping our fingers crossed but Luna and Ginger – our 2 thoroughbred mares who’ve been fostered for almost 2 years may have found a permanent place at the home of Dr. Alan Post and family. This is super as they will be about half a mile from Horse Play! And big, big, thanks to Holly Foley and family for the great care they provided over the time they spent on their farm.
***Also and update on Montenapoleone (Pepper) *** He’s been re-named again – this one will stick! He’s now known as Dante – it mean enduring and that he is – as well as endearing.

And if you haven’t seen it - A new Horse Play video - produced by friend, volunteer and photographer, Laurie Sturdevant - check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6TnaX3vAXg

See us at the RISPCA Ride on May 2 at Goddard Park – we’ll have 2 horses participating who are available for adoption
Also there is still time to sign up for:
PAR for the HORSE
Come play some golf, enjoy a cookout and help horses in need!
Date: May 2, 2010
Place: Jamestown Golf Course, 245 Conanicus Ave. Jamestown, RI, www.jamestowngolf.com
Time: 9:30a.m. sharp
9 holes of golf and a cookout, raffle and silent auction will follow
Price: $50 includes cookout
Contact Horse Play (401)294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com

And the BIGGEE
Our Annual Open House on Saturday, May 29, 2010 from 11:00am - 5:00pm at the farm.
The address is 143 Gilbert Stuart Rd. Saunderstown, RI,02874
Phone (401)294-3565
Email: horseplayri@msn.com
Website www.hptrc.org
There will be raffle prizes, silent auction – stuff for everyone, food, drink, meet-n-greet the horses, live music, vendors (handmade jewelry, herbal products, henna artist, horsey stuff, crafts, and more), demos, and others.
Come visit and experience some Horse Play!

“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

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. Also “Horses and Heroes” - a 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

May 2, 2010 – 9:30am –?pm - PAR for the HORSE - Place: Jamestown Golf Course, 245 Conanicus Ave. Jamestown, RI, Price: $50 includes cookout - Contact Horse Play (401)294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com

May 29, 2010 – 11:00am – 5:00pm - Annual Open House - The address is 143 Gilbert Stuart Rd. Saunderstown, RI,02874, Phone (401)294-3565, Email: horseplayri@msn.com,
Website www.hptrc.org
There will be raffle prizes, silent auction – stuff for everyone, food, drink, meet-n-greet the horses, live music, vendors

Workshops, clinics, etc will be scheduled in the next week or so. Check our website or give a call

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 May - June 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