The Running Horse


A Bi-monthly Newsletter from Horse Play

Special Issue –Mid-Summer 2011

Horse Play

EIN: 05-0506340

Website: www.hptrc.org

Email: horseplayri@msn.com

 

Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare

HOT! BUGGY!! And I was pressed into service doing lessons for camp! Actually that was
kinda fun – got extra treats and the kids were all pretty small and easy to deal with – hey, I
didn’t buck, rear, bite or run away with any of them – BUT – I am NOT a lesson horse!



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 Deid

First let me start with gratitude – I am very grateful to all of our wonderful volunteers and horse
sponsors – we are going through a very tough season (despite camp and other events) and donations are
very low and grants are virtually non-existent, but you folks keep us going!! I also want to thank
Stephanie for her donation of a two-horse trailer – it will make transport so much easier and also
enable us to participate in more events and increase awareness! Now we just need to raise some funds
for a reliable hitch!

 

So if you are reading this and wondering how you can help, please read on. We accept any/all donations
and also offer a sponsor-a-horse program. Check out our horse-friendship instruction (much more than
just “riding lessons”), horse teaching, barefoot trimming and birthday parties. And we have lots of
events planned for the rest of summer and early fall. The first 2 are Biggees! Please note ALL
proceeds from any donation, service, class, workshop, event goes directly to the care of the horses
here and is tax-deductible!

Par for the Horse – Sept 4, 2011

Annual Golf Tournament Benefit for Horse Play Equine Rescue & Sanctuary at the Jamestown Golf
Course, Jamestown RI


10:00am start price - $50 includes lunch

Silent Auctions and Raffles

Enjoy 9 holes of golf on the scenic Jamestown Golf Course and help horses in need

Contact 401-294-3565 or Email horseplayri@msn.com for more info and tickets

 

Horse Play's Annual Fall Ride/Walk & Fun Show – Pledges encouraged – No Horse Needed –
Walk/Run and have fun too

September 17 at Goddard Park, Warwick, RI

NEHT mileage 6/12 miles ride, 6/12 miles drive, $25, check-in 9:00, ride-out 10:00,

Just added - Versatility Challenge - start at 9:30 - lots of fun!

lunch after ride, fun show after lunch, free t-shirt, also raffles and silent auctions Contact Horse Play,
143 Gilbert Stuart Rd. Saunderstown, RI 02874 (401)294-3565 horseplayri@msn.com

 

Horses as Leaders, Teachers and Healers - Exploring the Way of the Horse with the Native
American Medicine Wheel -– Saturday August 13, 2011 from 12:30 -3:30pm - this is a Free
Equine Experiential Learning workshop (donations accepted) - it is hands-on and interactive with the
horse - no prior horse experience is necessary - please dress appropriately - no flip flops, sandals or
open toed shoes - at Horse Play, 143 Gilbert Stuart Road, Saunderstown, RI 02874 call (401)294-3565
or email horseplayri@msn.com to RSVP and for more info

 

Summer Camp at Horse Play - Session 3 August 15 – 19 9:00 - 3:00 - Ages 7 and up. $225 per week

** Time & fee maybe adjusted for inclement weather or smaller group**

Safety First! Campers must wear a riding or bike helmet. Bring a lunch, drink and sunscreen.

Contact info and registration @ 401 294 3565 or horseplayri@msn.com

More than just a riding camp! Camper’s fee benefits the horses at Horse Play, a non-profit horse rescue
and sanctuary .
Daily 1/2 hour Private Horse-friendship Lesson, Horse/Pony Games, Arts and Crafts, Horsey Stuff!

Children will explore Evolutionary Horsemanship which is based on the belief that we’ve evolved beyond
the dominant methods of horse training to a more humane communication oriented style of interaction
with our horse friends.

The resident horses and ponies here at Horse Play Equine Rescue and Sanctuary look forward to camp
week! Some of the horses had physical problems, others had been abused or neglected before coming
to live here. Despite all this they are great teachers with so much to share. They benefit immensely
from the daily interaction with our campers.

 

Multi-Animal Rescue Yard Sale – August 20, 2011 - 9:00-?

Horse Play along with Jenny's Hope Rescue and the Woonsocket Cat Sanctuary, is holding a yard sale &
adoption/rescue day on Saturday August 20th from 8 am to 2 pm.

Rt 6 Petz/Ruff Haus Grooming

187 Danielson Pike Foster, RI - Contact Horse Play at (401)294-3565 or by email at
horseplayri@msn.com for more info

 
Special Programs we are trying to launch! Please consider and forward to any who may be interested!


 

Learning with Horse Play

An *All-Ages Reading, Writing, and Riding Program at Horse Play
Beginning ?, 2011

Read a Horse a Story!

No previous horse experience necessary. A creative approach to enhancing comprehension, composition,
self-awareness and horsefriendship. Learn the history of the horse, horse care and training, riding,
stable management and much more. Explore the communication-based methods of Evolutionary
Horsemanship. Experience Horse Play!
Classes will be held at the farm at Horse Play. Students will participate in reading and writing activities
based on individual skill levels and interests - from grade school through young adult - reading materials
to include but not limited to, Horse Play provided books and articles, magazines, internet articles etc.
Writing will include stories, poetry and essays. Students will be encouraged to research and discuss
various horse-related topics. All classes will involve hands-on interaction with a horse or horses at the
rescue and students will also learn horse handling and riding skills.

*suitable for ages 8 and up

Lesson fee is $5.00 per class - BUT - we will not turn anyone away due to inability to pay.

 

Horses & Heroes – Pilot program to begin mid-August – PLEASE inquire for details

An Equine Experiential Program for Veterans, Law Enforcement, Emergency Service Personnel as well
as anyone dealing with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, addiction and other mental, emotional or
social issues.

The purpose of the program is to assist veterans, law enforcement and others suffering from
depression, PTSD, addictions or other mental disorders (war or non-war related) in the healing process
through the use of Equine Experiential Learning. The goal is to help break down barriers and improve
communication, to help participants with problem-solving, anger management, self-esteem, relationship
skills and coping skills.

 What is unique to Horse Play’s Horses and Heroes is that through a “hands on” approach, the
participants are helping heal the horses while the horses are helping heal the humans. This program
provides a wide array of experiences and opportunities - from basic farm chores and horse handling to
riding and most importantly, a personal experience in self-discovery. The horses help participants to
gain self-understanding and emotional growth. We recognize the bond between animals and humans and
the potential for emotional healing that can occur when a relationship is formed between the two. In
many cases, the horses are not ridden, and usually are not tethered in the arena, but allowed to roam
free. Exercises can be as simple as giving the client a halter, and letting them figure out how to
approach the horse and put it on.

There is no fee to participate in this program. However any donations are always accepted

Participants are encouraged to attend at least once a week. Please contact Horse Play for more
information about Horses and Heroes Ph# (401)294-3565 Email: horseplayri@msn.com

 

 

"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 blogs at http://herdwhispers.blogspot.com/ and
http://evohorseman.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, 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 -Used and Consignment Tack Shop – right here at the farm – come browse or
sell your “stuff”. Our commission rates are great – 20% for saddles and 25% for everything
else. Feel free to contact us for more info & hours: Please give us a call or email if you need
something in particular.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

See above – Message from Deidre

 

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 *****

Trailer hitch and installation – contact Deidre/Horse Play for details

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.

Special Mid-Summer 2011 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.org

Trust, Respect, Compassion