The equestrian community for horse people everywhere
Operation Noah's Ark
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.
Deidre F Sharp, President & Founder
Horse Play
Website: www.hptrc.org Email: horseplayri@msn.com
143 Gilbert Stuart Road
Saunderstown, RI 02874
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.
Deidre F Sharp, President & Founder
Horse Play
Website: www.hptrc.org Email: horseplayri@msn.com
143 Gilbert Stuart Road
Saunderstown, RI 02874
Views: 111
Comment
The Rider Marketplace
International Horse News
© 2024 Created by Barnmice Admin.
Powered by
You need to be a member of Barnmice Equestrian Social Community to add comments!
Join Barnmice Equestrian Social Community