The Running Horse 

A Bi-monthly Newsletter from Horse Play 
Special Issue – Early Summer 2011 
Horse Play 
EIN: 05-0506340 
Website: www.hptrc.org 
Email: horseplayri@msn.com 
 
Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare 
 
Nom, nom, nom, nom, nom - Aidan is unavailable for comments at this time – too busy eating grass! 
 
 

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. 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-yous go out to all the volunteers, businesses, vendors, the band – Mixed Breed and everyone who attended Horse Play’s Open House on May 28 – it was loads of fun and we made a couple of dollars too! 
 
Congratulations go out to the horses - Dora, Tommy Lee, Leo, Pete – enjoy your new homes, love your new humans and have fun! We miss you! 
 
 

Sancho – welcome to Horse Play! 
 
We are also seeking fosters for several horses on our waiting list – contact us if you can help! 
 
So Summer is just about upon us and this special issue is just a short one to let you know what is going on in July that probably hasn’t gotten listed on out website yet! 
 
Learning with Horse Play 
An *All-Ages Summer Reading, Writing, and Riding Program at Horse Play 
Beginning July 12, 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 
Younger Children's (ages 7 - 11) class Tuesday 10:30am - 12:00pm 
Older Children (10 and up) class - Thursday - 10:30am - 12:00pm 
Lesson fee is $5.00 per class - BUT - we will not turn anyone away due to inability to pay. 
 
 
Horses as Leaders, Teachers and Healers - Saturday, July 9 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 
 
MULTI-RESCUE YARD SALE
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.
Saturday August 20th from 8 am to 2 pm.Rt 6 Petz/Ruff Haus Grooming187 Danielson Pike  Foster, RI
We are seeking donations of services to raffle & your unwanted new & used items (no clothing). We can arrange for pick up if needed. Horse Play is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer horse rescue & sanctuary. Space is also available for those who would like to sell their own items. Price is $10 and payable to Horse Play by August 13th
Contact Horse Play at (401)294-3565 or by email at horseplayri@msn.com for more info

COOKBOOK
Submissions needed 
Have a favorite recipe you'd like to share with others? Want to help Horse Play for free? Horse Play is asking for submissions of recipes (people, horses, dogs, cats) and helpful hints - homemade gadgets, bug spray, cleaners etc to be included in a fundraising cookbook - 
Categories to include - Breakfast, Lunch, Appetizers/snacks, Dinner, Desserts, Beverages, Camping/BBQ, Kids Menu, Horse/Dog/Cat Treats, Handy/Helpful Hints & Ideas for around the Home and Barn 
Contributors will get their name/location included 
Deadline is tentatively August 15, 2011 
For more info contact Horse Play at (401)294-3565 or by email horseplayri@msn.com
 
Summer Camp at Horse Play - Second Session - July 18 – July 22- from 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. 
Summer Camp activities and lessons include Evolutionary Horsemanship, verbal and non-verbal communication, horse/herd behavior, horse care, horse anatomy, and riding. Participants will learn methods which encourage better understanding of horses and help them build mutual partnerships. Children learn to focus their attention on the present. They develop leadership, decision-making, and communication skills which help build confidence and self-esteem in a fun, supportive, non-competitive atmosphere. 
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. 
 
Session 3 August 15 – 19 - accepting applications for this too! 
 
Coming soon – another Par for the Horse Golf Tournament and our Autumn Ride/Walk and Funshow at Goddard Park (date TBA in a week or so) 
 
 
 
"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 
Horse Play offers riding instruction, horse training, farrier service, summer camp and birthday/special occasion parties. Also “Horses and Heroes” - a program for veterans, Learning with Horse Play - An *All-Ages Summer Reading, Writing, and Riding Program at Horse Play (need volunteers!) and some Equine Experiential Learning workshops – contact us for more info. 
 
TEACHING 
Blog - http://evohorseman.blogspot.com 
 
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 . 
 
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 our 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. 
 
"The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different." Hippocrates 
 
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. 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 – 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 Issue-Early Summer 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