The Running Horse
A Bi-monthly Newsletter from Horse Play
Issue March - April 2010
Horse Play
EIN: 05-0506340
Website: www.hptrc.org
Email: horseplayri@msn.com
Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare
I really think the rodent got it wrong this year! It feels like spring is on its way and I know I can see buds on the trees. I do like snow – ALOT – but that warm spring sun sure feels good at nap time!
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
First, thank-yous are in order – Allie’s Tack and Feed, TJ Hay & Grain, David Burnham, Fran Hamilton, The RISPCA and Dr. Finocchio, Sheila Ryan, Sue Healey, John Dellena, Laurie Sturdevant, Donna Percivalle, Mandy, Garry, Deb, Frank, Chris, Kim W, Kim M, Vivian and her dad, Jan Gregory, Holly Foley and family, and everyone who has been helping Horse Play this winter – Y’all are AWESOME!
As you know, Horse Play has been full for several months, yet we have been able to continue to help horses in need because of wonderful, dedicated folks who offer time, space, as well as love and care by providing a foster place. Another horse has joined the gang in foster care – Phoenix – His situation was dire and we are so grateful we were able to help. His story is below.
***Also and update on Montenapoleone (Pepper) *** - On February 22, Pepper moved from Donna’s farm to the same facility where Phoenix lives. It’s a lot closer to Horse Play and hopefully he and Phoenix will become pasture pals. Both of these horses require extra everything, so as always, we are asking for donations – they’re tax-deductible and any amount helps! Also we have several horses available for adoption and if you can’t adopt, please consider sponsoring – the horses will thank-you.
Phoenix Rising
January 27th started out ordinary enough – then a call came in – an urgent plea to take another horse. A young man phoned in tears, desperately seeking a home for his horse. The barn owners were going to turn the horse loose in his yard if he didn’t move it that day. They were upset because people were complaining about the skinny condition the horse was in and the guy had lost his job, etc. The horse is an 18 yr old Quarterhorse gelding who the guy had “saved” a couple of months back. However, he didn’t realize he might have to feed it – he thought the horse would be ok just turned out in a field. We’re not here to judge and the guy did eventually do the right thing by calling - so – seeing as how we are full to the limit, I made my own urgent call to a friend, Sue Healey, who had offered to foster previously. She was also looking for a horse who might be suitable for her teenage son. She agreed, without too much persuasion, to take the horse. I also spoke with the barn owner and told them that Horse Play would be taking the horse but we couldn’t move him until the 29th. They said that would be ok.
On Friday, January 29th, Sheila Ryan and I headed over to pick him up, only knowing that he was skinny. We arrived at the farm and the barn owner’s daughter and Sheila loaded the horse while I had the horse’s owner sign the necessary surrender release. I didn’t really get a good look at the horse who loaded like a dream, burying his nose in the hay bag we had for him. When we arrived at his new home, I went in to unload him – I almost fainted – he was literally a hide draped over a skeleton. He didn’t want to leave his hay, so I gathered a bunch under my arm and backed him out of the trailer. There was a welcoming committee of several young girls, Sue, John Dellena (the barn owner), Cathy (who lives on the farm), a couple of donkeys and a dog. We all looked in disbelief at the pitiful site before us – still very happily munching hay! I have never seen such a skinny horse that was still upright and let alone alive. We got a couple of blankets on him and soon had him settled in a quarantine stall. Sheila and I headed home, feeling happy yet angry at the same time. I still don’t understand how this can happen – why didn’t someone call for help sooner?
The next day, I checked in with Sue and she told me he was doing fine – had eaten almost an entire bale of hay overnight. She also told me they wanted to call him Phoenix – a great name, very appropriate. I stopped by on Sunday, January 31 with friend and photographer, Laurie Sturdevant, and shot these pix.
Phoenix is an incredibly resilient soul. He has had his teeth floated and the dentist agrees he is 18ish. He also mentioned that it appeared he’d been eating dirt/rocks from the look of things. He is now surrounded by all the hay he can eat, fresh water and also some Sentinel Performance, not to mention tons of care, love, human and equine friends. He still has a long road ahead and it’s looking like Sue may take the plunge and adopt him. In the meantime, as always, we are seeking donations towards his (and all the Horse Play horses) care. Please contact Horse Play at (401)294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com – you can also donate on line via PayPal on our website – www.hptrc.org
Phoenix is rising and hopefully will soar into a new life of trust, respect and compassion.
“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
New Horses
Phoenix and friend, Rachel
Phoenix
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. Coming in March “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
March 20, 2010 – 9:00am – 1:00pm – North Kingstown Environmental Fair, North Kingstown High School
March 28, 2010 – 9:00am – 3:00pm - RI Federation of Riding Clubs Horseman’s Bazaar and Indoor Flea Market – Metcalfe Elementary School, Nooseneck Hill Rd (Rte. 3), West Greenwich RI
Workshops, clinics and a “party” 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 March - April 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
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