Dear Mr. President,
My name is Deidre Sharp. It is my hope that this letter finds its way to your desk, your eyes, and most importantly, your heart. I am writing with the same hope for change that was in my heart when I voted for you a little more than a year ago. I’m not writing about joblessness -although I’ve been unemployed - or healthcare - even though I don’t have health insurance, or even the mortgage crisis – don’t have one of those either – I am writing to you on behalf of America’s Wild Horses – the American Mustang. Please Mr. President, I’m asking you to take a look at the Bureau of Land Management and the inhumane and unnecessary round ups which are occurring right now with total disregard to the welfare of the horses they are supposed to protect. This agency appears to have its own agenda – eradicate the mustangs. They also seem to be above the law which is apparent in many of their actions. The 1971 Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act is supposed to preserve wild horses and burros in more than 300 areas of publicly owned rangeland in the west. It forbids their exploitation, harassment and removal. Now only 30 million acres remain of the 54 million acres designated primarily for wild horse use in 1971. Over 100 herds have been completely removed by the BLM and many remaining herds are too small to insure their long-term survival. The BLM's current policy of eradicating these herds is also completely against the wishes of the American public. It’s all about cattle grazing (private stock on public land?) and special interest groups. The horses not facing any imminent threat to their well-being such as drought, wild fires or illness – the only threat is that from the hands of humans. The most recent and ongoing “gather” of the Calico Herd Management horses has resulted in 43 deaths – all inhumane and unnecessary. While a few of the horses were much older and thin, several died or were euthanized from issues resulting from feed change, 20 mares aborted foals, a direct result of this “gather”. It is noted that most are “in good flesh”. However, the most horrific is the account of the foal who had to be euthanized because he was losing his hooves. This colt died needlessly and with great suffering. Please take the time to read the accompanying Veterinarian Report and essay.
Vet Report
January 22, 2010
Black Rock East
History and Report on Sloughed Hoof Foal
This foal was received at the Indian Lakes contract holding facility from the Calico
Complex gather around 1/6/2010. He was fed and watered for a day and when noticed to be lame was removed from the general population and placed in a hospital pen. On 1/8/2010 this horse was treated with phenylbutazone (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and penicillin (an antibiotic) for presumptive sole bruising and abscesses. No abscesses were noted at this time but there was some foot swelling suggesting hoof trauma. During the next 5 days the colt which was nine months old was fed and watered in the hospital pen and observed for body condition and lameness. He was retreated on 1/13/2010 with phenylbutazoneand penicillin.
Sole abscesses and potential hoof sloughs were noted. Both hind feet were flushed with
betadine (an antiseptic) and bandaged with gauze, antibiotic ointment and tape. The colt was slightly improved after treatment but over the next couple of days spent more and more time lying down. On 1/18/2010 the 2 hind feet were examined again. Multiple hoof sloughs were noted and the foal was euthanized for humane reasons. The cause of these hoof abscesses/sloughs was most likely hoof trauma from the gather operations.
Richard Sanford DVM
NV #565
Essay
The Death of the Calico Colt
An Essay by Ginger Kathrens
He was wild and free, roaming the vast expanses of the rugged Calico Mountains with his mother and father and the other members of his family. This would be his first winter, a time when life slowed down for all the wild ones—the elegant pronghorn he watched on the distant horizon, the tiny pygmy rabbits that foraged in the sage brush undergrowth and darted into their dens when he tried to touch them, the fat sage grouse that were some of his favorites.
When he was just days old, he heard their strange, booming sounds and saw the males strutting and displaying for a mate. When he wandered toward them, it was his father who gently guided him home. His mother softly nickered to him. She smelled of sweet sage and invited him to nurse.
Then, one day while his mother and father and the others in his family were quietly foraging, conserving their energy in the growing cold, he saw his father jerk his head up. Ears forward, the stallion watched and listened and the colt did too, mimicking his father. The colt could hear a rumbling drone. In the distance, he could see something flying toward them. It was even bigger than the majestic golden eagles that soared over his home. It came closer and closer, dropping low over the sage. The drone grew into an ear shattering roar. His family began to run and he followed, galloping beside his mother where he would be safe. Mile after mile the menacing, giant bird chased them. His legs ached and he wanted to rest, but he could not leave his mother. He kept running, struggling to keep up. Fear gripped the Calico colt.
Then he saw a horse in front of his father and it too began to run. Safety must be ahead. His family followed the stranger and suddenly they were trapped inside walls of steel. His father tried to jump over the wall but it was too high. There were two legged animals running at them with long sticks and something white that fluttered madly. Suddenly, he was separated from his mother when a two-legged moved between them, striking out at him with the frightening stick and the fluttering bag. He was driven into another corral. When he whinnied for his mother, she answered. He raced around the corral calling for her, but found his feet were too sore to run anymore and he stopped. He could hear his father calling and he knew the proud stallion had been separated too. The colt answered him. He could see his mother through the bars of his cage and this gave him strength and hope.
Days passed. It was cold and there was no place to get out of the wind. In his home, his mother would have led the band below a rocky outcrop that blocked the wind. The colt began to fear he would never again smell the sweet sage of her breath or taste the warm milk she offered to him. His feet, so sore, became worse. Shooting pains darted through his whole body when he tried to walk so he moved as little as possible, hobbling a few steps to eat the plants the two-leggeds had thrown on the ground for them. One frigid morning, the two leggeds came and drove him into a truck with others that were his age. The pain was constant now and when the truck moved out, he stayed on his feet but the pain riveted him with every jolt and bump. He called for his mother, but there was no answer. Would he ever see his parents again? Hours passed and the truck moved onto smoother ground and it turned into a place where he could hear the calls of his kind. He whinnied as loud as he could, but the answering voices were unfamiliar. The two-leggeds drove the colt from the truck into a bigger cage and he struggled to keep up with the other foals. Some of them were limping too. His eyes scanned the horizon, looking for something familiar but the flat horizon looked nothing like the land of his birth.
Days went by and he spent hours laying in the dirt, the pain growing. He could feel something happening to his feet. His once strong, dark hooves were beginning to separate from the bone designed to hold them fast. He laid flat and closed his eyes, imagining the home and family he feared he would never see again. The two leggeds walked toward him. He wanted to jump up and dash away but he could not. Over the next few days he grew too tired to move at all. The wind howled and as it began to snow, he closed his eyes for the last time and dreamed of his family. Then two leggeds came again and killed the Calico Colt.
In death, the lively spirit of the Calico Colt was released to roam free once more. He has
returned home to his family and the land of his dreams. He is not just a statistic. Neither
he nor what he symbolizes will ever be forgotten.
(Ginger Kathrens is a filmmaker, author, and founder of The Cloud Foundation, dedicated to preserving our mustangs on public lands. The Foundation is calling for a stop to the roundups that are robbing public lands of our legendary, native wild equids—the very embodiment of freedom for many Americans. The Calico colt is only one of many who have died as a result of the ongoing roundups this year alone.)
*Actually, as of today, February 2, 2010, a second foal had to be euthanized for the same injury/trauma.
Now, Mr. President, if a regular citizen had done such a thing to a horse, they hopefully would be caught and sent to jail. Are these the actions of an Agency whose duty it is to protect these horses? This appears to be a blatant disregard of the 1971 Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act at the very least, if not just sickening cruelty and disregard for the animals’ welfare. In these round ups, the horses are “driven” for miles by a helicopter. In the past 2 years, at least 205 horses have lost their lives as a direct result of these “gathers”.
I am not just another “horse hugger” (although that’s not a bad thing), I am an equine behaviorist, educator and the founder and president of Horse Play. Horse Play is a non-profit equine rescue and sanctuary located in Saunderstown, RI. We even have several mustangs here. We clean up the mess the BLM creates when they adopt out wild horses to totally clueless individuals. Most importantly I am a human with a heart and conscience. While Ginger Kathren’s essay may seem to some as a bit anthropomorphic, I assure you it isn’t. Horses are incredibly sentient, intelligent and social beings. The herd is the family. Family means everything to them – to all horses actually. Existence depends on the herd. The round ups and holdings create incredible, unimaginable amounts of stress on these animals and it really is inhumane and unnecessary.
I realize this isn’t on the scale with healthcare reform or the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan but it does impact the economy and the American taxpayer’s wallet. At present, more than 33,000 wild horses are in government holding facilities. The cost to taxpayers is $100,000 a day. The scheduled removal of 2,500 from Nevada will bring that total to more than 35,000 and the cost will rise. Again, please look at the number of horses in the holding facilities. As more are “gathered”, more will end up in one of these facilities. It is delusional of the BLM to think that many of the horses gathered will be adopted. Our farm is full to the limit with many well-trained, younger horses available for adoption – but I can’t adopt out if no one wants a horse. There are ads in papers and websites offering horses for free – again, young, well-trained, great horses. No one is adopting anything right now – it is highly unlikely that folks will adopt the “wild “ones. Please take another look at the number of mustangs who weren’t adopted – the ones in the holding facilities. Then take a look at the BLM and its current agenda. All unnecessary.
So, Mr. President, I hope you have taken a moment to read this. I hope you will take some action and fully investigate the BLM. Civilizations were built from the backs of horses. The American Mustang is an icon of freedom. If the BLM continues this decimation of the American herds, the wild horse in America will become extinct – and extinction is forever. Please help prevent this.
If you would like more information, please feel free to contact me. Also visit the following websites
www.equinewelfarealliance.org
www.thecloudfoundation.org
http://rtfitch.wordpress.com
Thank-you for your time and consideration.
Peace all ways
Deidre Sharp, Founder & President
Horse Play
www.hptrc.org
horseplayri@msn.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Saturday, November 21, 2009
2010 Horse Play Calendars
There here!!!
Now available online - 2 Different 2010 Horse Play Calendars!
We had 2 SUPER photographers come out and play - Doug Learned
and Sheila Ryan (she has a horse here, Indy). The results are
these wonderful calendars. A great gift for any horse lover! And
tax deductible too!
Order online
2010 Wall Calendar
http://www.cafepress.com/horseplayri.415772096
2010 Vertical Wall Calendar
http://www.cafepress.com/horseplayri.417750452
Available next week at Allie's Tack and Feed, North Kingstown RI
and the Purple Cow,Wakefield, RI
or you can call or email Horse Play
Ph (401)294-3565 or cell (401)864-2943
Now available online - 2 Different 2010 Horse Play Calendars!
We had 2 SUPER photographers come out and play - Doug Learned
and Sheila Ryan (she has a horse here, Indy). The results are
these wonderful calendars. A great gift for any horse lover! And
tax deductible too!
Order online
2010 Wall Calendar
http://www.cafepress.com/horseplayri.415772096
2010 Vertical Wall Calendar
http://www.cafepress.com/horseplayri.417750452
Available next week at Allie's Tack and Feed, North Kingstown RI
and the Purple Cow,Wakefield, RI
or you can call or email Horse Play
Ph (401)294-3565 or cell (401)864-2943
December Events
Dec 12 - Holiday Pasta Dinner and Craft Fair - benefit for Horse
Play Equine Rescue & Sanctuary - North Kingstown Community
Center, Beach St, Wickford, RI - tickets $10 for Pasta Dinner -
choice of Pasta w/ Meatballs, Turkey or Vegetarian, Salad, Garlic
Bread, Dessert and Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Water or Soda. Not
just for horse lovers - Animal shelters and rescues from throughout
RI will be there
Lots of fun with music and a free Raffle!
Please RSVP to Horse Play - (401)294-3565 or
horseplayri@msn.com
Rain or shine
Next
Dec 13 - Free Evolutionary Horsemanship Clinic - 1:00 - 3:00 - at
Horse Play, 143 Gilbert Stuart Road, Saunderstown, RI
Holistic Healing and Intuitive Communication with Sheila Ryan &
Solutions to Common Problems and Vices and also Understanding
Equine Nutrition
Contact Horse Play - (401)294-3565 or horseplayri@msn.com
Rain or shine
Play Equine Rescue & Sanctuary - North Kingstown Community
Center, Beach St, Wickford, RI - tickets $10 for Pasta Dinner -
choice of Pasta w/ Meatballs, Turkey or Vegetarian, Salad, Garlic
Bread, Dessert and Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Water or Soda. Not
just for horse lovers - Animal shelters and rescues from throughout
RI will be there
Lots of fun with music and a free Raffle!
Please RSVP to Horse Play - (401)294-3565 or
horseplayri@msn.com
Rain or shine
Next
Dec 13 - Free Evolutionary Horsemanship Clinic - 1:00 - 3:00 - at
Horse Play, 143 Gilbert Stuart Road, Saunderstown, RI
Holistic Healing and Intuitive Communication with Sheila Ryan &
Solutions to Common Problems and Vices and also Understanding
Equine Nutrition
Contact Horse Play - (401)294-3565 or horseplayri@msn.com
Rain or shine
Horse Play News Nov-Dec 09
The Running Horse
A Bi-monthly Newsletter from Horse Play
Issue November – December 2009
Horse Play
EIN: 05-0506340
Website: www.hptrc.org
Email: horseplayri@msn.com
Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare
Welcome Winter! The grass is all but gone and we’re all is getting fuzzy. A new horse joined our herd. First they were calling him Diesel now he’s called Bodhi. He was here before (not in with us) but just for a little while. He’s ok – no trouble for me – hangs with the Omegas. Then just a couple of days ago, another new one shows up in the front paddock (with Indy and Brio). They’re calling him Harley. He’s just a baby. A big tall leggy guy – he’s keeping his paddock mates busy chasing him around. That’s good ‘cause Brio needs to lose some weight!
Aidan is a 22 year old Thoroughbred mare, rescued almost 16 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
Yep – Winter’s coming! As per usual, I want to start by saying thank-you to all who have helped us over the last couple of months – Mandy, Kim, Debbie, Frank, Sheila, Mel, Ellen, Garry, Holly, Lynn, Laura, Rose, Karen, Barbara, Allie’s Tack and Feed, TJ Hay and Grain, Terry Moone, Dave McGovern and all the riders, sponsors and donors for the National Rescue Ride and the Jackie O soup ride. Although these events were rained out, we still made a bit of funding and had a good time too!
Coming up is Horse Cents – 2009 Winter Hay Drive Nov 8 from 2 – 5 at Trattoria Simpatico, 13 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, RI – HUGE Thanks to Fran Hamilton and Phyllis Bedard for organizing this! Please check out our events on our website – www.hptrc.org – we will be having several free clinics and workshops as well. Also check out our new Used And consignment Tack Shop here at the farm.
Also couple of adoption announcements - Congratulations to Debbie and Dora “Bob” and Noreen and Callie! We’ll catch up with you guys on the trails!
Horse Play is operating at over-full capacity and has several horses available for adoption. Can’t adopt? Consider sponsoring one or if you have the space, fosters are always needed. Your help is always greatly and gratefully appreciated!
“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
Bodhi – 17 yr old Appendix QH
Harley – 3 year old Morgan Gelding
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.
Horse Play offers riding instruction, horse training and farrier service. Coming soon – a “Mom or Dad and Me” Riding program, Kids After School Literacy Program and some Equine Experiential Learning workshops
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
Nov 8, 2009 – 2:00p.m. – 5:00p.m. – Horse Cents – 2009 Winter Hay Drive
Trattoria Simpatico, 13 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, RI
Tickets $50 - Silent Auction and Raffles too -Include ski lift tickets - Okemo and Black Mtn, RI Philharmonic tickets, artwork, sterling jewlery and more. The cost of one ticket is the cost of hay for one day For tickets and information please call Horse Play (401)294-3565 Email horseplayri@msn.com
Nov 15, 2009 - 1:00p.m - 4:00p.m Free Clinic/Workshop - at Horse Play, 143 Gilbert Stuart Road, Saunderstown, RI Evolutionary Horsemanship - More than Natural Horsemanship & Trimming the Barefoot Horse (Give your horse the gift of better health – let him go barefoot!). The “hows & whys” explained.
Nov 15, 2009 - Opening of Used and Consignment Tack Shop
More will be added soon– look for a Holiday Craft Fair and Dinner as well as more free clinics and workshops
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 and also an electric fence charger and outdoor lighting for our round pen and herd feeding area. 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 22 horses ****
Total $56,870.00
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 November – December 2009 is copy write ©2009 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
Membership Application
Join Our Herd today
and you will be helping us in our mission to assist horses in need.
All members will receive a letter and photo from the herd, HorsePlay decal & our bi-monthly newsletter so we can keep you informed of what’s happening at Horse Play.
I want to join Horse Play Equine Rescue & Sanctuary in sheltering and finding homes for the animals who need us. Please enter my membership as a:
•?Herd Helper $25.00
•?Herd Friend $50.00
•?Herd Guardian $100.00
•?Herd Protector $250.00
•?Herd Sentinel $500.00+ ________
Please send information concerning volunteer opportunities
Name:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Phone: Email:
Please make checks payable to: HorsePlay P.O. Box 660 Exeter, Rhode Island 02822
Credit Card Holder Name:
Type of Card:
Card #: Exp. Date: SEC#
Signature:
A Bi-monthly Newsletter from Horse Play
Issue November – December 2009
Horse Play
EIN: 05-0506340
Website: www.hptrc.org
Email: horseplayri@msn.com
Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare
Welcome Winter! The grass is all but gone and we’re all is getting fuzzy. A new horse joined our herd. First they were calling him Diesel now he’s called Bodhi. He was here before (not in with us) but just for a little while. He’s ok – no trouble for me – hangs with the Omegas. Then just a couple of days ago, another new one shows up in the front paddock (with Indy and Brio). They’re calling him Harley. He’s just a baby. A big tall leggy guy – he’s keeping his paddock mates busy chasing him around. That’s good ‘cause Brio needs to lose some weight!
Aidan is a 22 year old Thoroughbred mare, rescued almost 16 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
Yep – Winter’s coming! As per usual, I want to start by saying thank-you to all who have helped us over the last couple of months – Mandy, Kim, Debbie, Frank, Sheila, Mel, Ellen, Garry, Holly, Lynn, Laura, Rose, Karen, Barbara, Allie’s Tack and Feed, TJ Hay and Grain, Terry Moone, Dave McGovern and all the riders, sponsors and donors for the National Rescue Ride and the Jackie O soup ride. Although these events were rained out, we still made a bit of funding and had a good time too!
Coming up is Horse Cents – 2009 Winter Hay Drive Nov 8 from 2 – 5 at Trattoria Simpatico, 13 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, RI – HUGE Thanks to Fran Hamilton and Phyllis Bedard for organizing this! Please check out our events on our website – www.hptrc.org – we will be having several free clinics and workshops as well. Also check out our new Used And consignment Tack Shop here at the farm.
Also couple of adoption announcements - Congratulations to Debbie and Dora “Bob” and Noreen and Callie! We’ll catch up with you guys on the trails!
Horse Play is operating at over-full capacity and has several horses available for adoption. Can’t adopt? Consider sponsoring one or if you have the space, fosters are always needed. Your help is always greatly and gratefully appreciated!
“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
Bodhi – 17 yr old Appendix QH
Harley – 3 year old Morgan Gelding
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.
Horse Play offers riding instruction, horse training and farrier service. Coming soon – a “Mom or Dad and Me” Riding program, Kids After School Literacy Program and some Equine Experiential Learning workshops
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
Nov 8, 2009 – 2:00p.m. – 5:00p.m. – Horse Cents – 2009 Winter Hay Drive
Trattoria Simpatico, 13 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, RI
Tickets $50 - Silent Auction and Raffles too -Include ski lift tickets - Okemo and Black Mtn, RI Philharmonic tickets, artwork, sterling jewlery and more. The cost of one ticket is the cost of hay for one day For tickets and information please call Horse Play (401)294-3565 Email horseplayri@msn.com
Nov 15, 2009 - 1:00p.m - 4:00p.m Free Clinic/Workshop - at Horse Play, 143 Gilbert Stuart Road, Saunderstown, RI Evolutionary Horsemanship - More than Natural Horsemanship & Trimming the Barefoot Horse (Give your horse the gift of better health – let him go barefoot!). The “hows & whys” explained.
Nov 15, 2009 - Opening of Used and Consignment Tack Shop
More will be added soon– look for a Holiday Craft Fair and Dinner as well as more free clinics and workshops
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 and also an electric fence charger and outdoor lighting for our round pen and herd feeding area. 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 22 horses ****
Total $56,870.00
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 November – December 2009 is copy write ©2009 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
Membership Application
Join Our Herd today
and you will be helping us in our mission to assist horses in need.
All members will receive a letter and photo from the herd, HorsePlay decal & our bi-monthly newsletter so we can keep you informed of what’s happening at Horse Play.
I want to join Horse Play Equine Rescue & Sanctuary in sheltering and finding homes for the animals who need us. Please enter my membership as a:
•?Herd Helper $25.00
•?Herd Friend $50.00
•?Herd Guardian $100.00
•?Herd Protector $250.00
•?Herd Sentinel $500.00+ ________
Please send information concerning volunteer opportunities
Name:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Phone: Email:
Please make checks payable to: HorsePlay P.O. Box 660 Exeter, Rhode Island 02822
Credit Card Holder Name:
Type of Card:
Card #: Exp. Date: SEC#
Signature:
Friday, October 9, 2009
About Deidre
Info about me - because "inquiring minds need to know"
I'm Deidre Sharp - Born a long time ago, in Richmond VA (no, I'm not originally from Rhode Island)-Grew up between VA and St Croix, Virgin Islands
Native American - 3/4 (Cheyenne, Arapaho and Pamunkey) yes, the dreamcatchers and Medicine Ponies are made by a REAL Indian - 1/4 Irish
Attended College of William and Mary(scholarship and worked) English/Writing
Began riding at age 16 months (relatives breed, import/export Irish Sporthorses in VA and Ireland) when aunt put me in a basket on a pony and ponied from her foxhunter around the VA countryside
Since then have ridden all types, all disciplines - 3-day event, open jumpers, polo,team penning, gymkhana, endurance - I didn't just fall off the hay wagon
Working student, Pro/Am rider - NC, VA, MD, PA and NJ (I paid my own way by working for lessons, show fees) - Rode for several prestigious farms in VA - Shown at Lexington, KY, Devon, PA, Washington, DC an Madison Square Garden, NY - Got my first horse when I was 27 yrs old in RI - always rode for others
Trainers I've studied with (names might be familiar)- Rodney Jenkins, George Morris, Bruce Davidson, Sally Swift, Mary Wanless, Monty Roberts, GaWaNi PonyBoy, John and Josh Lyons, Frank Bell and many others you wouldn't know
Farriers I've studied/trained with - Pete Ramey, KC LaPierre
(been keeping horses barefooted for 8 years and do all the trimming at Horse Play)
Was a professional ballet dancer in my teens (Joffrey II Company when it was in New York) - Achilles tendon injury ended that career possibility
Speak 3 languages
Been married once
Travelled a lot - Eastern US, Caribbean, South America, UK, Mediterranean, North Africa
Worked for many years as a sailboat/charteryacht captain - hold a USCG 200 ton Masters License as well as a British Yachtmasters Certificate - how I ended up in RI
Worked for professional high-goal Argentinian Polo Player as Groom and manager (lived off and on in Argentina for 18 months), also managed a couple of T'bred breeding facilities and one TWH farm and a Polo/T'bred lay-up facility.
Personal beliefs and a passion for honoring life led me to founding Horse Play and continuing it's operation thru all the ups and downs of the non-profit horse rescue and sanctuary "business". My past experinces have provided me with lots of knowledge but they are past. What matters is Now
I'm Deidre Sharp - Born a long time ago, in Richmond VA (no, I'm not originally from Rhode Island)-Grew up between VA and St Croix, Virgin Islands
Native American - 3/4 (Cheyenne, Arapaho and Pamunkey) yes, the dreamcatchers and Medicine Ponies are made by a REAL Indian - 1/4 Irish
Attended College of William and Mary(scholarship and worked) English/Writing
Began riding at age 16 months (relatives breed, import/export Irish Sporthorses in VA and Ireland) when aunt put me in a basket on a pony and ponied from her foxhunter around the VA countryside
Since then have ridden all types, all disciplines - 3-day event, open jumpers, polo,team penning, gymkhana, endurance - I didn't just fall off the hay wagon
Working student, Pro/Am rider - NC, VA, MD, PA and NJ (I paid my own way by working for lessons, show fees) - Rode for several prestigious farms in VA - Shown at Lexington, KY, Devon, PA, Washington, DC an Madison Square Garden, NY - Got my first horse when I was 27 yrs old in RI - always rode for others
Trainers I've studied with (names might be familiar)- Rodney Jenkins, George Morris, Bruce Davidson, Sally Swift, Mary Wanless, Monty Roberts, GaWaNi PonyBoy, John and Josh Lyons, Frank Bell and many others you wouldn't know
Farriers I've studied/trained with - Pete Ramey, KC LaPierre
(been keeping horses barefooted for 8 years and do all the trimming at Horse Play)
Was a professional ballet dancer in my teens (Joffrey II Company when it was in New York) - Achilles tendon injury ended that career possibility
Speak 3 languages
Been married once
Travelled a lot - Eastern US, Caribbean, South America, UK, Mediterranean, North Africa
Worked for many years as a sailboat/charteryacht captain - hold a USCG 200 ton Masters License as well as a British Yachtmasters Certificate - how I ended up in RI
Worked for professional high-goal Argentinian Polo Player as Groom and manager (lived off and on in Argentina for 18 months), also managed a couple of T'bred breeding facilities and one TWH farm and a Polo/T'bred lay-up facility.
Personal beliefs and a passion for honoring life led me to founding Horse Play and continuing it's operation thru all the ups and downs of the non-profit horse rescue and sanctuary "business". My past experinces have provided me with lots of knowledge but they are past. What matters is Now
Thursday, September 24, 2009
New Video and Stuff
Please watch our new video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMMZ3w4jee8
Forward to others who may be interested
Just 12 days until the National Ride / Walk at Goddard Park - it's a national event as well as a fundraiser for Horse Play (food, drinks, raffles, silent auction, tack sale and fun show too!) - by the way, - we are also offering a Community Service program, and After School Enrichment program, riding lessons, horse training, barefoot trimming, and birthday parties - a used tack and consignment shop is also opening on the premises - all fees for services are a donation to Horse Play - more details will be posted on our website soon. We currently have 23 horses in our care and 7 on a waiting list - please give us a hand helping horses in need
Please give us a call or email if you'd like more info on anything -
(401)294-3565 or horseplayri@msn.com
Peace
Deidre Sharp
Horse Play
www.hptrc.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMMZ3w4jee8
Forward to others who may be interested
Just 12 days until the National Ride / Walk at Goddard Park - it's a national event as well as a fundraiser for Horse Play (food, drinks, raffles, silent auction, tack sale and fun show too!) - by the way, - we are also offering a Community Service program, and After School Enrichment program, riding lessons, horse training, barefoot trimming, and birthday parties - a used tack and consignment shop is also opening on the premises - all fees for services are a donation to Horse Play - more details will be posted on our website soon. We currently have 23 horses in our care and 7 on a waiting list - please give us a hand helping horses in need
Please give us a call or email if you'd like more info on anything -
(401)294-3565 or horseplayri@msn.com
Peace
Deidre Sharp
Horse Play
www.hptrc.org
Monday, August 31, 2009
Horse Play Newsletter Sept - Oct 09
The Running Horse
A Bi-monthly Newsletter from Horse Play
Issue Sept – Oct 2009
Horse Play
EIN: 05-0506340
Website: www.hptrc.org
Email: horseplayri@msn.com
Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare
Summer is waning. Seems like it just got here. Won’t miss the heat and flies though! A new horse joined the herd a few days ago. He was here quite awhile ago but he wasn’t in with us. Not sure what to think of him yet – seems pretty submissive. Of course Buddha has been over the top chasing him around – it’s Buddha’s new exercise program – maybe it’ll help him lose his belly!
Aidan is a 22 year old Thoroughbred mare, rescued almost 16 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://sagemare.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
Big Thank-yous to Aquidneck Island Horsemen’s Association for their generous donation!! Also want to thank Brian Larkin, Jodie Sinclair, Sheila Ryan, Doug Learned, Allie’s Tack and Feed, RISPCA, RIHA, the Foleys, Maura Sayre, Fran Hamilton, Lynn Smiley, Mandy, Kim, Deb and Frank – for all your help and support!
Lynn Smiley is fostering Xafir (see event on Sept 26) a 6 yr old Lusitano gelding and ambassador of Horse Play. He will be shown throughout New England in dressage events as a representative of Horse Play.
More big news –
NATIONAL RESCUE RIDE/WALK 2009 SET FOR OCTOBER 3
Every week Horse Play receives calls and emails from folks who, due to economic or severe personal lifestyle challenges (illnesses, deaths, divorces, pay cuts, layoffs, etc), are having to surrender their equine companions – many are sound and ridable. These situations could happen to any horse owner. Please help us by participating in the 2009 National ride / Walk on Oct 3. Check out the info below
Horse Play is participating in the Second Annual National Rescue Ride/Walk. Riders and walkers wishing to participate to support Horse Play on October 3, 2009 at Goddard Memorial Park, 1095 Ives Rd, Warwick RI should go to www.nationalrescueride.org to register, pay a $20 fee (you get a T-shirt), print their sponsorship form and start raising money by signing up sponsors for themselves, like a walkathon. If you don’t want to find sponsors but wish to donate that’s fine too – just sign yourself up as your own sponsor. ***Also*** We will also be accepting registration on the day of the ride at the ride so please consider participating! Hours are 9:00a.m - 4:00p.m. There will be a fun show following the ride/walk as well as food, music, vendors and an opportunity to meet some of the horses the efforts are helping. For information on the ride to benefit Horse Play call 401-294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com – website www.hptrc.org
Also please check out our horses available for sponsor or adoption – we are full with 7 on a waiting list. The new horse will be available for adoption soon – no pic yet but he’s a 15.2 hand, dark bay/black QH approx 17 yrs old – English or Western – great ground manners and gets along well with everyone.
“Life is as dear to the mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants
happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not to die, so
do other creatures.”~ His Holiness The Dalai Lama
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.
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.
Starting in the next newsletter, we’ll be posting some lessons for you and your horse – also available online at http://horseplayri.blogspot.com/.
Horse Play is happy to announce it has partnered with Sharp Horse – home of Evolutionary Horsemanship. Sharp Horse is also starting an online store carrying many herbal/alternative supplements (Hilton, Wendals, Equilite) as well as other horse care products. ALL proceeds from private or workshop lessons as well as products sold are directly donated to Horse Play for support of the horses. Lessons for horses and/or humans available at our farm or yours. All disciplines, ages, breeds. Feel free to visit us online at http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Horse-Play-RI.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sept 26 – Meet-n-Greet Xafir – Cookout, Raffles, Evolutionary Horsemanship Demo and Performance by Xafir, - noon – 4:00pm at Brassring Farm, West Greenwich – contact Brassring Farm at (401)397-5571 or Horse Play for more info (401)294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com
Oct 3 - NATIONAL RESCUE RIDE/WALK – Goddard Park , Ives Road, Warwick RI – 9:00 – 4:00, info at www.hptrc.org, sign up online and receive a T-shirt at www.nationalrescueride.org
Oct 25 – Jackie O Soup Ride sponsored by Aquidneck Island Horsemen’s Association– time TBA at Horse Play, 143 Gilbert Stuart, Saunderstown, RI – contact Horse Play for info (401)294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com
NEEDS AND WANTS
***URGENT*** Horse Play needs a trailer – prefer stock type, Two–or-more horse, in good condition and inspected – also - looking for Round Pen Panels – 10 or 12 footers - any color or finish, as many as you want to sell or give away and also an electric fence charger and outdoor lighting for our round pen and herd feeding area. These are tax deductible donations!- 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
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 7 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 TRH Concepts.
Issue Sept – Oct 2009 is copy write ©2009 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
Membership Application
Join Our Herd today
and you will be helping us in our mission to assist horses in need.
All members will receive a letter and photo from the herd, HorsePlay decal & our bi-monthly newsletter so we can keep you informed of what’s happening at Horse Play.
I want to join Horse Play Equine Rescue & Sanctuary in sheltering and finding homes for the animals who need us. Please enter my membership as a:
•?Herd Helper $25.00
•?Herd Friend $50.00
•?Herd Guardian $100.00
•?Herd Protector $250.00
•?Herd Sentinel $500.00+ ________
Please send information concerning volunteer opportunities
Name:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Phone: Email:
Please make checks payable to: HorsePlay P.O. Box 660 Exeter, Rhode Island 02822
Credit Card Holder Name:
Type of Card:
Card #: Exp. Date: SEC#
Signature:
National Rescue Ride / Walk Oct 3 2009
to benefit
Horse Play
Equine Rescue & Sanctuary of Saunderstown, RI
from 9a.m. – 4p.m.
at Goddard Memorial Park, 1095 Ives Rd, Warwick RI
****************************************
Food, Drinks, Music, a Fun Show, Tack Sale and Silent Auction Following the Ride/Walk!
Contact Horse Play at (401)294-3565
Email horseplayri@msn.com
Horse Play
Join Us! Saturday, October 03, 2009
A Bi-monthly Newsletter from Horse Play
Issue Sept – Oct 2009
Horse Play
EIN: 05-0506340
Website: www.hptrc.org
Email: horseplayri@msn.com
Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare
Summer is waning. Seems like it just got here. Won’t miss the heat and flies though! A new horse joined the herd a few days ago. He was here quite awhile ago but he wasn’t in with us. Not sure what to think of him yet – seems pretty submissive. Of course Buddha has been over the top chasing him around – it’s Buddha’s new exercise program – maybe it’ll help him lose his belly!
Aidan is a 22 year old Thoroughbred mare, rescued almost 16 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://sagemare.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
Big Thank-yous to Aquidneck Island Horsemen’s Association for their generous donation!! Also want to thank Brian Larkin, Jodie Sinclair, Sheila Ryan, Doug Learned, Allie’s Tack and Feed, RISPCA, RIHA, the Foleys, Maura Sayre, Fran Hamilton, Lynn Smiley, Mandy, Kim, Deb and Frank – for all your help and support!
Lynn Smiley is fostering Xafir (see event on Sept 26) a 6 yr old Lusitano gelding and ambassador of Horse Play. He will be shown throughout New England in dressage events as a representative of Horse Play.
More big news –
NATIONAL RESCUE RIDE/WALK 2009 SET FOR OCTOBER 3
Every week Horse Play receives calls and emails from folks who, due to economic or severe personal lifestyle challenges (illnesses, deaths, divorces, pay cuts, layoffs, etc), are having to surrender their equine companions – many are sound and ridable. These situations could happen to any horse owner. Please help us by participating in the 2009 National ride / Walk on Oct 3. Check out the info below
Horse Play is participating in the Second Annual National Rescue Ride/Walk. Riders and walkers wishing to participate to support Horse Play on October 3, 2009 at Goddard Memorial Park, 1095 Ives Rd, Warwick RI should go to www.nationalrescueride.org to register, pay a $20 fee (you get a T-shirt), print their sponsorship form and start raising money by signing up sponsors for themselves, like a walkathon. If you don’t want to find sponsors but wish to donate that’s fine too – just sign yourself up as your own sponsor. ***Also*** We will also be accepting registration on the day of the ride at the ride so please consider participating! Hours are 9:00a.m - 4:00p.m. There will be a fun show following the ride/walk as well as food, music, vendors and an opportunity to meet some of the horses the efforts are helping. For information on the ride to benefit Horse Play call 401-294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com – website www.hptrc.org
Also please check out our horses available for sponsor or adoption – we are full with 7 on a waiting list. The new horse will be available for adoption soon – no pic yet but he’s a 15.2 hand, dark bay/black QH approx 17 yrs old – English or Western – great ground manners and gets along well with everyone.
“Life is as dear to the mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants
happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not to die, so
do other creatures.”~ His Holiness The Dalai Lama
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.
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.
Starting in the next newsletter, we’ll be posting some lessons for you and your horse – also available online at http://horseplayri.blogspot.com/.
Horse Play is happy to announce it has partnered with Sharp Horse – home of Evolutionary Horsemanship. Sharp Horse is also starting an online store carrying many herbal/alternative supplements (Hilton, Wendals, Equilite) as well as other horse care products. ALL proceeds from private or workshop lessons as well as products sold are directly donated to Horse Play for support of the horses. Lessons for horses and/or humans available at our farm or yours. All disciplines, ages, breeds. Feel free to visit us online at http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Horse-Play-RI.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sept 26 – Meet-n-Greet Xafir – Cookout, Raffles, Evolutionary Horsemanship Demo and Performance by Xafir, - noon – 4:00pm at Brassring Farm, West Greenwich – contact Brassring Farm at (401)397-5571 or Horse Play for more info (401)294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com
Oct 3 - NATIONAL RESCUE RIDE/WALK – Goddard Park , Ives Road, Warwick RI – 9:00 – 4:00, info at www.hptrc.org, sign up online and receive a T-shirt at www.nationalrescueride.org
Oct 25 – Jackie O Soup Ride sponsored by Aquidneck Island Horsemen’s Association– time TBA at Horse Play, 143 Gilbert Stuart, Saunderstown, RI – contact Horse Play for info (401)294-3565 or email horseplayri@msn.com
NEEDS AND WANTS
***URGENT*** Horse Play needs a trailer – prefer stock type, Two–or-more horse, in good condition and inspected – also - looking for Round Pen Panels – 10 or 12 footers - any color or finish, as many as you want to sell or give away and also an electric fence charger and outdoor lighting for our round pen and herd feeding area. These are tax deductible donations!- 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
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 7 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 TRH Concepts.
Issue Sept – Oct 2009 is copy write ©2009 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
Membership Application
Join Our Herd today
and you will be helping us in our mission to assist horses in need.
All members will receive a letter and photo from the herd, HorsePlay decal & our bi-monthly newsletter so we can keep you informed of what’s happening at Horse Play.
I want to join Horse Play Equine Rescue & Sanctuary in sheltering and finding homes for the animals who need us. Please enter my membership as a:
•?Herd Helper $25.00
•?Herd Friend $50.00
•?Herd Guardian $100.00
•?Herd Protector $250.00
•?Herd Sentinel $500.00+ ________
Please send information concerning volunteer opportunities
Name:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Phone: Email:
Please make checks payable to: HorsePlay P.O. Box 660 Exeter, Rhode Island 02822
Credit Card Holder Name:
Type of Card:
Card #: Exp. Date: SEC#
Signature:
National Rescue Ride / Walk Oct 3 2009
to benefit
Horse Play
Equine Rescue & Sanctuary of Saunderstown, RI
from 9a.m. – 4p.m.
at Goddard Memorial Park, 1095 Ives Rd, Warwick RI
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Food, Drinks, Music, a Fun Show, Tack Sale and Silent Auction Following the Ride/Walk!
Contact Horse Play at (401)294-3565
Email horseplayri@msn.com
Horse Play
Join Us! Saturday, October 03, 2009
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