Our Purpose

We find the role of animals profoundly valuable and dedicate our project to the theory that:

"Animals are the most agreeable of friends, they ask no questions, pass no judgements." -T. S. Elliot

Horse Play is a non-profit organization that operates an equine rescue/sanctuary in Saunderstown, Rhode Island.

Our equine sanctuary provides rescue and rehabilitation for abused, neglected, unwanted, and/or slaughter-bound horses. Many horses come to Horse Play because their owners can no longer afford to keep them, children outgrow or lose interest in them, some owners do not have the skills or knowledge to provide proper care and many horses are just considered"disposable" - if the horse isn't winning, it goes to auction. Most of these horses also have health and/or behavior problems.

We use humane, communication-oriented "teaching" methods in our training/retraining, provide quality vet care, feed and lots of love. Some horses are eventually placed in approved adoptive homes. Those horses who
are "unplaceable" live out their lives at the Sanctuary.

Miracles, even small ones, need no explanation. Maybe the horses know, but they are quiet. Maybe, just maybe, if we listen, we will grow to understand...

All life is sacred here.

Services at Horse Play

Riding Instruction – all ages, all disciplines.

Balanced Centered Riding:
Half-hour: $25 at Horse Play, $30 at your barn
Full hour: $45 at Horse Play, $50 at your barn

Horse Training – all ages, Evolutionary Horsemanship Methods

What is Evolutionary Horsemanship?

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 the natural.

Explore Evolutionary Horsemanship and Find Solutions for:

Becoming a “benevolent herd leader”, horse-human communication, “de-mystifying” natural horsemanship, dealing with aggressiveness / nervousness / fear in both horse and human, gentling, basic horse health, first aid and alternative therapies, barefoot trimming, round pen techniques,de-spooking, bridleless riding, trailer loading and much more. Create a lasting bond with your horse.

Price per session: $45 at Horse Play, $55 at your barn

Free Evolutinary Horsemanship workshop on November 15th!

Barefoot Natural Horse Hoof Trimming – all horses – methods of Pete Ramey and KC LaPierre - $55 initial trim, $45 thereafter

Birthday Parties – here at Horse Play – we provide location, tables, décor and pony rides. $60 per hour

Used Tack and Consignment Shop – here at Horse Play – sell your used tack – lowest consignment commissions in the area – or donate and get a tax deduction!

Horse Play Equine Sanctuary Staff