THE HORSES OF HORSE PLAY
Horse Play, Inc. has been enriching the lives of children with special needs through therapeutic horseback riding since 1997. We have various breeds , sizes, gates, and abilities to provide the best therapeutic experience for our riders. Our horses come from diverse backgrounds, are either owned by or leased to Horse Play, Inc. and are carefully selected for their talents and temperament. They are then trained for their roles. Horse Play, Inc. currently owns 2 horses and leases 5 horses. We are grateful to the owners of our leased horses for the use of their horses to our program.
If you would like more information about leasing your horse to us, contact Hollie Holder, Program Director at
BUCKSHOT - RETIRED
Buckshot was a leased horse to Horse Play, Inc. owned by the Bailey Family and had become our mascot. He was with us for over 15 years and had served many children over those years. Buckshot is a black pony and is 41 years old. He stands 13.2 hands high. He has gone home to the Bailey Family to be reunited with his girlfriend, Holly. Holly was a leased horse to Horse Play, Inc. and was retired a couple of years ago. We know they will be happy to be together again.
We'll miss you, Buckshot!
OUR HERD
BAGEL
Bagel is one of the two horses owned by Horse Play, Inc. Bagel is 18 years old and stands 15.2 hands high. He is a Sorrel Quarter Horse. He is reddish in color with a mane and tail lighter than the body coat color. Bagel's name came from the sweet girl who started a bagel business in order to purchase him. We fell in love with Bagel's sweet personality and he became our first purchase in 2023. Bagel is a snuggle bug and loves all the attention our kiddos & volunteers can give him. He is the first horse to greet you for pets and scratches and will try to sip your morning coffee.
SKIP
Skip is the second of the two horses owned by Horse Play, Inc.. He is 21 years old and stands 16 hands high. He is a Palomino Quarter Horse consisting of a gold coat and white mane and tail. Skip was a fox hunter before coming to us. When his previous owners discovered Skip was no longer happy hunting, they donated him to Horse Play, Inc. Skip has proven to be an excellent mount for our older independent riders. His previous training makes him the best at teaching independent riding skills to our participants.
MIRACLE
Miracle is one of our leased horses. He is 21 years old and stands 14.2 hands high. He is a Dark Bay Quarter Horse/Pony cross with reddish-brown coat with black points on the mane, tail, ear edges, and lower legs. Miracle was a well loved family pet before coming to us making him perfect for Horse Play, Inc. He has been with us for about 7 years and is the most special of the herd. He can do all the things from Hippotherapy, Therapeutic Riding, and Unmounted classes. His patience & kindness for all children has made him a favorite amongst our participants and volunteers. He has a silly streak and will do anything for a treat. He even smiles when he receives one.
RALPH
Ralph is 22 years old and stands 16.2 hands high. He is a Gray Thoroughbred who started his first career on the race track. Racing, however, wasn't the job for him. Soon after his racing career was over, he was purchased by Katie Alderman, a Horse Play, Inc. instructor, who partnered with him as they did 3 day eventing competitions. He now loves living out his retirement career as a therapeutic horse, teaching equine assisted learning to participants in our unmounted program.
DJ
DJ is one of our leased horses. He is 27 years old and stands 14.2 hands high. He is a Liver Chestnut Quarter Horse. He is reddish-brown in color with a dark mane and tail. He was a Reining Horse in his previous career. DJ has a fast paced walking gait which really soothes some of our participants and helps them to focus on the riding skill they are learning. When he isn't working in sessions, he loves hanging out with his best buddy Ralph.
LINC - IN TRAINING
Linc is leased by Horse Play. He is an American Paint horse that combines western stock horse conformation with pinto spotting patterns of white and dark coat colors. He stands 15.2 hands high. Linc just turned 19 years old and was born on President Lincoln's birthday, hence his name. He has become best buddies with Bagel. So far, he is doing very well with his therapy session training.
SHADOW - IN TRAINING
NEW HORSE COMING SOON