A Tennessee non-profit organization providing rehabilitative riding opportunities for children with disabilities or special needs since 1997.
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 6 horses. We are in the process of training 2 new horses for our program. We had 2 horses retire and they have gone home to their owners to live a happy life after their dedicated service with us. We are grateful to their owners for the use of their horses for our program.
If you would like more information about leasing your horse to us. contact Hollie Holder, Program Director at
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. Ship 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.
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.
MIRACLE
Miracle is another 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.
BUCKSHOT - RETIRED
Buckshot is the mascot of Horse Play, Inc. He has been with us for over 12 years and has served many children over the years. Buckshot is 39 years old and stands 13.2 hands high. He is a Black Pony and has earned his full retirement from his service with us. He is living his best life with us on our farm.
CASANOVA - IN TRAINING
Casanova is also a leased horses. He is a Halflinger standing just under 15 hands high. Chestnut in color with a flaxen mane and tail, he is well muscled but elegant. He has become buddies with Miracle and is doing very well with his training. Casanova gets very vocal with people, especially the woman. Guess he has the perfect name.
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.