Horse Play
Where ALL life is sacred

Horse Play, a Rhode Island based 501(c)3 non-profit horse rescue and sanctuary provides rescue, rehabilitation, sanctuary and adoption for any abused, neglected and/or unwanted horses. Those horses deemed "unadoptable" live out the rest of their lives at the sanctuary.

Since our beginning in 1999, we have helped 55 horses, 42 of which were placed in adoptive homes.

A recent move to a larger facility provides us with the room to grow, helping more horses. Donations, memberships, sponsors and volunteers are always welcome! (See all the details on the Donate page.) And visit our News/Events page for info on upcoming fundraisers and other educational events.

Our Mission:

• To promote the prevention of equine abuse and suffering.
• To provide rescue, rehabilitation, adoption 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 assist law enforcement and welfare agencies with cruelty investigations and prosecution through care and placement of seized equines, and through assistance and support during prosecution.
• To develop and present educational programs and printed media, clinics and seminars on the responsible care and training of horses.
• To develop and present educational programs and printed media, clinics and seminars on the responsible care and training of horses.
• To provide eductional services and opportunities for equine welfare workers, volunteers, youth groups, and individuals interested in the welfare of equines.
• To build and operate a sustainable organization through sound fiscal and management practices.

The Slaughter Continues

The last horse slaughter house in the U.S. was closed in mid-2007. However, our job is not done - horses are still being shipped by the thousands to slaughter houses in Canada and Mexico. The death toll in 2007 alone was 110,000 horses.

The largest consumers of horsemeat are France, Italy, Belgium, and Japan. Horsemeat is used as an alternative to beef. Japan regulates the amount of American beef imported into the country, but these regulations are not imposed on American horse meat. No horse is safe from slaughter.

Children's ponies, show horses, family horses, retired show and race horses, or horses from people who just can't afford them any longer are all at risk of being slaughtered for human consumption. Many are sold at auctions to the "killer" buyers who then transport the horses to slaughter. Stolen horses also often end up at slaughter houses. Slaughter is an easy way for a horse thief to make money on a stolen horse and the evidence is destroyed.

90% of horses slaughtered for human consumption are young, healthy, sound horses who deserve a better life. Both the transport of horses to slaughter and the slaughter itself is inhumane. Often the equipment used in the transport of horses to slaughter is designed for cows. Horses often end up trampled and injured, even dead, while being transported 24 hours or more with no food, water, or rest. The equipment used to stun the horse before being slaughtered is also made for cows. Horses are often slaughtered while still consciously alive (2,500 or more horses met their fate this way last year alone).

Legislation is in progress to end the sale, trade, donation, transport, moving, receiving and/or possessing any horse for slaughter for human consumption. A Bill passed Congress last year but was stalled in the Senate - so now it starts all over again.

Most horses end up in these situations from owner ignorance, financial crises and some just become unwanted and "disposable".

We at Horseplay are doing everything we can to put an end to this practice. Please visit our Donations page for information on volunteering, memberships, sponsorships and other ways that YOU CAN HELP.