Babooshka
Meet Babooshka, Healing with Horseplay's first official rescue. She began her journey when we rescued her from a slaughter-bound kill pen in Oklahoma. At just 5 years old, she faced a heavy burden - she was 7 months pregnant and 200 pounds underweight, with a long list of other concerning health issues. With determination, we outbid the meat buyers to secure her rescue and bring her to safety at Healing with Horseplay.
For the next 3 months, Babooshka embarked on an intensive rehabilitation journey. We addressed her overgrown feet, treated stomach worms, provided necessary dental work, chiropractic care, and created a warm barn for her. Additionally, she received ample nourishment and an abundance of love. Despite the odds stacked against her, Babooshka defied expectations and gave birth to a healthy surprise - a baby mule we named Jinx. Together, they will enjoy the rest of their days in the loving care of our family.
Bonsai
Introducing Bonsai, a remarkable horse with a story of resilience and friendship. Rescued alongside his best friend, Tofu, from the brink of slaughter, Bonsai has shown extraordinary courage in the face of adversity. Despite his partial blindness, Bonsai's curious nature and zest for life remain undiminished.
Despite all our efforts, multiple trips to the veterinarian and the very best care, Bonsai succumbed to his illness. Losing Bonsai was very difficult for our young rescue organization, but we know that despite the struggles this kind soul survived before coming to us, his final chapter was spent surrounded in love.
Jinx
Introducing Jinx, the adorable and spirited 6-month-old baby mule born to our rescued mare, Babooshka. Jinx is an absolute delight to be around, with her playful personality and boundless energy. She loves exploring the field, chasing after toys, and frolicking with her sister.
Jinx's story is one of true resilience and hope. If it weren't for the timely rescue of her mother, she would have faced a grim fate - destined for slaughter while still in her mother's womb at just 7 months old. Yet, despite her early challenges, Jinx shows remarkable determination, affection, intelligence, talent, and heart.
In fact, given Jinx's remarkable qualities, we have high hopes for her future as a therapy mule. With her innate connection to humans and her ability to embrace them as if she's one of them, she has the potential to provide comfort and support to individuals facing difficulties. While she still has plenty of growing to do, we believe that Jinx has all the makings of a remarkable therapy mule ready to make a difference in the lives of those she will help.
Patchwork
Meet Patchwork, a wise and spirited horse in his mid to low 20s, whose resilience shines brightly despite the challenges he's faced. Rescued from the same kill pen as Tofu and Bonsai, Patchwork endured a heartbreaking start, found emaciated and in poor health.
His story, however, is one of remarkable recovery and hope.
Under our careful stewardship, Patchwork has been rejuvenated through a proper diet and dedicated care. His intelligence and vibrant spirit have flourished, turning him into a beacon of hope and renewal for everyone at our sanctuary. Today, he continues to gain weight and is on his way to achieving a healthy state that allows him to fully enjoy his days.
Patchwork’s journey is a testament to the power of compassion and the strength of the equine spirit. His transformation from a state of neglect to one of thriving health is not just inspiring; it also embodies the core mission of our rescue efforts—to provide a safe haven where horses can recover and inspire others through their stories of healing and perseverance.
Silver
Meet Silver, our distinguished 18-year-old pony with a heart as golden as his name. Rescued in 2023 after being surrendered by his previous owner, Silver quickly found his true calling. Within a year, he was not just participating in, but leading our unique Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program, TRIBE. Dedicated to helping at-risk youth from under-resourced communities, Silver has become an essential figure in guiding these young individuals towards brighter futures.
Silver’s intuitive connection with the children and his unyielding willingness to engage in all program activities have proven him to be an indispensable part of our team. His wise, patient, and nurturing presence allows the kids to navigate the TRIBE program with a newfound sense of confidence and love. The deep, meaningful bonds he forms are a testament to his special capabilities as an equine partner.
His kind eyes and steadfast spirit not only provide comfort but also embody the trust and safety necessary for transformative experiences. Silver’s journey from a forgotten pony to a beacon of hope exemplifies the profound impact of second chances. We are incredibly proud to have Silver, a true ambassador of healing and understanding, at the heart of our mission.
Tofu
Meet Tofu, our charismatic 14-year-old white Appaloosa, whose striking presence and indomitable spirit make him a standout member of our rescue family. Tofu's journey to us was a harrowing one, narrowly escaping a grim fate at a slaughterhouse alongside his lifelong companion, Bonsai. Rescued from a kill pen, Tofu has not only survived; he has thrived.
Tofu has become one of our most inspirational success stories, having recently been hand selected by “We Can Ride”, a well-known therapy riding program, to join their team. Tofu competed against eleven other deserving horses and rose to the top! His unique qualities and individual charms will now be shared with countless children who will ride upon his back.
Tyger
Introducing Tyger, our noble 21-year-old Arabian horse, whose journey with us began in 2024 after being rescued from his previous situation. With his profound inner wisdom, stoicism, and gentle strength, Tyger was seamlessly integrated into our Equine Assisted Learning program, Healing with Horseplay. Alongside his fellow equine companion, Silver, Tyger has embraced a new chapter filled with sanctuary and purpose as a standout star in our TRIBE program.
Tyger’s demeanor—kind, firm, and consistent—enables children to connect with him at their own pace, fostering an environment ripe for personal growth and self-discovery. His warm spirit and experienced, steady presence create a nurturing space where children can confidently explore the core principles of TRIBE: trust, responsibility, intuition, belonging, and education. Through his nonjudgmental nature, Tyger captures the hearts of the children, guiding them gently towards realizing their potential. His story is a beautiful illustration of transformation and hope, making him an invaluable member of our healing community.
Zombie
Meet Zombie, a 6-year-old "off the track" Thoroughbred, whose life stands as a testament to resilience and the power of a second chance. Born into the frenetic and ruthless world of horse racing, Zombie was groomed for a single purpose - to outrun the competition. When he fell short of the harsh standards of the racing circuit, his life took a turn for the worse.
By a tender age of 6, Zombie had already passed through the care of 12 different owners, each less attentive than the last. Far too familiar with neglect and ill-treatment, his existence was a far cry from the gentleness that these noble creatures deserve.
But fate had a different ending in store for our resilient equine friend. Zombie's meandering path eventually led him to Horseplay Ranch. Abandoned once again, he found himself amidst the warm embrace of our rescue mission. It was here that Zombie met Kristina, and this encounter would finally bring him to his forever home.
Zombie's heartrending story is one of determination and newfound hope, leaving a profound impact on everyone who meets him. Having finally received the care, rehabilitation, and affection he was so sorely denied before, Zombie's life has taken a turn for the better.
Now, Zombie spends his days roaming freely on 70 acres of verdant pasture, frolicking amidst 60 of his newfound friends. He stands as a beacon of resilience and a reminder of the transformative power of care and compassion. His life has become a story of triumph, a testament to the potential every painful beginning holds as a beautiful end awaits those who never lose hope.
Zirka
Our miracle mama! When our founder Bree first heard about Zirka, she was compelled to save her. The problem was that Zirka was emaciated, elven months pregnant, had a fractured pelvis, was two days from being shipped to slaughter and 600 miles away. Bree had to act fast or both Zirka and her unborn foal would be killed. Without hesitation Bree hooked up the horse trailer, loaded her old dog Wally and spent the next 30 hours on her quest to save Zirka. There was little time to eat and no time to sleep as Zirka’s baby could be born at any moment. Against insurmountable odds, Bree, Wally and Zirka made it back safely.
As Zirka stumbled off the trailer, our concern deepened. She was so starved we weren’t sure if she or her foal would survive. We began by warming her, feeding and comforting her, and over the next few days she seemed to understand she was safe. Then, to our utter amazement, on the fourth morning a beautiful, perfect colt was born. Over the next several months Zirka and her baby Mugatu spent their days together gaining strength. Today, Mugatu has been weaned and Zirka is strong and healthy, grazing on green pastures and running free on our sanctuary with a herd of her friends.