Do Play On
From AlexBrownRacing
Foaled May 5, 1979 by Dr. Do Much out of Old Music. Do Play On's Pedigree
Recently celebrating her 29th birthday, Play has done and seen it all. After several successful careers (racehorse, broodmare, and showhorse), she now enjoys a quiet life as a trail horse and beloved companion.
Play at age 24
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Play the Racehorse
Play began racing in 1981 at the age of two and continued as a three-year-old. In her two year racing career she earned a total of $34,144 during her 27 starts with 4 wins, 4 places, and 6 shows, including third place in the Lady Fingers Stakes.
Play the Mom
After her short racing career, Play began life as a broodmare. In 1986 her first foal, Mystery Play, a filly by Great Mystery, was born. In 1987, she gave birth to a colt by Northern Hawk dubbed Hawkswing. Another filly, Ripley's Song by Obligato, was foaled in 1988 and her last foal, Elite's Gift by Elite Syncopation, came into the world in 1989. All of Play's foals went on to race, and though all experienced the thrill of winning at least once, none were so successful as their mother. Not much is known of the whereabouts of Play's offspring. At last edit, Elite's Gift was for sale in Rhode Island, described as "child-safe", "bombproof", and a wonderful family horse, just like her mother.
Play the Teacher
Not much is known about Play before she came to me, her current owner. She had been shown by a teenager on the local circuit as a hunter and from what is known, was fairly successful. When a friend of mine brought her to my attention, Play had recently settled into the life of a backyard pet with her on-again off-again friend Peaches the goat. When I found her she was 23, and I was hesitant. But I was also in love. On a rainy Saturday in June Play and I began our journey together. Though I had been riding for six years before Play found me, I was not a true horsewoman. My little mare had a lot to teach me. She was endlessly patient with my less-than-perfect riding skills and stood quietly during my horsey "experiments" (I have since learned that me + scissors + mane = hack job). As I spent more time with her in and out of the saddle, we slowly built a relationship of trust and respect. Of course, her teacher role never wavered. Though she was never one to misbehave, she also never failed to keep me on my toes. The transitory miscreant has a few opinions of her own that she chooses to share at opportune moments, though I must admit that her opinion of the situation is often more valid than mine.
She is my wonder horse. She has walked down busy streets on a loose rein with motorcycles and semi trucks whizzing by, and has not batted an eye. She has traversed mountain, valley, and river with confidence, and will attempt anything that is asked of her with heart. Most importantly, she has been the "first horse encounter" for many, children and adults alike, acting as an equine ambassador to the non-horsey population. Her gentle disposition and intuitive nature have melted the hearts of many (myself included). Those liquid eyes and that charming expression makes me fall in love with her all over again with regularity. She was the first horse I galloped with, the first horse I jumped, and the first horse I fell off of. The experiences we've shared have only served to strengthen the bond between us.
Celebrating our 6th anniversary on June 15th, I can say that Play and I have formed a true partnership. Never before have I felt so connected to another living thing, be it human or animal. I owe a lot to her, my Play Pony. She has enriched my life beyond measure and made me a better person in the process. I can't imagine my life without her and thank the fates every day that our paths merged that rainy day in June.
For more pictures of Play, please visit http://pets.webshots.com/album/45734080PFoiNy
Comments
What a beautiful story about Play! And I love that bottom picture - it says it all! Play has a beautiful face (first picture). Good job. swedishkat
Such a beautiful story and I love Play the Teacher! Play reminds me of a horse we have named Angel, who would love to have a home such as Play's. Friends of Ferdinand
What a wonderful tribute to such a lovely mare! Dot is very proud of his big sister :) GreyDot
