ABOUT US
The Founding Of Horseplay
Horseplay was born from a lifelong love of horses, and the realization that their quiet power could change lives.
For founder Shari Gliedman-Baker, that love began at age 11 at summer camp, but it wasn’t until decades later, after moving from the New York City metro area to raise her children in Vermont, that horses became a central part of her life. It was here that she witnessed firsthand how horses could offer something profound: healing, calm, and connection where words sometimes failed.
The turning point came through her oldest child, who is autistic and has significant sensory challenges. Shari watched in awe as her child found grounding and peace simply by sitting on a horse’s back, the meltdowns and overwhelm melting away as the horse began to walk. She saw it again in a family friend’s five-year-old son with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, who was gently carried by a rescued Standardbred mare named Brandy, a horse with her own story of hardship and healing. Brandy held him with such instinctive care and grace, as if carrying an egg.
It was in these moments, the stillness of breath, the quiet connection, the shift in energy, that Horseplay began to take shape. Shari immersed herself in training and service, becoming a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, a Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant, and a 500-hour certified yoga teacher with additional training in therapeutic and restorative yoga. She worked for years in geriatric rehab, therapeutic riding, and Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy across Vermont and New Hampshire, witnessing again and again how equine-assisted work could transform lives.
But something kept pulling her home.
Shari dreamed of creating a therapeutic space in her own community, where people of all ages and abilities could access the healing power of horses. A space that would combine all of her passions: rescue horses, human connection, therapy, movement, mindfulness, and breath.
That dream is now a reality.
Horseplay is a culmination of decades of hands-on experience, a deep commitment to community, and a belief that everyone deserves a safe, welcoming space to heal and grow. Every horse, every session, and every program is grounded in the belief that when we connect with animals, with nature, and with ourselves, real transformation becomes possible.
Where Horseplay Is Today & Where We Want To Go
Horseplay is proud to serve as a welcoming and inclusive resource for the Southern Vermont community.
What began as a personal calling has grown into a mission-driven organization focused on connection, healing, and empowerment through horses.
Our current programs are designed to support people across all stages of life,
from children building literacy skills, to individuals working on mental health goals, to older adults seeking meaningful, joyful interaction. As we grow, our vision is to offer sustainable and high-quality programming that remains accessible to all who need it.
We are committed to deepening our roots in the community and expanding our reach
to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to benefit from the powerful, therapeutic bond that is possible between humans and horses.
Our Staff
Shari Gliedman-Baker
Founder, Program Director, Instructor & Facilitator
Shari has always had a deep love for horses and a passion for creating meaningful human connections. With more than 20 years of experience in the field of Equine Assisted Services, she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her work at Horseplay.
She has served as an instructor, therapist, and program manager for a PATH International Premier Accredited Center and holds multiple certifications, making her uniquely qualified to provide safe, customized, and evidence-based support to participants of all backgrounds.
Credentials:
Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), State of Vermont
PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI)
PATH International Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
Masterson Method Equine Specialist
Registered Yoga Teacher
Level 2 Reiki Practitioner
Meet The Horses
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Ana Malak (“Malak”)
An 11-year-old Standardbred gelding, Malak was born in New Zealand and enjoyed a successful racing career in New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. After retirement, he found his way to Horseplay through the Standardbred Retirement Foundation.
Malak is curious, affectionate, loves trail rides and meeting new people. He brings a gentle, grounded energy to the farm and is especially drawn to meaningful one-on-one interactions.
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Manticore (“Monty”)
Monty is an 8-year-old Standardbred gelding born in New Jersey. He had a brief racing career under several names—Manticore, Keystone Pablo, and Trickyman—before being adopted through the Trot Trot Standardbreds retraining program.
A true “people horse,” Monty is kind, willing, and always up for a good scratch or a new adventure. His friendly, calm nature makes him a favorite among participants.
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Gunner
Gunner is a 24-year-old Standardbred gelding who once raced under the name Gun-It. Standing an impressive 17.2 hands tall—remarkably big for a Standardbred—he raced 105 times as a harness pacer before spending eight years as an Amish workhorse. He was later rescued at auction by a mounted police officer and trainer, who retrained him to serve as a mounted police horse. His incredible journey was even captured in a book written about him.
Despite his larger-than-life stature, Gunner is gentle, steady, and deeply kind. His calm presence and strength make him a grounding force for those around him, and he’s always eager to connect. A true veteran of many careers, he now thrives as a cherished member of our herd.
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Marvel & Wizard
Marvel and Wizard are a bonded pair of miniature horses adopted through Gerda's Equine Rescue in Vermont after meeting at an auction in Ohio. They’ve been inseparable ever since and now live the good life at Horseplay.
These two especially love working with children and seniors, offering steady companionship and playful spirit. Their story is one of resilience and friendship—and they bring that same energy to every session.
Our Programs
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Equine-Assisted Learning
Ground-based activities with horses to support emotional regulation, communication, and life skills.
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Horse-Powered Reading
A hands-on, multi-sensory approach to reading comprehension that brings stories to life using horses.
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Vocational Training
Practical, barn-based skill building for teens and adults seeking job readiness or independent living support.
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Unmounted Adaptive Horsemanship
For individuals with disabilities to engage in meaningful horse interaction without riding.
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Equine-Assisted Mental Health Services (Coming Soon)
A mental health support program co-facilitated by licensed professionals and equine specialists.
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Kindred Spirits (For Seniors)
Gentle, joyful programming for seniors and those living with memory loss or dementia.