Hockey and Horses: HorsePlay Inc. Receives Grant Funds from Nashville Predators
- Terri Carter
- Jul 3
- 4 min read
Hockey met horsepower in Franklin County last Saturday as representatives from the Nashville Predators visited HorsePlay Inc. to present the nonprofit with a grant check and see firsthand how their support is making a difference. HorsePlay, which offers therapeutic horseback riding to children with special needs, will use the funding to purchase larger saddles to better accommodate its growing group of riders. The partnership highlights a shared commitment to inclusion, wellness and community impact—goals that organizers say will continue to drive the program forward.
Volunteers, staff, board members, and past riders gathered at the HorsePlay barn to welcome representatives from the Nashville Predators, offering a firsthand look at the program’s daily impact. Guests observed demonstrations featuring therapeutic riding techniques, highlighting how the nonprofit fosters confidence, balance and connection for children with special needs. Organizers said the visit not only gave donors a glimpse into the heart of HorsePlay’s mission but also underscored the significance of the grant, which will enhance accessibility and comfort for future riders through the purchase of new saddles and equipment.
The children, the horses, the volunteers and staff walked around the arena, demonstrating what the participants do during a standard session that is offered throughout the year. By demonstration, the representatives saw firsthand how the riders develop not only core strengths and skills, balance, and concentration, but also a sense of confidence, independence, and accomplishment.
Rebecca King, Vice-President of Community Relations for the Nashville Predators, showed excitement to award the grant to the nonprofit, stating what a great experience it was to be on the property and observe the operations.
“In the summer, we like to visit our nonprofits that have received grants and just learn a little more about their work and get the visual.”, stated King. “We love seeing our grants in action. And the fact that HorsePlay put this together and allowed us to come see outside of normal working hours is so kind and we are just excited to witness what great work is going on in our community.”
King said a board member had reviewed the grant application from HorsePlay Inc. and just felt drawn to it. She said that while there is a lot of work and focus that goes into Davidson County, the Predators Foundation also seeks out smaller operations outside of their immediate area in an effort to make a difference on a broader scale.
“The board member liked the program and what it does.”, stated King. “They saw what the need was and wanted to fulfill it. We do like to look outside our immediate area and find organizations that need funding and projects, and this was one of the ones that he gravitated to. We just love the great work being done here and we’re honored to be a part of it. Our goal is to elevate what is going on and to help bring more attention and more money.”
HorsePlay Board of Directors President, Ken McKay, expressed deep gratitude for the grant award, and explained what the program is and how it impacts a special needs rider over the course of an eight-week session.
“What the kids get out of this is that they are on a horse building core strength, and they’re not in a clinic on a mat.”, stated McKay. “When the kids climb up and get on that horse, they look down on me. I’m 6’1”, they’re looking down at me, they’re smiling, they’re on a horse. It’s so cool.”
“From week one to week four to week eight, you can see the growth.”, he continued. “You can see the confidence building. And mom and dad don’t leave. They are on the edge of the fence, watching their child succeed, and they love it.”
The Board President said the two biggest needs for the nonprofit organization are funds and volunteers.
“The Predators have blessed us with a donation of money, and we are able to buy some new saddles, which we desperately needed.”, stated McKay. “We had some older kids that didn’t fit on the smaller saddles, so we had to buy bigger saddles and saddles are not cheap. With the Predators, we were able to do that. They are excited and we are too. Go Predators!”
The visit from the Nashville Predators capped off a meaningful day at HorsePlay Inc., underscoring the power of partnerships that prioritize inclusion and healing through unconventional means. As the check presentation turned into a celebration of shared purpose, guests witnessed the joy and progress made possible by therapeutic riding. With new funding on the horizon and a community of dedicated volunteers behind them, HorsePlay is poised to expand its reach and continue transforming the lives of children with special needs—one ride at a time.
