Community. HorsePower Australia has been providing life-changing experiences for people with diverse abilities in Western Australia since 1972. As a registered voluntary, charitable, not-for-profit organisation, HorsePower Australia aims to empower individuals to break through physical, cognitive, emotional, and social barriers using the power of horses.
The club operates through 13 affiliated member centres located in the City of Swan and its surrounding areas. These centres offer a variety of programmes including horse riding, carriage driving, vaulting, hippotherapy, and walking with horses. Each year, HorsePower Australia provides opportunities for over 300 individuals with physical, intellectual, emotional, and social challenges to participate in these activities.
Horse riding programmes are goal-based and conducted under the supervision of accredited HorsePower Australia coaches. These programmes allow participants to develop new skills, discover new abilities, and increase their self-confidence. Additionally, carriage driving provides individuals who are unable to ride a horse the chance to experience the great outdoors and enjoy the freedom of being in nature.
Hippotherapy is another programme offered by HorsePower Australia, where the movement of the horse, guided by trained therapists, allows participants to engage in complex motor learning. This therapy has proven to be beneficial for individuals with various physical and developmental challenges.
Vaulting is a unique equestrian activity offered by the club, providing a fun and inclusive learning opportunity for people of all ages and abilities. Through vaulting, participants can improve their balance, flexibility, and coordination while forming special connexions with the horses.
Furthermore, HorsePower Australia offers the “Walking with Horses” programme, which explores the transformative experience of stepping off the horse and walking beside these powerful beings. This programme opens up a whole new world of possibilities and enables participants to build a deeper connexion with horses.
Being a largely volunteer-run organisation, HorsePower Australia relies heavily on the support and generosity of the Western Australian community. Donations, sponsorships, and adoptions of therapeutic horses are greatly appreciated and help the club provide its services to a larger number of individuals with diversabilities.
HorsePower Australia is proud to be affiliated with the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI) and Disability Sports Australia. The club is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of people with diverse abilities and strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.
With 50 years of service to the WA community, HorsePower Australia continues its mission to offer life-changing experiences through horses, promoting health, happiness, and newfound abilities for individuals facing challenges.