HorsePower Collie has today officially accepted two Off The Track WA (OTTWA) racehorses to become part of their team as equine therapy horses.
Sports Man, a standardbred, and Shilling a thoroughbred, were recognised early on in their careers as horses with superb temperaments and high trainability so when they retired from racing recently they were recommended to the OTTWA program.
The OTTWA program places suitable horses with respected equine re-trainers for a few weeks to ensure they have the level of education to be successful in their transition to second careers after racing.
There are many dedicated volunteers who help make this process happen but none more passionate than HorsePower Collie Coordinator Jo Williams.
“We loved Shilling from the moment he arrived, he is a kind and gentle horse,” said Ms Williams.
“The fact he also possesses good looks, lovely movement and a superb temperament are all added bonuses, we can’t imagine our centre without him.”
The training and care that have been provided to both mounts made them highly valuable candidates for the HorsePower team, which assists riders with disabilities to enjoy safe, fun and therapeutic recreational riding.
OTTWA is a program of Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA), and over the years has worked with HorsePower to re-train retired racehorses for their various centres.
RWWA CEO Richard Burt is highly supportive of the equine-assisted therapeutic program.
“Retired thoroughbred and standardbred racehorses can adapt very well to alternative equestrian activities. They are versatile and respond well to retraining and re-educating, enriching the lives of individuals with diversabilities,” said Mr Burt.
HorsePower Australia previously known as Riding for the Disabled, assists riders with diversabilities to enjoy safe, fun and therapeutic recreational riding.
Combining the transformative power and therapeutic effects of horses in the delivery of adaptive mounted and unmounted programs.
RWWA’s Community TAB program has also been a major partner with HorsePower Australia and provided over $400,000 to support the organisation over the last five years.
