Community TAB Supports HorsePower Horses through COVID-19 crisis
HorsePower Australia (HorsePower) is a registered voluntary, charitable not-for-profit organisation in Western Australia that provides equine assisted programs and activities for people with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges – Diversabilities.
In accordance with government directives and to ensure our participants, volunteers and local communities were protected from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) HorsePower made the decision in March to suspend all programs and activities until further notice.
HorsePower Australia Executive Officer, Kelly Mansfield says “We support and work with many people who are more vulnerable to infection so we made the difficult decision to close our gates until the situation with COVID-19 improves. This comes at a big price for us, without participants and events such as our Night at the Races Gala Dinner we have no income. Our specially trained assistance horses and ponies still need feed, hay, and essential farrier, vet and dentist visits to ensure their health and wellbeing during this crisis and it all adds up. With no clear idea of when we will be able to resume programs it is difficult to know if we will have enough money to support our horse friends until then.”
HorsePower Australia currently has 125 specially trained assistance horses and ponies who support 280 children and 160 adults with diversabilities across WA to develop new skills, discover new abilities and define the life they want to live. Research shows that working with horses in programs such as those offered by HorsePower is not only fun but delivers physical benefits, boosts confidence, improves communication skills and helps participants to build relationships.
“I love the amazingly supportive community that HorsePower has brought us into. Because of this Jasmine pushes herself to try harder and communicate more clearly which has led to her gaining strength and confidence. Jasmine can now walk holding hands and is very close to her first independent steps. Her signing and communication has flourished and she is now learning her letters and numbers ready for reading. We will be very excited to get back in the saddle to continue developing these skills and abilities once it is safe to do so.” Julia Inglis, Jasmine’s mother.
Kelly Mansfield adds, “The impact this crisis will have on some of our participants, who gain so much from attending our programs, is huge – both physically and mentally. It has never been so clear just how much the time they spend with our horses helps. In a bid to ensure the resilience of our centres so programs can return as quickly as possible we need to keep our horses and ponies fed, healthy and able to continue to support people with diversabilities when this crisis is over.”
“My Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis means I’m quite anxious when interacting with people, and Rory has been a great comfort to me during a very stressful time in my life. After finishing high school, spending time with Rory and the team at HorsePower finally gave me the confidence to pass my driving test and gain full-time employment. I still have difficult days and Rory keeps me going. I really miss spending time with him and can’t wait to get back!” Jessica, HorsePower participant, aged 19
At this difficult time, we simply can’t afford to lose our valuable assistance horses like ex-racehorse Rory (The Good Rev). Horses like him are one in a million and very hard to come by. Which is why HorsePower Australia and major partner Community TAB are asking for the local communities help to help support our horses by donating what they can. As little as $7 will feed a horse for the day, $210 will care for a horse for a month and $1,250 will ensure their health and wellbeing for six months.
Community TAB General Manager Matthew Thomas said Community TAB knows the importance of supporting HorsePower through this uncertain time.
“We think it is crucial to ensure our support of HorsePower Australia is extended to assist the organisation and horse welfare during the suspension of their programs in response to COVID-19.”
“Community TAB will be matching the first $5,000 raised through this campaign, helping to ensure the health and wellbeing of HorsePower horses means they can continue to provide their vital service to people with disabilities throughout WA once their programs commence again.”
“Throughout our partnership with HorsePower Australia we have seen the tremendous affect the therapy and service has on people’s lives in various ways, and we know it will continue to do so through the support of the community.”
Help our Horses https://www.givenow.com.au/helpthehorses
https://www.horsepower.org.au/HorsePower_Australia-News__Events-Help_our_Horses.htm
Kelly Mansfield – HorsePower Australia Executive Officer
Kelly.mansfield@horsepower.org.au
https://www.horsepower.org.au/heartsandhorses