A 15-year-old Welsh cob has joined the Hippotherapy program at HorsePower Hills thanks to a grant from Shire of Mundaring.

“After months of training while on loan to HorsePower, Emerick has proven worthy of joining the equine team,” said head coach Willie Warnock.

“Shire of Mundaring has frequently supported the terrific community service our charity provides. This new grant of $2000 has part funded the purchase of Emerick and he will play a major role in our Hippotherapy program in 2024 and hopefully for another 10 or more years.

“Horses of this calibre are difficult to find and are always very expensive because they are so versatile.”

Hippotherapy is the medical application of the horse in therapy and hippotherapy programs are run by specialist physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists.

“Horses used in Hippotherapy must have a gentle nature. They need to be patient and cope with the demands of having several people walking alongside,” physiotherapist Nicky Bushell said.

“The young riders may be quite noisy at times and so the horse needs to be able to cope with unexpected sounds.

“Emerick fits all the required criteria regarding temperament. He is a good height and able to carry larger children, but not so tall that he puts the side -walkers at risk of shoulder injury.

“There must be no signs of stiffness or lameness and the horse needs to be willing to learn and be very responsive to the directions of the horse handler and therapist.’’

HorsePower has a few vacancies in the Thursday morning program. Contact Janet, on 0432 811 699.