Equi-Power: Transforming lives through horses
Equi-Power is a charity registered in Falkirk which aims to transform lives through horses. Equi-Power is an award-winning charity and member group of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). In 2024, Equi-Power received a £1,500 organisational grant to support its work with children and young people with additional support needs. Trefoil awarded funding towards coaching costs.
The project run by Equi-Power and supported by Trefoil aimed to improve the mental and physical health of children and young people with disabilities and additional support needs. Riding lessons were utilised to increase physical activity and access to sport for participants.
Participants are supported on a one-to-one basis and in small groups. Children and young people join Equi-Power through referrals, individual lessons or as part of school groups.
Equine assisted therapeutic learning allows participants to spend time with horses, whether caring, petting, exercising or spending time with them. Equi-Power encourages horses’ natural intuition as to how someone is feeling.
Riding and vaulting are also an option for participants regardless of their abilities or support needs. These skills help build confidence as well as mental and physical fitness.
Users of the service report significant improvements and enjoyment:
“S has been involved with Equi-Power for over six years now, throughout this time her physical posture, core strength and balance has become nothing short of amazing. Equi-Power has challenged her in every way and it’s amazing to see her confidence shine. ”
“As a parent it has been completely invaluable to me to be able to come here after a difficult day and talk to and decompress with other parents who experiencing similar challenges. I can’t believe the change in my daughter, who has found ‘her place’ and actually speaks to the coach and other children. At school she is mute. She has challenged herself and expanded her anxious bubble in ways we didn’t think were possible. It has been just wonderful to see and can lift my whole week.”