Horse Sense

Horse Sense is another wonderful equine assisted learning and therapy program supported through the OTTWA Community Fund. This program works with students, providing weekly group Wellness sessions interacting with horses. These sessions are highly beneficial for students experiencing mental health and difficulties such as anxiety, ADHD and autism, as well as those who have come from difficult situations and struggle to adapt to their environment.

Following several sessions with the Horse Sense team, teachers identified that students were far more willing to attend school and participate in activities after their wellness sessions with the horses. These sessions teach the students how to identify and regulate their body language and emotions, with help from their equine friends. Horse Sense worked with several school groups in term 3, such as Capel Primary Schools Year 5 and 6 Groups, Vasse Primary Schools Year 3 – 6 Groups, and Cape Naturaliste College Year 7 Boys Group.

Horse Sense incorporates 16 retired racehorses into their program. These horses are used during wellness sessions and thoroughly enjoy their time and interactions with the students. Most of these horses, one Standardbred and 15 Thoroughbreds, raced extensively with impressive career. Their ages range from the eldest at 29 years old, to the youngest at nine years old. It is super to see so many of these retired racehorses living such important and fulfilling lives after racing.

To learn more about Horse Sense and the wonderful work they do for students, visit their website: https://horsesense.com.au/ and follow their socials: @Horse Sense

Applications are now open for the 2025 OTTWA Community Fund -> APPLY HERE