Our Pitch

1) The simple act of riding a horse delivers demonstrable therapeutic benefits (physical,developmental and social) to young people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Thus the key message of the Foundation is “Simple Pleasures, Amazing Benefits.”

2) Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) has been well recognised internationally as a reputable means of assisting people with disabilities to improve their physical and psychological well being. There are many centres around the world that deliver EAT based programs.

3) Presently there are around 200 riders with a disability, mainly children and young adults, who experience the benefits of the riding programs offered by the McIntyre Centre, which is the service delivery arm of the Foundation. These riders are drawn from all over the Brisbane and Ipswich areas.

4) Unfortunately, there are in excess of another 200 children and young people with a disability who are on the McIntyre Centre’s waiting list. These children and young people cannot enjoy the benefits of these riding programs as currently it can take up to 5 years to be placed. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.

5) There is an urgent need to expand and upgrade the 40 year old riding infrastructure at the Centre, including new all weather arenas plus much needed therapy facilities.

6) To date, a concept Master Plan, design layout, detailed project costs, and construction program have been developed together with professional engineers and architects and funded by ourselves. Discussions are presently underway with the Brisbane City Council and other parties to secure the necessary approvals.

7) The redevelopment of the Centre has been estimated to cost approximately $7M with construction expected to commence in the second half of 2011.

8) The Equestrian Foundation for Disabled Children (EFDC) has been established by the McIntyre Centre to secure the funding and in-kind support to deliver the redevelopment as well as to source ongoing operational support.

9) The McIntyre Centre Ltd (a not for profit company and registered charity), presently secures in excess of 80% of its annual operating revenue from non government sources and runs a viable and sustainable operation, but does not have the financial resources to fund a project of this kind.

10) We ask you to be a long term partner with us in meeting the needs of over 200 young people with disabilities who are presently unable to experience the amazing therapeutic benefits that come from our riding programs. We want to enable these people to have the same opportunities in life to realise their full potential, which able bodied people sometimes take for granted.