In the fresh, open ranges of the Snowy Mountains where wild brumby roam a group of troubled teens learn respect for themselves and others breaking in and forming bonds with untamed horses.
This union of wild spirits is was conceived by horseman Greg Powell, considered one of the Australia’s pre-eminent brumby experts. Powell spent years developing a charity program which utilises his own horsemanship skills working to inspire through kinship and responsibility a better future for disadvantaged youths.
For years, Powell had been breaking in wild horses that would otherwise be shot or used as dog food, now through his programs with street kids, homeless youth and drug addicts he is inspiring a new generation to share his passion for saving horses.
Turning the property his family has owned for over 25 years “Kalandan” into refuge for Wild Spirits “The Kalandan Foundation”. Greg’s parents wanted the property to always be used to help troubled youth, a priority and promise that Powell continues through the growth and development of his foundation.
Since 2004, Greg has worked with Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets program and is currently in partnership with Mission Australia.
“If you take these guys out of their comfort zones and away from people who are bad influences, they will begin to act differently,” Greg said.
Using the Equine Assisted Therapy method, which originated in the US, Greg invites street kids to his Bredbo property to work with brumbies.
“Match the wild horse with the wild kid and watch the change,” Greg said.
The cost to accommodate the teenagers at the camp is $1000 a head. Funding is a constant headache. “It is important that these camps are not one-offs. The ongoing interaction is crucial,” Greg said.
To support the Brumby Camp program and learn more about the youth initiative visit Kalandan Foundation
