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The Stewarts Care Regional Equine Therapy Hub, based in Kilcloon, Co. Meath is an equine assisted therapeutic service for children and adults with autism and intellectual and physical disabilities in Meath, Dublin and Kildare.
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What is Equine Therapy
Equine therapy leverages the unique environment and interaction with horses to provide therapeutic benefits targeting physical, sensory, emotional, neurological, educational, and psychosocial goals.
All interactions involve work on physical, sensory, emotional, neurological, educational and psychosocial goals.
Through equine therapy we can provide an intense experience that empowers individuals to achieve more than they ever dreamt they were capable of.
Horses possess a unique blend of gentleness and power, they respond to the individual, regardless of their ability or disability, giving participants a unique therapeutic experience that they cannot experience elsewhere.
In the Regional Equine Therapy Hub, we focus on building confidence and skills through working with the horses, empowering individuals to gain new skills, increase physical strength and experience a new sense of self, through meaningful activities and interaction with peers, instructors and of course the horses themselves.
Benefits of equine therapy
- Increased core strength and stability
- Improved fine and gross motor skills
- Increased communication
- Increased regulation
- Improved confidence
- Activities of daily living
- Turn Taking
- Literacy and numeracy
Sessions offered
Mounted Sessions – Achieve specific goals such as communication, motor skills, socialisation and educational improvements while on horseback.
Yard Sessions - Groundwork activities focus on self-care, nutrition, and daily living skills. Can also include training the horse from the ground, providing the experience of accomplishment and control.
Mixed sessions – incorporating aspects of both ridden and yard sessions these sessions are tailored to the needs of the individual as determined by the Hub staff.
Playdates – Fun sessions for siblings or friends to share the experience together. Available on request.
The Equine Therapy Programme is delivered over 12 weeks, with extensions of 6 weeks available if there is continued progression. Each programme includes access to the New Trails Learning System Movement Method 1 Online Membership of the NTLS website with access to a wide range of resources.
How to access the service
Equine Therapy sessions are available based on need, those with greater needs will be prioritised and the Hub will maintain a waitlist. Please note the waitlist is not linear. We take into consideration the needs of the applicant and the availability of suitable instructors and horses.
Equine therapy is provided in an initial 12-week block with subsequent sessions reviewed based on need.
Sessions are approximately 30- 40 minutes long.
Groups of up to 6 clients can be facilitated from schools, other disability services and or youth services.
Referrals can be made through health care professionals, schools, private therapy services, GPs or directly by a parent, guardian or keyworker.
To apply, please complete this online application form.
Please note: Equine therapy is not suitable for everyone. Weight restrictions and other contra-indications apply. For more details please contact the Regional Equine Therapy Hub.
How to contact the Hub?
EquineTherapyHub@StewartsCare.ie
Regional Equine Therapy Hub, Kilcloon, Co. Meath, A85 F448
01 5054097