Fairy Tails Equine Therapy Centre

I have been working in the field of child psychology and development for many years, but my drive to create this centre came from the experiences with my own neurodiverse children. When they started going to horse riding lessons, I noticed a significant improvement in their behaviour, skills and confidence. I looked a little further into the benefits of equine and animal assisted therapies and studied for a diploma in equine assisted psychotherapy, mainly for their benefit but to also offer this service to others who would benefit.

When we were offered a pony who needed rehoming because the owner could no longer look after it we gladly took her on. It grew from there and over the past couple of years we have rehomed and rescued many animals who all have beautiful characters and now have 5 horses and ponies from a little Shetland up to a stallion to suit all ages, sizes, needs and abilities. We have farm animals including a sheep, goat, pigs, chickens and guinea pigs who provide wonderful learning and care experiences for children in the local area.

My theraputic approach is based in CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and physical therapy. We talk, problem solve, and learn to identify and cope with challenging emotions, situations and behaviours while carrying out practical tasks such as grooming, riding or leading horses, caring for the animals and mucking out. I also use elements of drama, art or play therapies alongside worksheets and written activities depending on the needs of the child.

However, as a single parent, I am struggling to meet the costs involved in making sure all our animals are fed, and provided with correct veterinary and farrier care to ensure they can help carry out their vital role as therapy animals. With the ongoing costs of maintaining the facilities and improving accessibility for those with disabilities, I am reaching out to ask for financial assistance to enable Fairy Tails Therapy Centre to continue serving the local community.

Your donation of €10 covers the cost of hay for all our animals for a day

€25 provides farrier care for one horse (who are all barefoot and require regular trimming)

A donation of €50 provides a bag of specialist feed to help our elderly rescue horse gain weight and improve her condition

€60 covers a month's medication to improve the quality of life for our rescue horse who suffers from cushing's disease

€120 covers a month of equine assisted therapy for a family who would be otherwise unable to access this service

If you would like your donation to go towards a specific cost please leave a note!

All donations no matter how big or small are very gratefully received, and you can feel good knowing that you are helping our beautiful animals live their best lives and allowing us to continue providing a valuable service for children and young people in the local community.