Learning and Engagement in Therapeutic Riding

'Education is just not schooling. Education is a process of sharing, developing, building, strengthening, encouraging and recognising the abilities of people. Education is achieved through many ways, and the person is central to all. Education shares and respects diversity. Its aim is to enhance and enable the person to achieve his or her own goals’.  (National Disability Authority, 2014)

The goal of therapeutic riding is to encourage education at the psycho-emotional level.  Here, there is much learning taking place without the participant being necessarily aware of it. The rider is learning focus, communication, listening skills, empathy, interaction and sensitivity. There is accompanying learning taking place within body systems, facilitating greater spatial awareness, balance, co-ordination and stillness. Sometimes it is lack of awareness of certain body systems that can bring about delays in other valuable skills, such as socialisation. 

The participant also has the opportunity to engage in learning games with the help of visual aids, rhymes and stories, while at the same time learning about the horse and their environment. The sensory trail, in addition, provides great opportunities for learning and engaging with nature, objects and the environment.

Greenway Therapeutic Riding

on Waterford Greenway at Cullenagh Farm Stables, Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford X91 WF68


We are delighted to welcome Therapeutic Riding to Cullenagh Farm Stables!

Our therapeutic coaching is accredited by Ireland's only therapeutic riding coaching accreditation body, Festina Lente, in conjunction with the International Institute for Therapeutic Animal Care Education.

We provide therapeutic riding sessions to young people and adults with physical and/or emotional disabilities or difficulties with anxiety or depression.

A stone's throw from Waterford city, we are in the Suir Valley area of Kilmeadan and bound the Waterford Greenway, from where our horses and ponies collect many of our participants.

From the moment an individual arrives at the stables, they are welcomed into the environment as a both a learner and participant.

Sessions may focus on physical abilities such as co-ordination, balance, core strength and fine motor skills or they may focus on emotional or social needs, confidence building, self-esteem, wellness or empathy building.

Placement preparation looks at any mobility or communication issues that the potential participant may be experiencing and ensures that they are fully facilitated within the farm environment. When necessary, a care worker may attend with a participant.

For further information, please phone Evie at 087 3351114 or email us at greenwaytherapeuticriding@gmail.com

All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.