Horses have held a special place in Irish culture and hearts for centuries. With an estimated 180,000 registered equines in Ireland, our bond with these magnificent animals runs deep. More recently, the world has been awakening to the incredible therapeutic benefits of equine-assisted interventions, from life coaching and therapy to hippotherapy (mounted therapy).
As someone who has been horse-obsessed since childhood—my first word was probably “horse”!—I’ve always known there was something truly special about these animals. While I didn’t become the vet I once dreamed of, my path has led me to helping both horses and humans in a different way. Through craniosacral therapy, I work to support equine welfare, help owners better understand the nervous system of their horses, and bridge the gap between what a horse truly needs and how we, as humans, perceive them.
In 2008, while working with a herd of 60 horses, I witnessed something profound—horses naturally offering unsolicited support to people. They would hold space in the four corners of the field, shift their movement, or gather around certain individuals, almost as if they were intuitively guiding the healing process. That moment marked the beginning of my journey into equine-assisted bodywork, leading me to train with multiple providers and develop my own unique approach.
Event Details
This event will bring together experts, professionals, and enthusiasts to showcase the incredible work being done in equine-assisted therapy and learning. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect, and explore how equine interventions are making a real difference in mental health, physical rehabilitation, and personal growth.
- When?: Monday, March 10th 2025 from 09:30 until 17:00
- Where? Clonshire Equestrian Centre, Adare, Co. Limerick
This event is hosted by Festina Lente in collaboration with Horse Sport Ireland & HETI
What to Expect
Educational Demonstrations
Among others, Deidre Kennedy Life Solutions will be offering an in-depth look at craniosacral therapy and the equine nervous system, linking it to Polyvagal Theory and HeartMath Institute research.
Expert Insights
Hear from leading professionals on how horses are supporting people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.
Showcase of Equine-Assisted Services
Discover the different models of therapy, from Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy to Therapeutic Riding.
Networking & Professional Exchange
A welcoming space for equine professionals, service users, and the wider equestrian sector to connect.
Why This Matters
Dr. Jill Carey, CEO of Festina Lente, has been a driving force in advancing equine-assisted learning and therapy in Ireland. Festina Lente’s incredible work has helped develop structured programs that bring the benefits of horse-human connections to people of all ages and abilities. I was fortunate to be part of the pilot Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) training in 2013, and it’s been inspiring to watch this field grow and evolve.
Now, we have a unique opportunity to come together once again, exchange knowledge, and continue shaping the future of equine-assisted services in Ireland. Whether you’re a professional in the field, an equestrian, or simply someone intrigued by the magic of horse-human interactions, this symposium promises to be an enlightening and inspiring experience.