Hopoti - Stewarts Care Regional Equine Therapy Hub

Welcome to the Stewarts Care Regional Equine Therapy Hub

We are open for applications for the service which will start in September.

The Regional Equine Therapy Hub provides equine-assisted therapy for children and adults with autism, intellectual and physical disabilities. Following the Horse Boy Method, we use movement, environment, and neuroscience to achieve specific therapeutic outcomes.

We use the Horse Boy Method, which is an internationally recognised method shown to deliver positive changes in behaviours and learning openness.

The service is available to children and adults with autism or disabilities in Dublin, Meath, and Kildare. We cater to individuals from special schools, youth groups, and other disability services.

Facilities:

Outdoor facilities and sensory trail

Indoor arena

Specialist horses

Qualified and experienced staff

Accessible playground

Accessible toilets

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.

Benefits can include:

Increased core strength

Improved fine and gross motor skills

Enhanced communication

Better regulation

Educational advancements

Greater sense of self

Improved confidence

Waiting

Turn taking

Theory of mind

Activities of daily living

Literacy and numeracy

Relationship building

Fun and enjoyment

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 as the horse follows the individual’s instruction.

Mixed Sessions: Combines riding and groundwork tailored to each individual’s needs.

Playdates: Fun sessions for siblings or friends to share the experience together. Available on request.

Accessing our Service:

Therapy is provided in blocks with sessions between 30 and 45-minutes in duration. Groups from schools or services can also be accommodated. Prioritisation is based on need with referrals accepted from Children's Disability Network Teams, disability organisations, private therapists, GPs, or directly by parents/guardians.

Pricing:

The Equine Therapy Programme is delivered over 12 weeks, with extensions of 6 weeks available if there is continued progression.

Type

Individual 1:1 Session: €50 (30 minute session)

Group Rate (up to 6 persons): €40 per person (45 minute session)

Note: Weight restrictions and other contra-indications apply. For further details, contact the Hub

Rules

Businesses own rules and practices

Welcome to the stable! The stable code is compiled for the safety of customers, staff and horses. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the code, don´t hesitate to contact the staff if any questions should arise.

1. Please take notice of the opening hours of the stable. During the open hours the staff is at the stable to help you. Information you get from the staff is essential for everybodys safety.

2. Calm and composed behaviour is essential around horses. Horses are flight animals that can spook at sudden movements and loud noises.

3. It is not allowed to enter the horses stable without permission. Entering the paddocks and pastures is also prohibited without permission. Dogs should be on the leash while visiting the stables, it is important for dogs own safety.

4. Feeding is planned carefully for each horse individually. Feeding extra could risk horses health or change horses behaviour, that is why nothing should be fed to horses without staffs permission. Many stables welcome carrots and apples ask the staff for details.

5. Every horse has it´s own, fitted tack. Store the tack in right places so they are not used on a wrong horse. If there is a certain place for the tack, for example a rack or a holder, place the bridle and saddle on them while tacking the horse. Expensive equipment lying on the floor can get broken or cause danger if tangled at the feet of horses or human. Ask the staff for additional information if needed. Remember that a horse may not be left unattended in a box with the tack on. Do not fasten the horse from the mouthpiece. You can place a halter on top of the bridle and after that fasten the horse according to instructions.

6. The staff knows the horses, so while grooming the horses it is worth to go along with instructions given from the staff. Typically at the stables you also find information about each individual horse from the box doors, grooming kits and/or from the noticeboard. If any horse should need special treatments, you should always have a permission from the horses owner or from a person, who is authorized by the owner. While walking the horses in hand, wear appropriate gloves. Do not wrap the rope or reins around your hand. Shoes worn at the stable should be sturdy.

7. While handling the horses, be aware of the surroundings and try to anticipate and avoid situations that may cause danger to yourself, the horse or the others. Ask questions without hesitation or prejudice, attend courses, trainings and events organized by your stable in order to learn more about horses and handling of horses.

Contact

+35315054414 EquineTherapyHub@stewartscare.ie

Homepage Facebook Twitter Instagram

We are initially open Monday to Friday 9-5 and will be expanding to weekends soon

Booking

News

Pricing

One to one session

Stewarts Care Client

Group lesson

Horse Boy 1 workshop and Materials

Horse Boy 2 Workshop and Materials

Movement Method for Parents

NTLS website membership 3 months

Movement Method 2 for Parents

Stewarts Care Regional Equine Therapy Hub

Stewarts Care

Features

Personnel

Terri Brosnan

Liz Curran

Deborah McCreanor

Rules

Contact

News

Pricing

Comments