Equine:

Meet Presley and Ginger, our wonderful equine companions at EcoTherapy Farm. These majestic horses not only enrich our smallholding but also play a pivotal role in our mental health and wellbeing programs.

Engage with Presley and Ginger through our courses in equine behaviour, where you'll learn about connecting with horses in a mindful and respectful way. These sessions promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the development of empathy—essential skills for boosting mental health.

We also welcome volunteers eager to lend a hand with our horses. Your support helps us provide invaluable experiences for individuals seeking connection and healing through equine interaction. Join us in cultivating a nurturing environment that benefits both our equine friends and our community.

Please see the options below for further information…

A person walking with three horses across a grassy field with trees and a small wooden barn in the background.

Get involved

We believe that each person's life journey is unique, which is why our program is carefully designed to cater to individual needs.

We begin with an initial consultation to explore the person's behaviours and emotional state. With the help of our horses, who provide a safe and non-judgmental environment, we observe and identify the areas that need attention during our sessions together.

Following this evaluation, we typically recommend at least one hour session per week depending on the individuals capacity.

Throughout this time, we provide ongoing feedback to monitor progress and assess whether additional sessions are needed. Many participants find value in continuing their visits beyond the initial 10 weeks.

A girl in a gray sweater standing near a brown and white horse and a black and white foal resting on the grass in a fenced pasture on a sunny day.

Since our program is customised to fit each person's unique needs, every session and activity is different. Based on the initial assessment, we'll determine the focus areas and select the appropriate exercises, starting with building trust and connection with the horses.

After the initial 2 hour assessment, we collaborate with our guests to decide if ongoing visits would be helpful. Many individuals choose to return during particularly stressful or challenging times.

All you need to know

  • Person with long red hair hugging a black and white horse in a fenced grassy field.

    Meet Presley

    Meet our Irish Sports Horse, a 17-year-old gentle giant with a heart of gold. His calm, kind nature makes him the perfect partner for equine therapy, and he offers support and comfort to all who spend time with him.

  • A brown and white horse standing in a fenced outdoor area with trees and a building in the background during sunset.

    Meet Ginger

    Ginger, our thoughtful female cob. She's a deep thinker, slow to trust but incredibly loyal once a connection is made. With her steady presence, Ginger forms lifelong bonds and provides a sense of peace and companionship in our sessions.

  • A woman gently touching the face of a dark brown horse with a white stripe on its nose, wearing a bridle, outside on a cloudy day.

    Meet Trish

    Trish, an expert in equine therapy, focuses on building trust and respect, creating meaningful connections between horses and their handlers through kindness and understanding.

  • Two children interacting with ponies in a barn, one is brushing a black and white pony, the other is petting a small brown pony outside.

    Things to consider

    Since our facilities are outdoors, we advise visitors to be ready for any weather and wear comfortable clothing they don't mind getting a bit dirty.

    While we offer drinking water on-site, we encourage guests to bring along any additional drinks or snacks they may want during their visit.

  • Two people walking on grassy field with horses, fencing, trees, and a barn in the background.

    What To Bring

    - Comfortable trousers

    - Sturdy footwear, such as walking boots or wellies (trainers are not suitable) - we can provide footwear if needed

    - Waterproofs for rainy days

    - A hat and sunscreen for sunny weather

  • A brown horse stands behind a wire fence, with three goats grazing nearby in a farmyard during sunset.

    What you can book

    - 2 Hour Initial Assessment

    - 1 Hour Equine Connections Session

    - Full Day Equine Connection Session (5 hours)

    Book here or via the button below