A new service for people with additional needs is launching in Ramelton this summer.
Equi-Me at Glenleary Riding School in Ramelton will offer equine assisted activities in the form of therapeutic riding and unmounted learning.
Equi-Me, which stands for Horse and Me, is a new service set up by Jennie Peoples from Milford.
Weekly sessions will consist of Therapeutic Horse Riding that can benefit people with physical, mental, emotional, or social challenges. It can help improve balance, coordination, confidence, self-esteem and communication. All therapeutic riding sessions are done at walk where the three-dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the rider’s body, engaging specific muscles. The horse’s multidimensional rhythmic motion resembles the human walk. When sitting on a moving horse the riders pelvis moves in the same multidimensional pattern and rhythm. This movement helps with flexibility, balance, and strength. A variety of games and learning activities are integrated into sessions to stimulate a range of physical, mental and emotional development. Therapeutic horse riding can benefit people with various conditions, such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Unmounted learning activities are a type of therapeutic intervention that involve interacting with horses without riding them. These activities can include grooming, feeding, leading, and playing with horses, as well as learning about their behaviour and care. Unmounted learning activities can benefit people of all ages and abilities, as they can help improve physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
“I have seen first-hand the positive effects of therapeutic riding on children’s well-being and development. I am excited to launch Equi-Me and to work with Glenleary Riding School, who have excellent ponies for this purpose. We are already taking booking for sessions that are starting in July, it’s evident to see that there is demand out there for this service in the area” says Jennie.
Lisa Moore, the yard manager of Glenleary Riding School, says: “We are delighted to welcome Equi-Me to our riding school. We believe that therapeutic riding is a valuable service for our community and we are looking forward to supporting Jennie and her clients”.
Qualified coaches and trained volunteers will lead all equine assisted activities with Equi-Me and sessions will be facilitated by a range of well-trained ponies. Equine assisted activities can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, it can also provide a sense of accomplishment, empowerment, and joy. Sessions with Equi-Me will run on Mondays in July and August, spaces are limited, and they are now taking bookings. To find out more please visit www.equi-me.ie or call Jennie on 086-1959510
