In August 2025, thirteen young people from Bridgewater House and the Carrick-on-Suir area took part in a horse therapy session as part of a wider programme of integration activities.
Participants spent time grooming, feeding, leading and riding horses and ponies while learning how to interact safely and confidently with the animals. For some, the day involved overcoming an initial fear of horses, but confidence quickly grew as the session progressed. The four-hour session kept participants fully engaged throughout, encouraging teamwork, communication and positive social interaction while providing a welcome break from phones, screens and other digital distractions.
“That was the best thing ever! I really enjoyed spending time with the horses and everyone else. It was something completely different, — can we do more?” – Participant feedback
