Therapeutic Horse Riding at Killulla Stud

02/04/2026

April is Autism Acceptance Month…
and it’s only a few days away.

For some families,
this isn’t just a “month.”

It’s everyday life.

It’s routines that have to be followed.
Meltdowns people don’t understand.
Small wins that mean everything.

It’s patience.
It’s advocacy.
It’s showing up, every single day.

Some days are beautiful.
Some days are hard.

But behind it all
are parents doing everything they can
to support a child the world doesn’t always understand.

So no…
this month isn’t just about awareness, it's about acceptance

It’s about being more patient.
More kind.
More understanding.

Because every child deserves to be accepted,
not changed.

©️Parenting On Empty

24/02/2026

New research highlights the healing potential of equine-assisted services for children’s mental health

A recent peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Social Work Practice explores how equine-assisted services can support children experiencing trauma, anxiety and emotional challenges.

Key insights from the research:

Children often feel safer and more connected in natural, horse-inclusive environments than in traditional clinical settings.

Horses’ sensitivity to human emotion can support trust-building and emotional regulation.

Practitioners observed increased openness, communication and readiness for therapeutic engagement.

Children demonstrated improvements in confidence, resilience, and sense of self.

Importantly, the research also highlights the need for:

Strong ethical frameworks and professional standards such as the ATL Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

Sustainable funding pathways are important which is why ATL works hard at raising funds for our Mental Health Outreach and Pathways Program

Continued high-quality research to strengthen the evidence base

At Animal Therapies Ltd, we advocate for evidence-informed, ethical, and accessible animal-assisted services across Australia.

When delivered by appropriately qualified and insured practitioners, equine-assisted services can form a meaningful part of holistic mental health support. You can read more here:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02650533.2025.2495741?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQBoixleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeF9-wVnfVJor_w4tMiukYndHf0MnrRZoNoPXdIp3jxBhgeiCRNA_iUhWMutA_aem_YRA63jIFyhNt7DRBB79elw

04/02/2026

26/01/2026

11/05/2024

We had a visitor down the trail this evening..

02/06/2023

Got sent this today Jack you made my day 🥰

24/03/2022

Therapy using horse movement, known as hippotherapy, can help children with special needs develop functional skills that make it easier for them to manage everyday life. Margaret Hawkins finds out.

17/11/2021

Over the next month we are delighted to be partnering with Getautismactive to offer a series of Autism and Physical Activity workshops to different sectors of the community in Clare.

Please visit https://claresports.ie/autism-and-physical-activity-workshop/ to book your place.
Please note places are limited and are aimed at people from Clare

04/04/2021

Happy Easter 🐣🐇

13/05/2020

Outdoor equestrian activities fall under the Irish government’s Roadmap for Reopening of Society and Business, Phase 1, due to commence on May 18, according to Horse Sport Ireland. Horse Sport Ireland CEO Ronan Murphy said: “I am delighted to say that following proactive engagement between Horse...

10/03/2020

Who can benefit from Therapeutic Riding?🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴

Everyone can benefit from Therapeutic Riding but some of the many diagnoses that can especially benefit from Therapeutic Riding include but are not limited to:

📌Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder/ Attention Deficit Disorder
📌Amputation
📌Anxiety
📌Auditory Impairment
📌Autism Spectrum Disorders
📌Brain Injuries
📌Cerebral Palsy
📌Cognitive Disabilities
📌Developmental Delay
📌Down Syndrome
📌Fine and Gross Motor Skill Delays
📌Language Disabilities
📌Learning Disabilities
📌Multiple Sclerosis
📌Neurological, Psychological, Physical, and/or Mental Disorders
📌Neuromuscular
📌Paralysis
📌Reactive Attachment Disorder
📌Sensory Integration
📌Spina Bifida
📌Spinal Cord Injury
📌Terminal Illness
📌Trauma
📌Vestibular Disorders
📌Visual Impairment
📌Weight Control