IRELAND’s iconic Connemara Ponies are renowned for their versatility and steady temperament, all of which is being put to great use by the Connemara Therapeutic Riding (CTR) service, established in 2015.

Therapeutic riding is well documented for its enormous positive impact on children and people of all ages with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability.

At present, some 40 clients are availing of the CTR service in the west.

TR sessions take place at the Errislannan Manor on the beautiful Errislannan Peninsula, outside Clifden, Co. Galway, complete with moors, a trout lake, Connemara mountains and natural sensory trails.

HETI CONGRESS

This year Ireland is set to host the 16th HETI Congress of Equine Facilitated Programmes in the RDS from June 25th to 29th and CTR will be involved in the opening ceremony with their Connemara Ponies.

CTR receives continuous generous support from the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society and the Connemara Pony Sales, Clifden, both of whom recognises the important role the Connemara pony plays in TR.

President of the CPBS, Noel Brett said: “We are delighted to see the Connemara pony being marketed as the ideal equine for Therapeutic Riding, which really shows the versatility of this fantastic breed. The CPBS is proud to play a part in supporting CTR’s attendance at HETI.”

Chairperson of CTR, Loretta O’Malley, feels HETI is “an important opportunity for CTR to communicate the benefits of TR and the work being done by this largely voluntary organisation, while promoting the Connemara region and the indigenous Connemara Pony.”

For more information on Connemara Therapeutic Riding please visit www.connemaratherapueticriding.com or like Connemara Therapeutic Riding on Facebook.