LAST Sunday, May 11th, Horse Sense joined the hundreds of families that flocked to the Curragh Racecourse for Kildare County Council’s inaugural Inclusivity Festival. The packed racecourse was full of joy and laughter as families relaxed in the warm weather enjoying some fantastic entertainment and family fun, including in the Curragh Racecourse pre-parade ring, which was transformed into a zone to experience inclusive and adaptive activities, including equine therapy. Two wonderful ponies, Harry and Bella from Stewarts Care Equine Regional Therapy Hub in Kilcloon, Co Meath, offered children of all abilities the chance to experience therapeutic riding.

“At Kildare County Council, we are continuously working to break down barriers and contribute to positive change for people living with disability in Co Kildare,” said a council spokesperson. “This free community event aims to foster a culture of inclusion by celebrating the limitless potential of individuals of all abilities through engaging activities, live performances and meaningful community interactions.”

Government subsidised

This groundbreaking and inspiring event was a collaboration between County Kildare Access Network (CKAN), Nua Healthcare Services, Kildare Sports Partnership, Barretstown and the racecourse. If you are a parent of a child with additional needs and you want to know more about equine therapy, including the €20 government subsidised programmes, you can email EquineTherapyHub@StewartsCare.ie.