AMONG spectators at the Tattersalls Ireland July Show last Sunday was Fiona O’Dwyer who, in 2011, won the riding horse championship at the Co Meath fixture on the dual champion hurdle winner, Hardy Eustace.

“There weren’t anything like the number of ex-racehorse classes then as there are now, so riding horse classes were a great way of getting more show ring experience into Hardy,” said Fiona who followed up that 2011 win at Tattersalls with a second place finish on the Archway gelding in the racehorse to riding horse class at the Dublin Horse Show.

“I’m still dreaming of another Hardy Eustace, but for now I have a yard where I breed, buy and produce a select number of Connemara ponies. I also offer a service, Equine Assisted Mindfulness Therapy (@calverstownequineservices), where I facilitate clients to experience and practice mindfulness with horses.

“Horses are like energy magnets, they are incredible at holding space for people,” continued a passionate Fiona, who was accompanied to the show by Grace O’Rourke, a veterinary physiotherapist, who specialises in horses and dogs.

“Clients range from those who are curious, and want to try mindfulness and meditation, to people suffering from anxiety, burnout, stress, trauma and general unease.”