Equine Assisted Therapy Practice in Dublin, Ireland

Looking for education and practical experience in Equine Assisted Therapy in Ireland?

Our previous Equine Assisted Therapy Practice Week in Dublin has now finished, but opportunities to experience Equine Assisted Services in practice continue in Ireland.

If you are looking for hands-on experience, clinical observation or practical learning, we recommend contacting EquiSense Integrated Equine Assisted Services, located in Co Meath near Dublin.

EquiSense is led by Audrey Darby, Occupational Therapist and Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist. Audrey also lectures on Svítání Academy’s Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist programme, contributing her clinical and practical expertise to the education of future professionals. Together with an experienced multidisciplinary team, EquiSense provides Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy and other Equine Assisted Services for children and families.

Continue your professional learning

Practical experience is most valuable when supported by a clear understanding of professional roles, safety, equine welfare, clinical reasoning, and scope of practice.

New to Equine Assisted Services?

Core Principles of Equine Assisted Services is our 74-hour online foundation programme, providing a structured introduction to safe, ethical, and professional practice across the field.

→ Explore Core Principles of Equine Assisted Services

Are you a physiotherapist or healthcare professional?

The Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist (EATCS) is an OCN London Level 5 Certificate designed for qualified healthcare professionals who want to develop Equine Assisted Therapy within their existing professional scope.

The qualification is recognised by PATH International and ACPEA – Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities, UK, providing important international and professional recognition.

The 300-hour programme combines online learning with practical assignments, case-based work, video submissions, tutor feedback and assessed evidence of competence, supporting learners in developing the clinical reasoning and practical skills required for professional Equine Assisted Therapy practice.

→ Explore the Level 5 Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist qualification

Looking for a professional pathway in Equine Assisted Learning?

The Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner is an OCN London Level 4 Certificate designed for psychologists, educators, social professionals and others who want to develop structured, purposeful Equine Assisted Learning practice.

The 260-hour programme combines online learning with practical tasks, portfolio work, video submissions, tutor feedback and assessed evidence of competence. It prepares learners to plan and facilitate Equine Assisted Learning sessions within their professional scope.

→ Explore the Level 4 Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner qualification

Previous Equine Assisted Therapy Practice Week in Dublin

The information, photographs and testimonials below relate to our previous intensive practice programme in Ireland. We are keeping them here to give you an insight into the learning experience and clinical work undertaken during the week.

Eight Learners, Eight Children,
One Inspiring Week

We welcomed eight learners from Ireland, Romania, Slovenia, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia for an intensive hands-on practice week in Dublin. Together, they worked with eight children, the youngest just 18 months old.

This intensive format was a completely new experience — not only for our learners, but also for the children, their parents, and staff members, who are used to attending just once a week. Four children received two 15-minute physiotherapy sessions per day for five days, while four occupational therapy clients had one 30-minute session each day.

Enjoy the photos and discover the testimonials from this inspiring week.

Testimonials from our learners

I came to the course to get real-life experience of equine-assisted therapy. Without any background in people-related services, my goal was to understand if this was the direction I wanted to go. The course did more than to meet my expectations. I received full guidance and could observe and participate to the extent that I felt comfortable. I could even brainstorm with the therapist on the approach to take with the client and take the lead of the session, always under close guidance. This was probably the most transformative course I have ever attended, definitely worth the investment.
Agnė GlodnytėBelgium

I spent three days working alongside Audrey and Vera. The knowledge I gained within that short space of time is invaluable to my own practise. Having the opportunity to see the different outcomes from both a physio and an OT approach helped affirm the monumental impact of working with our equine partners. Audrey's team were so welcoming and professional. The horses were a credit to the care they recieve from the team of dedicated staff. It was a privilege to work with clients with such varied diagnoses and have the opportunity to talk to parents who were so open about their experiences. The highlight was seeing the children smile and the horses content in their work.
HannahFestina Lente, Ireland

Last year, I enrolled in a course to become a hippotherapist — equine-assisted physiotherapist— through Svitani - Academy of Equine Assisted Services. This week I spent in Dublin, where we had our practical module – I gained hands-on experience, deepened my knowledge, and met some wonderful people. It was truly an unforgettable experience, full of learning, connection, and new perspectives. Thank you to Vera and Audrey for this opportunity and for everything you shared with us – your knowledge, experience, and inspiration.
Klara PopovičSlovenia

It was a pleasure to participate in the course, and I have gained insights that I will carry into my own practice. Firstly, thank you to Audrey and Vera for sharing their valuable knowledge and expertise. Gaining perspectives from both an OT and physio highlighted the wide range of benefits that equine-assisted services can provide. The structure of the course reinforced this learning. Its design created opportunities to observe practice and outcomes first-hand. During the course, it was a privilege to work alongside such incredible clients and their families. Thank you to everyone involved in organising and running the course and to the EquiSense team for its flawless running. And of course, to their incredible team of horses, without whom this work could not be done. Overall, being on the course with a passionate and like-minded group made every moment a learning opportunity.
TaraFestina Lente, Ireland

Testimonials from parents

Noah did so well all week. I have seen significant improvements in Noah’s gross motor and communication skills from the beginning to the end of the week. Noah crawled, which he has never done at 4 years of age, and was responding to conversation without being told to. I found immense benefit in doing an intensive week and would definitely like to do it again. The insights that Audrey has given into Noah’s behaviour and development have also been invaluable. Thank you for an excellent week.
LanaIreland

1 full intensive week was really beneficial for Hannah as she likes routine and familiarity with location, people, and animals. Hannah has managed 2 sessions very well and is tired later in the day, taking a 1-hour nap. Attending each day for a week means she adapts quickly from the day before, as opposed to a wider gap between sessions. Having other students and more people present motivates Hannah as she is very social. We have noticed that she walks more upright in the evening with improved mobility, when she is usually dragging one limb to one side.
John & SallyIreland

Our son Coen has benefitted greatly from his attendance at EquiSense. Coen has been doing weekly sessions with Audrey and the team for a couple of months, and we have noticed huge improvements in his stability and confidence in his movements. He has just completed a week-long course which consisted of two sessions per day. This has solidified and progressed his strength tremendously. Coen has a rare genetic disorder called Pitt-Hopkins, which affects his physical and intellectual development. We would like to thank Audrey and all of the staff at EquiSense.
Coen´s motherIreland

I found the week fantastic. All of the people have been great and informative. I feel Aiden has really enjoyed the social aspect and being around kids of similar age and challenges. I have noticed that Aiden is walking more and his strength seems to improve along with his posture. He really enjoyed both time on the horse and in the stable. Only improvement I could suggest is maybe have the sensory room a slightly more comfy spot that the kids might play, crawl, and engage in. I have learned a lot this week and would happily attend any future intensive sessions. The fact Aiden cries in the car when leaving sums it all up. Thank Audrey and the team, both me and Aiden really enjoyed the week.
Aiden´s FatherIreland

Luna arrived on Monday after about a 5-week break. She wasn’t happy on the horse, cried and looked tense in her body. I brought her on Wednesday through to Friday and observed a big change in her. She was/is much more relaxed, willing to be positioned in multiple ways, laughed and smiled and responded vocally to those working with her. She showed a lot more love/joy on the horse than she has in her lifetime! Thank you to the whole team for your warmth, your professionalism, and care for Luna. Special thanks to Audrey for including Luna in this week.
Luna´s GrandmotherIreland

I think this week’s work has really helped Reggie deal with big changes at home. I’ve seen improvements in his mood. He seems more relaxed and hasn’t gotten too frustrated over things that may have upset him in the past. I’ve seen great improvements in Reggie’s ability to listen to instructions. He has been happy to walk and wait beside me and not try to run away. He hasn’t tried to escape his seatbelt once all week, which was a big issue before. I’ve also seen some improvements in his sleeping. I think we were very lucky this week landed when it did with the new baby at home. It’s been a great help to Reggie and we can’t thank you enough. Thanks,
PaulIreland

Meet Your Lecturers

Věra Lantelme-Faisan, MSc

Physiotherapist
Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist

Czech Republic

Audrey Darby, BSc

Occupational Therapist
Equine Assisted Therapy Clinical Specialist

Ireland

Real-World Clinical Practice

Over five days, learners did:

Shadow and Assist: Joined Audrey (Occupational Therapist) and Vera (Physiotherapist) as they conducted scheduled sessions with paediatric clients.
Gain Practical Skills: Learnt firsthand how to handle clients and assist in treatment delivery, developing skills that you can incorporate into your own practice.
Experience Team Treatment: Witnessed the benefits of a collaborative approach as Audrey and Vera lead a team treatment, providing insights into effective, multidisciplinary care.

For whom was it intended?

Practising Therapists: Enhance your therapeutic repertoire with practical experience in Equine Assisted Therapy.
Healthcare Professionals: Broaden your clinical skills with hands-on client interaction.
Career Changers: Explore a new professional pathway by engaging directly with live client sessions.
Students and Trainees: Observe expert techniques and gain valuable insights into the practicalities of Equine Assisted Therapy.