As a physiotherapist, I am always seeking new ways to support clients through holistic and evidence-based approaches. My experience training with Svítání Academy and EquiSense, particularly under guidance of Vera and Audrey, was really transformative – a perfect blend of theory, practice and reflective learning. Vera and Audrey are knowledgeable and really compassionate. They create the environment of safety, curiosity and growth. I truly got deeper understanding of equine assisted physiotherapy. The experience is really grounding. I would really recommend these courses for physiotherapists and OT specialists looking to expand their skill set and explore equine assisted interventions on a professional level. Just dive into this amazing experience!!! ❤

Aleksandra PalubinskaPhysiotherapist, Latvia

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

This experience was very inspiring to me. Everyone was truly amazing and very skilled, creative and compassionate in every session. I was really impressed with how the clients improved from the first day to the fourth; their balance, confidence and engagement improved really well. This experience is truly heartwarming and unforgettable. Thank you for this wonderful experience. 😊❤

Rawan AhmedPhysiotherapist, Sudan

As a physiotherapist with some experience of using hippotherapy, it was amazing to be able to get lots more hands-on practice with a variety of children. I loved seeing smaller children and learned how their brains are so plastic and can learn optimal movement patterns through the rhythmic movement given to them by the horse. It was great to work with OTs and I found the sensory and regulatory effects fascinating to watch – changes happen in real time. I learned to do less and let the horse’s movement do the work. To speak less, feel alignment more and not be afraid to change positions or stay in one position if it is working well.

JoyPhysiotherapist, Northern 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

Massive thanks to Audrey and Vera! What an amazing experience and an absolute privilege to spend 4 days with the best educators around. It has been wonderful to work alongside other allied health professionals and learn from their perspectives. You both created such a positive, encouraging learning environment. I loved learning in the moment and also having the time to discuss our learning at the end of each day. Thank you both so much!

KellyOccupational Therapit, Ireland

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

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.

Aidenś fatherIreland

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

What a beautiful experience this week has been for both us and our daughter, Hannah. Everyone has shown such warmth and enthusiasm to us, and in particular Hannah. The work and dedication shown is extraordinary. It’s great for Hannah to have an opportunity to engage in an activity that is both a hobby and therapy. Very encouraging to have professionals from abroad.

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´motherIreland

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

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 GrandmotherIreĺand

Reggie has really enjoyed this week. I feel like it's been a great benefit to him. He seems to be going through a bit of a developmental leap at the moment and has been frustrated trying to get the speech out. I feel this week has helped to regulate him and his speech is really coming on as a result. His general mood also seems much happier.

PaulIreland

Hannah has enjoyed the intensive course. I like the way that there are two sessions in order to reinforce the work that she has done. I do find the hour wait a bit too long for her and perhaps because she is so young she can be a bit reluctant to do the second session. I do see improvements in her sitting position and head control and her strength in her shoulders and upper arms. She enjoys the experience of horseback – it makes it easier for her to do physiotherapy on horseback. It is so clear that Vera and Audrey are so experienced and their attention to detail and focus is invaluable. I can see that they know what stage Hannah is at and what work she needs to concentrate on at any one time. In addition, this is a lovely sensory experience for Hannah and the wonderfully calming company of the horses is a lovely bonus. I am so grateful to have found Audrey and Vera because I believe Hannah will hugely benefit from them.

Hannah´s motherIreland

Robyn and Aubrey ride regularly with EquiSense. The therapy has been transformative, particularly for Aubrey who is on the autistic spectrum. She has gained better self-regulation and acquired many life skills as a result of the therapy. Coming to the stables has become a much-looked-forward-to weekly ritual for them both.

MichelleIreland

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