Does equine assisted support involve riding?

Most equine assisted support is ground-based and does not involve riding. Sessions focus on grooming, leading, feeding, and handling, which build routine and confidence without the risks of mounted work. Some practitioners offer riding as a separate activity, but that is usually described as therapeutic riding and is priced and insured differently. Ask at the introductory meeting what the session will actually contain.

What age range can use these services?

Services are offered to children from around four or five years old through to adults and older people. The deciding factor is usually the participant's ability to be safe near a horse, not their age. Some practitioners specialise in early years, others in teenagers or adults with acquired conditions. Ask what age groups the practitioner normally works with before you book.

How much does a session cost in Ireland?

There is no single rate, and prices vary by county, session length, and whether support is one-to-one or in a small group. Expect hourly or per-session pricing, with weekends, evenings, and travel charged at a higher rate. Ask for a written breakdown covering the session, travel, and any assessment fee before you commit to a block.

Is equine assisted support suitable for a child with autism?

Many practitioners work with autistic children, but suitability depends on the individual child and the practitioner's experience. Ask what training they have in autism or additional needs, and whether they have worked with a child with a similar profile. A short introductory visit is the best way to judge whether the setting and the horse are a good fit.

What should I check before the first session?

Ask about qualifications, professional body membership, insurance, and first aid arrangements. Ask to see their Garda vetting certificate. Confirm what happens in an emergency and who is present during the session. Ask for references and follow them up. These checks are normal and a practitioner should be willing to answer them clearly before you book.

Can sessions take place at our own yard or home?

Some practitioners travel to a participant's own yard or a private facility, though this usually costs more because of travel and setup. They will need to check the site for safety, insurance, and suitable ground. Ask whether they carry insurance that covers off-site work, and confirm any travel charge in writing before the first visit.

Equine Assisted Support Services in Ireland

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Equine assisted support services provide structured, therapeutic contact with horses for children and adults who need support with emotional regulation, communication, confidence, or daily living skills. Sessions are led by practitioners who combine horse knowledge with a care or therapy background, and they usually take place at a yard, farm, or designated equine centre. The work is calm and repetitive by design: grooming, leading, feeding, and ground exercises are used to build trust and routine rather than to teach riding. For a child with additional needs, or an older person living with dementia or reduced mobility, the horse becomes a steady point of contact that does not depend on speech. Families often arrange this support weekly or fortnightly, and some services offer block sessions during school holidays. A first visit is normally arranged as a short introductory meeting so the participant can meet the practitioner and the horse before any regular booking begins. Because the setting involves large animals, outdoor ground, and sometimes transport, the practical arrangements matter as much as the activity itself. This page sets out what affects cost, what to ask before you commit, and how the first meeting is usually organised.

What shapes the price of equine assisted support services

Charges for equine assisted support are usually quoted per hour or per session, with longer half-day or full-day bookings priced separately.
Weekend and evening slots often carry a higher rate than weekday daytime sessions, and public holidays are frequently priced at a premium.
Night support, where it is offered at all, is normally arranged as a shift rather than an hourly booking.

Equine Assisted Support Services in Ireland