Equine Therapy Transforms Four-Year-Old’s Development

A new equine therapy centre in Dublin is providing significant developmental support for four-year-old Fiadh Brennan, who has Down syndrome. After recovering from open-heart surgery at just nine months old, Fiadh has made remarkable progress, particularly in her communication skills, thanks to her love of horses. The recent launch of the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre at the Childvision campus in Drumcondra promises to further enhance her journey towards walking and speaking.

Fiadh’s mother, Evelyn Brennan, expressed her excitement about the therapy’s impact. “She currently speaks using a device with two pictures that lets her tell us what she wants. We’re obviously trying to get her first steps and build the strength for Fiadh to be able to walk,” Evelyn shared. The equine therapy sessions with Childvision, a national service for children with sight loss and additional needs, are playing a crucial role in achieving these goals.

The new centre, which spans 1,375 square meters, was established in memory of Jack de Bromhead, a young jockey who tragically died in an accident at the Glenbeigh Races in Co Kerry in 2022. The initiative was spearheaded by racehorse owner Chris Jones and supported by Jack’s family, including his father, trainer Henry de Bromhead, and mother Heather. They attended the official opening of the centre, celebrating a facility that will serve children like Fiadh regardless of weather conditions.

Evelyn Brennan highlighted the transformative effects of interacting with horses at the centre. “Fiadh started horse riding in 2024. We always went—rain, hail, or shine—but now that we have the centre, we don’t have to worry about the conditions anymore,” she said.

The benefits of equine therapy have been evident in Fiadh’s communication progress. “I’ve noticed a difference in her words just from doing the horse riding. She’s not really speaking and is mostly babbling at the moment, but she seems to come out with the words after equine therapy,” Evelyn explained. During her sessions, Fiadh actively engages with her horse, showing clear indications of her desires by tapping the horse to guide it.

Evelyn noted that while many children benefit from equine therapy for emotional regulation, Fiadh’s cheerful nature means her progress primarily focuses on enhancing her core strength. “We’re seeing a big difference here in addition to the communication. She sits up and holds on tight, which is amazing to see,” she said.

The weekly sessions have also fostered confidence in Fiadh. Initially passive when entering the equine yard, she now expresses excitement by reaching for the instructors Rachel and Lucy, showcasing her growing trust and anticipation. “My first thought was, ‘oh my goodness, what’s wrong?’ However, the minute she saw Rachel or Lucy, her arms were up for them to take her. We realised then that she wasn’t crying because she was sad,” Evelyn recalled.

The de Bromhead family expressed their hope for the centre’s future impact, describing it as filled with “laughter and joy.” They conveyed that the equine centre at Childvision is a fitting legacy for Jack. “Horses are a huge part of our lives, and we know the physical experience of riding a horse offers so many potential benefits, especially helping address a host of physical, social, and emotional issues,” they stated.

As Fiadh and other children benefit from this new resource, the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre stands as a testament to community support and the enduring spirit of a young boy whose legacy continues to inspire hope and development in others.