Equine Therapy Transforms Life for Four-Year-Old Fiadh

A new equine therapy centre is making a significant impact on the life of four-year-old Fiadh Brennan, who has Down syndrome. Following open-heart surgery at just nine months old, Fiadh has faced challenges in reaching developmental milestones. However, her passion for horses is proving crucial in her journey toward improved communication and physical strength.

Fiadh participates in equine therapy sessions at Childvision, a national service dedicated to children with sight loss and additional needs. Her mother, Evelyn Brennan, expressed optimism about these sessions, stating, “We’re working on her communication, and we’re obviously trying to get her first steps. The equine therapy is helping with both of those things.”

The recent opening of the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre at Childvision’s campus in Drumcondra offers Fiadh a consistent environment for her therapy, regardless of weather conditions. This facility, covering 1,375 square meters, was established in memory of Jack de Bromhead, a young jockey who tragically lost his life in an accident at the Glenbeigh Races in County Kerry in 2022. His family, including father Henry de Bromhead, mother Heather, and sisters Georgia and Mia, attended the opening ceremony, expressing their commitment to supporting the initiative.

Evelyn Brennan shared her gratitude towards Childvision and the de Bromhead family, noting the positive changes she has observed in Fiadh. “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.”

The interactions with horses have led to improvements in Fiadh’s communication abilities. “I’ve noticed a difference in her words just from doing the horse riding. She’s mainly babbling at the moment but seems to articulate more after equine therapy,” Evelyn explained. She highlighted how Fiadh demonstrates her desires by tapping the horse to indicate the direction she wants to go.

Evelyn further elaborated on the therapeutic benefits, stating, “A lot of children benefit from equine therapy to help their regulation, but this doesn’t really apply to Fiadh as she’s such a happy child. It has helped her core strength significantly. We’re seeing a big difference in addition to the communication.”

Fiadh attends therapy sessions once a week, and the emotional impact has been profound. Initially hesitant to enter the yard, she now shows excitement upon arrival. “When she saw Rachel or Lucy from the equine centre, her arms were up for them to take her. We realized that she wasn’t crying because she was sad; this was just her way of expressing her eagerness to start,” Evelyn recounted.

At the opening of the equine centre in September 2023, the de Bromhead family praised the facility’s mission, emphasizing its potential to bring joy and learning. “The equine centre at Childvision is a wonderful legacy for our beloved Jack, a hugely missed son and brother,” said Henry de Bromhead. He added that the centre would not only provide physical benefits but also foster emotional and social growth for the children involved.

The establishment of the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre reflects a commitment to enhancing the lives of children with additional needs. As Fiadh and others benefit from these sessions, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of equine therapy, combining joy, hope, and healing into one space.