Princess Anne meets Festina Lente charity
Bray-based charity Festina Lente welcomed Princess Anne to the RDS last Thursday, as they were hosting the Horses in Education and Therapy Congress.
There were 400 delegates from 44 countries in attendance at the triennial event, which was taking place in Ireland for the first time.
International research papers were presented, examining the benefits of equine assisted interventions.
These include therapeutic riding, equine assisted learning and equine assisted psychotherapy.
Following an address to delegates, the Princess Royal heard presentations from nine-year-old Rachel Doak and 12-year-old Adam Farrelly and who have been benefiting from therapeutic riding and equine assisted interventions at Festina Lente in Bray from a very young age.
There were a number of presentations on subjects including working with trauma, the horses as primary therapists, and educational and therapeutic activities in Uraguy.
The week-long programme included workshops in equine assisted learning, psychoeducational vaulting and managing welfare considerations for equines involved in EAL.
An official opening ceremony showcased indigenous equines including Connemara Ponies, Kerry Bog Ponies, Irish Cobs, Irish Draught Horses and Donkeys along with rescued and rehabilitated horses now working within the area of Equine Assisted Intervention.