Horseboy method presentation

AMERICAN author Rupert Isaacson will present an introduction and demonstration of how the Horseboy and movement methods can help children and adults on the autistic spectrum in two sessions at the Liskennett Equine Therapy Centre in Granagh Co, Limerick on Monday, February 25 at 7pm, and on Thursday, 28th February at 11am.

The talks and demonstrations will be of benefit and interest to people on the autistic spectrum, parents and siblings, teachers, SNA’s service providers and residential staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, riding centres and riding clubs, and anyone with an interest in providing service s to children and adults on the Autistic Spectrum.

The St. Joseph’s Foundation facility at Liskennett Equestrian Therapy Centre is a Horseboy hub, designed to enable children and adults on the autistic spectrum or those with learning disabilities to learn, play and express themselves in a stress free, non-judgemental environment. This was developed by St. Joseph’s Foundation in association with the ‘Horseboy’ Foundation U.S.A. and officially opened in 2015.

The system is in operation for the past four years and continues to grow and develop with an increasing number of horse and pony riders, families and service providers accessing the service by 39.2%. It is available, by appointment, to children and adults on the autistic spectrum, those with intellectual disabilities, their families and schools and to children and adult service providers in the disability sector.

The Liskennett Equestrian Therapy Centre operates as a hub as per the HSE ‘New Directions’ policy.

Family open days are held every Saturday and 14 external schools and five service providers now avail of the service through the New Directions programme. The feedback is that the service being provided at the centre is making a real difference to the quality of life of service users and their families.