EQUESTRIAN INDUSTRY PROFILE: HELENA HENNESSY RUANE

Name: Helena Hennessy Ruane

From: Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny

Profession or job title? Self-employed human and equine healer

What’s your experience in the equestrian industry? I have always loved horses and have been involved with them since I was a child. Hunting and showing are my real passions. I am lucky enough to have a horse called Cloneyhea Clancy, who brought me to Dublin for the last four years.

This year I am taking a back seat and concentrating on my daughter Aoibhinn and her dream to get to Dublin. That and my healing work will keep me busy enough!

How did you get into this line of work? Growing up with memories of my late mom Helen using her wedding ring as a pendulum for allergy testing, it often made me wonder, did I have her gift?

I was running my own gift shop in Castlecomer for 17 years and started doing pendulum healing work also. I then got too busy to do both! So, I took the decision to lease out my shop and go at my healing work full time. And I never looked back!

Training for the role? Life! And being very lucky to be surrounded by good people and clients.

What does your job involve?I have a clinic in Castlecomer, where I see people by appointment. There I do a lot of allergy testing and healing work. Other days I am on the road in various yards treating horses, or clients bring horses to my own yard when it’s not viable for me to travel to.

What you enjoy about your job the most? The people definitely! And the satisfaction when someone comes to you with a horse and you know you are their last chance. Last year I stood beside Ring 2 in Dublin watching a horse win his class when six months previous he was going to be put to sleep. A lot of tears flowed that day in Dublin!

What is the most challenging part of your job? The driving! And trying to time my days. Anyone that knows me knows I don’t do being late for anything!

Do you work just in Ireland or do you travel abroad with your role? The majority of my work is in Ireland. I do have some racing yards in England that bring me over for a few days. I usually try to tie it in with getting to a show!

Helena Hennessy Ruane was in conversation with Emer Bermingham.