THE Evolving Role of Horses in Human Health (ERHHH) committee is an all-island body established to create a truly collaborative, independent platform for equine-assisted services throughout the island of Ireland. This unique all-island approach allows for cross border sharing of training, education and research resources as well as creating a platform for practitioners, service users and commissioning bodies to develop appropriate equine-assisted services in their own area.

Following on from the successful symposium in March 2025, the ERHHH committee has organised two further symposia to help drive forward the commissioning, training, research and shared evidence base for equine-assisted services on an all-island basis. The first of these will be next Tuesday, November 4th at Castle Leslie, Co Monaghan and will address how equine-assisted services can complement existing services and the current pressures in the health, education and justice systems throughout the whole island.

Sammy Leslie, founder of the Castle Leslie Trust, said: “Horses and their power to heal and bring joy have always been at the heart of the Estate. We are excited to support the Evolving Equine collective in their goal to bring equine-assisted services to all on both an all-island and local basis, making effective alternative health and wellbeing services more widely available. We are also working to respond to the need for equine-assisted and nature-based respite for families of children with complex needs as part of an all-island network. We are working hard to bring this proposed centre to fruition in the near future at the Rose Hill Farm site set within the Castle Leslie Estate.”

Critically discuss

Attendees will gain insight into the practical ways equine-assisted services can fill gaps in service provision, strengthen existing programmes, and improve outcomes for individuals. Health, education, and social care service providers from across the island, together with equine-assisted service practitioners, will present and critically discuss a suite of evidence-based programmes encompassing a comprehensive range of interventions, including therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy, and equine-assisted therapies.

The third symposium will focus on equine-assisted practitioners and the wider equine community and will be held at Danescroft, Co Antrim in early 2026.

For further information on the symposia, post-event materials and the wider equine-assisted services platform throughout the island, email: mollymccluskey@oneequine.org.