THE de Bromhead family, surrounded by family, friends and supporters, officially opened The Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre in Dublin on Friday.

Located on the campus of ChildVision in Drumcondra, the 375 sq.m. indoor equine therapeutic centre is named in memory of Jack de Bromhead who died in a pony racing accident three years ago.

The equine centre came to life thanks to a campaign spearheaded by racehorse owner Chris Jones which drew generous donations from a group of family and close friends of the de Bromheads.

Following a 17-month build, the campus is at the forefront of specialist therapy and education for children with visual impairments and will give children with visual impairments and additional disabilities access to the best global equine activities in a supportive and purpose designed environment.

The centre will allow the ChildVision equine team and volunteers to extend their services to reach more children over more hours making a life-changing difference, especially through the winter months and in bad weather conditions.

A statement issued by Henry, Heather, Mia and Georgia de Bromhead said: “The equine centre at ChildVision is a wonderful legacy for our beloved Jack, a hugely missed son and brother.

“Horses are a huge part of our lives, and we know the physical experience of riding a horse offers so many potential benefits, especially helping address a host of physical, social and emotional issues. More so, the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre will be a place of learning and hope, full of laughter and joy, traits that were such a part of Jack, all facilitated by the much-treasured horses and ponies that call the ChildVision stables home.

“We are delighted to have been part of this journey and today to see this vision become a reality with the opening of the Centre. We are forever grateful to all the donors who came on board to support us – we know Jack would be really proud of what this life-changing generosity will enable for generations to come.”

Chris Jones commented: “Today is a day for the de Bromhead family - for Henry, Heather, Mia and Georgia and of course for the children and families at ChildVision. The vision for this equine centre was to create a space where even more children could benefit from equine assisted therapies. From the beginning of this journey, we wanted to find a fitting way to remember our wonderful friend Jack - who was a hugely talented horseman but also a kind, caring and joyful young man.

“Now Jack’s name will be forever associated not only with the equine world but with creating joy and hope for so many children. It’s been an immense privilege to be part of this campaign and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful donors who gave so generously to ensure this building became a reality. I know Jack would be really proud by what’s been enabled in his memory.”

Barry Sheridan, ChildVision CEO, commented, “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre at ChildVision, a state-of-the-art facility that will enable life-changing opportunities for the children and young people we support. At ChildVision, we strive to empower individuals with visual impairments and other disabilities to live as independently and confidently as possible, and this new centre is a shining example of that commitment in action.

“This incredible facility has been made possible thanks to the generosity and vision of Henry and Heather and their close friend Chris Jones, whose support has been instrumental in bringing this dream to life.

In this Equine Centre we will ensure that Jack’s memory will live on in all those families that come through the doors, all those children who will sit up on one of our horses or ponies and we thank the de Bromhead family for entrusting Jack’s name with us. And to all those that supported this fundraising initiative and who look to support us in the future know that we remain committed to delivering the very best in equine assisted activities in the years ahead.”

Lucy Dillon, Equine Unit Manager of ChildVision, added: “Having a facility such as this which has been built by donors, many who were previously strangers to us but friends and family to the de Bromheads, will enable our team of dedicated staff and volunteers to help those children most in need of equine assisted activities. To be able to now be in a position to help more children – not worry about things such as inclement weather or losing natural light is something we are all looking forward to in the weeks, months and years ahead. We are incredibly proud of the work we do and to see children engage with our horses and ponies in such a positive way is why we do what we do.”