Equine-guided mental wellbeing programme to support farmers
A unique mental wellbeing coaching programme funded by the Dept of Agriculture launches this month to support farmers, farm families, and farm workers across Ireland.
It offers eight weeks of one-to-one ‘equine guided coaching’ providing participants with a hands-on way to learn strategies and coping skills to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and improve overall wellbeing.
The programme, running from July to October, will take place in peaceful rural settings in Westmeath and Meath, and participants are welcome from all over Ireland. It starts in early July and early booking is encouraged.
A hands-on, horse-inspired approach to mental health equine guided coaching, also known as Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), is a ground-based, non-riding coaching method that works with the natural sensitivity and responsiveness of horses to support emotional growth and mental wellbeing. No horse experience is required.
Working alongside a QQI qualified EAL coach and horses, participants engage in weekly sessions designed to help:
• Manage stress, anxiety, and burnout
• Improve sleep and emotional regulation
• Build confidence and problem-solving skills
• Strengthen communication and decision-making
• Be with grief or loss in a supportive space
• Develop healthy boundaries and self-care routines
Why horses? Horses are finely attuned to human emotions and body language. Their honest, immediate, non-verbal feedback helps individuals connect with what’s going on beneath the surface, often when words are hard to find.
Programme Highlights:
• Duration: 1 hour per week, over eight weeks
• Format: Private, one-to-one, ground-based sessions (no riding)
• Locations: near Lilliput, County Westmeath
o Near Kilcloon, County Meath
• For: Adults and young people (12+)
• Approach: Confidential, non-judgmental, trauma-informed
• Cost: Free to all participants
This initiative comes at a crucial time. A 2024 Irish study (O’Connor et al) reported that 42% of farmers are currently experiencing some form of mental health challenge. The pressures of farming life are immense, and access to alternative, practical support like this can make a lasting difference.
Contact: Melanie Downes, EAL coach 0876672286; horseknowing@proton.me; Plodstown, Mullingar, County Westmeath.