What we offer

Hairy Henry Therapeutic Riding is based on a secluded small farm in the rural setting of West Cork near Bantry town, just within one hour's drive from Cork and Killarney. In our educational and therapeutic work, we focus on two areas in particular: Therapeutic Riding & Care Farming.

Therapeutic Riding is an activity which uses the horse as a partner in the therapeutic process. The focus lies on gaining benefits from the unique neuromuscular stimulation whilst riding and handling the horse, and from building a relationship with the horse as part of the therapeutic team.

Therapeutic Riding promotes strength, balance, good posture, confidence, coordination and flexibility. It offers physical, psychological and educational benefits to children and adults of a wide range of abilities and conditions.

Learning how to ride is not the main focus of our Therapeutic Riding sessions but participants may gain basic riding skills whilst participating, opening further opportunities to individuals to continue riding as a sport.

Care Farming is the therapeutic use of farming activities, including horse care and stable management. The purpose of care farming is to promote mental and physical health and emotional well-being by giving people the opportunity to spend time with and work with our farm animals such as horses, sheep, donkeys, pet rabbits, dogs, hens, ducks and geese and by exploring and experiencing the natural environment on the farm.

We offer individual as well as group sessions, and also cater for family groups. In addition, we run courses in Horse Care and Farming Skills for persons with additional needs.

We also offer tailor-made one-day Trail Rides to individuals who want to explore our beautiful West Cork area on horseback. Our session takes place in our all-weather outdoor arenas as well as a 1.5km bridleway around our 12 acres of land.