Welcome !
Hairy Henry is a small Care Farm in West Cork/Ireland - we support children and adults with additional needs. We offer therapeutic riding and therapeutic farming activities as to help with emotional, physical, educational, behavioural and mental health challenges.
We also offer educational groups under the Department of Education, and we offer riding instruction in a private and semi-private setting.
We also offer educational groups under the Department of Education, and we offer riding instruction in a private and semi-private setting.
Fundraising campaign 2024
All proceeds go towards a planned pilot of our new educational initiative
'Giddy up & Go'
And educational programme for 12-16 year olds
who are experiencing challenges in school.
See more about the programme here:
Giddy up & Go Educational Programme
'Giddy up & Go'
And educational programme for 12-16 year olds
who are experiencing challenges in school.
See more about the programme here:
Giddy up & Go Educational Programme
What we offer on our farm
Our main activities are:
Therapeutic Riding
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.
Care Farming
Care farming is the therapeutic use of farming activities. 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 sheep, donkeys, pet rabbits, dogs, hens, ducks and geese, and by exploring and experiencing the natural environment on the farm.
Educational Groups
During the summer break, we run Summer Programmes under the Department of Education scheme for children with additional education needs. We use animal-assisted learning and the natural environment on the farm to promote a relaxed encouraging learning environment, and we support each child in their learning at their individual pace and by addressing their particular needs.
Riding Instruction
Our riding instruction takes place either in a one-to-one setting or in a group of two riders. We use a person-centred approach to meet each rider's individual requirements. We offer lessons for complete beginners as well as more advanced riders who want to progress on to jumping or dressage. We also offer lessons for riders who are returning from a break, who had an accident or fright, and who want to build on their fitness and confidence, and good communication and partnership with the horse, in a supportive nurturing setting.
Find out more about our therapeutic and educational services in the videos below and in the menu under 'Our Services'!
Please go to our booking page to see details on current group and individual sessions:
Text and images and film footage: Copyright Sandra Schmid 2020