About Us
At Happy Hooves Therapeutic Riding, we are dedicated to providing equine-assisted therapy to individuals with special needs and neurodiversity. Our organisation is built on the passion, expertise, and dedication of its founding members, Marlene and Sinead, who share a lifelong love of horses and a commitment to helping others. Together, they have created a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment where individuals can benefit from the transformative power of horses.
Marlene
Hi, I’m Marlene (pronounced Marlen) co-founder of Happy Hooves Therapeutic Riding and a lifelong horse lover. My journey with horses began at the age of 10 when I started riding at the local pony club. That early connection sparked a passion that’s stayed with me ever since. I was lucky enough to grow up in the countryside, where I got my first retired pony at 16, followed by a show jumper at 18. Horses have always been my grounding force.
Over the years, I’ve combined this love for horses with my dedication to working with people. I first trained and worked as a social care worker with children and adolescents with multiple disabilities in France. A colleague and mentor introduced me to therapeutic riding, and I became part of a pioneering team that brought horse-assisted sessions into a residential care setting.
After moving to the USA as an au pair, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, followed later by a Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology back in Europe. Since settling in Ireland over 16 years ago, I’ve worked in various roles supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and complex needs.
In 2023, I was diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive type)—a moment that brought clarity and self-compassion. It reinforced my belief that we all communicate, learn, and thrive in our own unique ways.
I see horses as mirrors—sensitive, intuitive, and profoundly honest. Their ability to stay grounded in the moment helps us return to ourselves, especially in times of stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. They don’t judge, they don’t expect—they just are. And in that presence, there’s healing.
My approach to this work is rooted in acceptance, compassion, curiosity, and kindness. I believe in meeting each person where they are, and in helping them reconnect to their own inner rhythm—often through the gentle guidance of a four-legged friend.
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What I love most about this work? Those quiet, magic moments—when human and horse connect in stillness. When a child returns to their parent regulated and smiling. When someone surprises themselves by doing something they didn’t think they could. And of course, working alongside my amazing co-facilitator and friend, Sinead, in the most beautiful "office" in the world.
With each session, I hope to offer not just learning, but a space to be—to feel, breathe, connect, and grow.
Sinead
Hi, I’m Sinead, co-founder of Happy Hooves Therapeutic Riding. One of my first memories was getting a pony ride at a country fair when I was about 2 – I think that was the moment when I became hooked! I began riding when I was 4 and made many happy memories spending weekends at the stables with a gang of kids, having fun, working and riding. I gave up riding as a teenager but came back to it in my twenties when I moved into the countryside and started riding several times a week. I was lucky enough to own my first horse when I was 30 and I soon realised how deep a connection you really can have with these amazing creatures.
Being around horses helps me feel better physically, mentally and emotionally and they keep me grounded. I also see this in my locality where there is a variety of horse-lovers ranging in age from toddlers to people in their 80s and I love the camaraderie, sharing and social network they create.
I had worked in various administrative roles over the years, but I had also done courses in Holistic Massage and Amatsu Therapy. I always wanted to do something where I felt I was doing something positive with people and in a holistic way.
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I started volunteering at therapeutic riding with children with additional needs about 10 years ago and got an immense sense of reward and enjoyment from it. It was great to witness how the children were enjoying being with the ponies having fun and at the same time benefitting on so many levels. I did the Therapeutic Riding Coach course in Festina Lente and was really fortunate to meet Marlen. She has such a breadth of expertise of neurodiversity and who shares my holistic view of how horses can help people with different needs. We started our service in 2021 and have steadily grown in our range of clients and services. We have many plans however – to bring horses to nursing homes, to work with at-risk teenagers – there are so many areas where horses can bring benefits and positive outcomes – physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.
What I love most about this work? I love the way that every person and their needs are so different but each person is met where they’re at, and the horses take care of the rest! I love to see the simple enjoyment that our riders experience; the way they connect with these amazing animals and with the great outdoors. Apart from the lists we’ve mentioned of all the benefits – I love to see the joy that horses bring, to see hugs being given to the ponies; to hear the giggles from doing a trot; to see the pride on a face after doing a new game; to see children gain confidence, a new hobby, a new skill set; sometimes the stillness that they allow and that’s needed; and to see people engaging in a life-long passion.
What Makes Happy Hooves Therapeutic Riding Unique?
At Happy Hooves, we believe that therapeutic riding should be about more than just learning to ride. Our programme incorporates holistic therapy techniques, focusing on physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development.
Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
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Improved balance and coordination
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Enhanced communication skills
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Increased confidence and independence
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Development of social skills and emotional regulation
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A deep sense of connection with horses
A Safe and Inclusive Environment
Our facilities are designed to be fully accessible, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can participate comfortably. Our horses are carefully selected and trained to be patient, gentle, and responsive, providing a safe and supportive experience for all riders.
Highly Experienced and Caring Instructors
With decades of combined experience in special needs support and equine therapy, Marlene and Sinead bring a level of expertise that sets Happy Hooves apart. Their individualised approach ensures that each participant receives the tailored support they need to thrive.
Our Vision for the Future
At Happy Hooves Therapeutic Riding, we are committed to expanding our services and reaching even more individuals who can benefit from equine-assisted therapy. Our goal is to continue advocating for the recognition and accessibility of therapeutic riding as a valuable tool for enhancing quality of life.
As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to:
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Expanding our facilities to accommodate more riders
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Developing new programmes to meet the needs of diverse individuals
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Strengthening community partnerships to promote inclusion
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Advancing research in equine-assisted therapy