Finisk Valley Therapeutic Riding
Every Rider, Every Ability, Every JourneyWhat is Therapeutic Riding (TR) and what are the benefits?
Therapeutic riding can offer our clients with physical emotional and cognitive challenges with the opportunity to improve their balance, co-ordination and muscle strength. TR can also enhance cognitive functions such as focus, problem solving and memory.
Above all, Therapeutic Riding can promote emotional well-being, encourage the development of social skills and boost self-esteem. Horses have a three-dimensional rhythmic gait and this movement, combined with the warmth of the horse when riding, can:
- Encourage relaxation
- Awaken underused muscles, allowing the rider to experience a new form of motion
- Increase core strength
- Boost flexibility, balance, co-ordination and motor skills
Besides the physical benefits, TR has also been recognized for decades to improve emotional, behavioral and social skills.
At Finisk Valley Therapeutic Riding, we know that riders are unique individuals who progress differently, and we are here to support each clients personal goals. Therapeutic riding is a versatile therapy that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the client, including cerebral palsy, Autism, Down’s syndrome, Scoliosis, and more.
About Us
Hello and welcome to Finisk Valley Therapeutic Riding Centre! My name is Therese, I am a British Horse Society (BHS) Instructor and a QQI qualified Therapeutic Riding Coach. I began my journey as a horse-riding instructor 25 years ago, when I first opened Finisk Valley Riding Centre. Our centre can be found outside Dungarvan, nestled in the stunning countryside of West Waterford.
In 2009, we began working with Special Olympics Ireland and Riding Disabled Association Ireland. Finisk Valley Riding Centre became dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive and empowering space for horse-riders of varying abilities. We became passionate about bringing together athletes with diverse needs and providing them with the opportunity to compete in a sport at Regional, National and World levels.
When COVID-19 struck, I had to make the difficult decision to close our riding school, so I took up a position in Carriglea Cairde Services as a Senior Programme Assistant. During this time, I had the privilege of supporting adults with additional needs in developing their confidence and independence as they engaged in the local community through various programs, volunteer work and further education opportunities.
This invaluable experience further deepened my understanding of the importance of recognising and supporting individual needs.
Finisk Valley Therapeutic Riding reopened in September 2025. I have combined my lifelong love of horses and my experience of working with children and adults with additional needs to develop a Therapeutic Riding centre with a keen awareness of the importance of personal development and a passion for equity for all. Our beloved ponies have years of experience working in this specific area. Each pony has a calm and gentle nature. They have an unwavering tolerance of noise and any sudden change in their environment, which makes them the perfect working partner for our clients.
Our Services
Our centre offers 1:1 therapeutic riding lessons tailored to each client’s individual needs. Lessons are half an hour in length and focus on helping the client to participate in activities that will benefit their overall wellbeing. Clients can boost their motor skills or simply to enjoy the serenity of the sensory trail path which encourages natural interaction for clients with sensory processing challenges.
The centre provides ground based Educational Stable Management Programmes. The aim of these one-hour sessions, is to provide participants with an insight into the care and management of horses. The benefit of this activity can be very effective, building up trust and confidence in people of all ages and abilities. Learning about the horse's behaviour and body language will increase the level of trust around the horse. Achievable goals are set for all participants.
Equine-Assisted Learning EAL, group and individual sessions are available at the centre. Participants interact with horses to facilitate personal growth and life skill.
Clients can work with additional services they already avail themselves of alongside Therapeutic Riding e.g. MDT like OT, SALT, BT. This enhances the person-centered support needed for individual clients to enjoy the full and complete experience.
I work with passionate volunteers with varying backgrounds who have years of experience in this area.
Our facilities include:
- A sensory trail path
- A safe spacious outdoor arena with a wheelchair ramp and two mounting blocks
- A small indoor barn for those rainy days
- Toilet facilities for SU’s with mobility needs
- L-shaped yard with plenty of space to sit and watch
Whether our clients are seeking therapeutic benefits personal growth or simply the joy of being around horses, Finisk Therapeutic Riding will support every step of your journey.
One-to-One riding lessons
Orchard Sensory Trail
Therapeutic Interaction
Our Yard
Dodger
A handsome chestnut cob, who has supported children with physical needs for many years in our riding school.
He has a kind a steady nature, and always ready for a treat or a scratch on his withers
Flash
A handsome Dun Connemara pony. Flash has rode in the World Games Special Olympic in Dublin and 3 special Olympic National Games.
He has since retired from the riding school but still takes part in equine assistant learning sessions. His friendly demeanor and his love of interaction makes him a favourite with all our clients.
Holly
Though small in stature, Holly is all about strength, beauty and protection.
She looks after all of her riders during her lessons and pays attention to everything they ask of her.
Vicky
A quiet, kind pony with a beautiful welcoming face.
She is ideal for our younger clients due to her slow and steady gait.
Lucy Lui
A beautiful skwebald pony who has found her true home at Finisk Valley TRC.
She loves our lessons and excitedly comes in from the field when she knows it’s time. Her unique markings on her coat make her a favourite with some of our clients.
Annie and Rosie
Two very friendly four-legged friends who greet everyone who comes through the gates.
These dogs love to make everyone feel welcome and important and never stop wagging their tails.
Testimonials
"Therese and her Team are the most amazing people we have ever met. She gave Oisin the confidence to excel in a sport he loves. We have had the most amazing experiences and also got the RDS with RDAI. Therese has a special gift and brought out the best in Oisin. She only sees ability where other see disability."Ann O Connell and Oisin O Connell
Eileen and Stephen Power"It’s wonderful to see the re-opening of Therese's Yard, once the home of Finisk River Riders Special Olympic Club (SOC). This club has been an incredible and transformative part of my son, Stephen's life for over 20 years. The unwavering support, care, and encouragement he received from everyone involved has left a lasting impact on his confidence, independence and overall wellbeing. The bond Stephen has formed with the horses and the volunteers is truly special.
The yard offers a calm, welcoming environment where everyone pitches in and feels part of something meaningful.
Through the club, Stephen has had access to countless opportunities and life-enriching experiences. He proudly participated in the Special Olympics, gaining new skills building confidence and most importantly discovering the joy of sport and forming lifelong friendships. His journey with Finisk River Riders (FRR) also led him to take part in fundraising events meet inspiring figures like Davy Russell and Brent Pope and even featuring in a Nationwide RTE Panadol campaign ad for GSK.
Looking forward to the next chapter of Finisk Valley Therapeutic Riding Centre with Therese and the gang!”
Micheál PhelanOur son Owen, a wheelchair user, attended the Finish Valley Riding Centre for most of his young life from 2006 until its closure in October 2021. Under the ownership and stewardship of Therese White, and with the unwavering support of her family and friends, the riding school offered the most wonderful service to children and adults with special needs.
Therese possesses that innate gift of a love of her ponies/horses and has the ability to pass on that connection to the participants under her care, making them feel at ease and comfortable while on/in the company of horses. Equally, she forges an effortless bond with the children/adults who trust her completely and is able to get them to perform to the best of their abilities. They benefit from her firm control and her clear precise instructions, thereby making the whole experience so worthwhile.
Like many children, Owen would have his Saturday mornings when he was reluctant to go but as soon as he reached Therese's gate and her cheery "Good morning, Owen Phelan!", his face would light up and a beaming smile would materialise and he was immediately ready for the fun to begin. Now, that "fun" involved doing his exercises on horseback but he trusted Therese or whoever was assigned to him completely and would reap the benefits of those exercises.
It is wonderful news for the area that Therese is going to reopen her yard as a therapeutic riding centre for young children with physical and intellectual needs. Once again, Finisk Riding Centre will be filled with the sounds and smells of bustling activity - all done for the benefit of those who badly need the supports that this special form of therapy provides.
I wish Therese every success in the knowledge that the young people who use Finisk Riding centre will benefit greatly from its re-emergence.
Finisk Valley Therapeutic Riding
Kilmolash Bridge, Cappoquin
Co. Waterford P51CA22
Follow our journey!
