Festina Lente is this year’s Positive Strides equine charity at the RDS Dublin Horse Show

In celebrating the positive impact that equestrianism has had on society in general, the RDS is once again bringing back ‘Positive Strides’ to the 2023 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ RDS Dublin Horse Show. The initiative is sponsored by Mannon Farm and this year’s nominated charity is the Irish equine organisation, Festina Lente, who counts amongst its ambassadors Rachel Blackmore OBE and international showjumper Cian O’Connor.

Through demonstrations and panel discussions during the Show, Festine Lente will celebrate the impact that equestrianism has on everyday life and in particular for those that need that relationship more than others.

Festina Lente was set up in 1988 with just one borrowed horse and one pupil but quickly developed a worldwide reputation for its equestrian programmes. It provides services to people affected by disability, diverse learning abilities, self-esteem issues and those from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, it is a key provider of educational training programmes to adult learners wishing to deliver these programmes within their own geographical area in Ireland.

Festina Lente CEO Dr Jill Carey said, “From therapeutic riding which uses the natural movement of the horse for the physical improvement for people with a physical disability to equine assisted learning which uses the natural behaviour of the horse to help people develop their self and social awareness, the benefits are immense.”

Pat Hanly, RDS Dublin Horse Show Director said “Last year we were overwhelmed with the public’s response to the Positive Strides initiative that highlighted the value of the human/horse relationship. This year we are hoping that we can shine a light on this incredible organisation which is at the forefront of equine therapy and an exemplar in the development of our interaction with the horse. Those of us that enjoy horses are only too aware of the positive impact horses can have on peoples mental and physical wellbeing and the Show is delighted to partner with Festina Lente in showcasing what it does so well.”

In the words of fourteen year old Rachel Doak from Wicklow who lives with cerebral palsy in her legs “On a horse you become one… The horse became part of me, my body, the horse was my legs giving me a freedom to be just ‘me’. Festina Lente is my second home.”

Throughout the 2023 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup RDS Dublin Horse Show which takes place in the iconic RDS showgrounds in the heart of Dublin 4 from 9 – 13th August there will be a number of demonstrations and panel discussions by Festina Lente.

Demonstrations:

Friday 11th: Demonstration in Ring 2 at 2.30pm: How the movement of the Horse can improve our musculoskeletal health, How working with horses can improve our emotional well-being.

Followed by demonstration by Jonty Evans and Para Equestrians

Saturday 12th: Demonstration in Ring 2 at 2.30pm: How the movement of the Horse can improve our musculoskeletal health, How working with horses can improve our emotional well-being.

Followed by demonstration by Jonty Evans and Para Equestrians

Sunday 13th: Demonstration in Ring 2 at 2.30pm: How the movement of the Horse can improve our musculoskeletal health, How working with horses can improve our emotional well-being.

Followed by demonstration by Jonty Evans and Para Equestrians

Panel Discussions:

Panel Discussion Number 1: Friday 11th August 2023 :

How the Movement of the Horse Improves our Musculoskeletal Health

Venue: The RDS Library

Time: 1.30pm

Moderator: Flor Madden

Physiotherapist: Ms Karyn Jamieson

Therapeutic Riders: Rachael Doak and Betsy Keys Farrell

Therapeutic Riders parent: Sarah Byrne

Therapeutic Riding Coach: Natalie Carey -  Founder of Better Together  Therapy Riding Center https://www.bettertogethertr.ie/

This panel discussion will present

The latest research on exploring the benefits of the horses movement on musculoskeletal health and how and why this movement is beneficial
A presentation illustrating the impact of the horse movement on the rider
The experiences of both Riders, Parents and Therapeutic Riding Coach
Q&A session

Panel Discussion Number 2: 12th August 2023:

How engagement with horses improves mental well-being for Adults

Venue: The RDS Library

Time: 2.30pm

Moderator: Suzanne Guerin

Equine Assisted Activity Facilitator: Suzanne Rice

Adults: Freya Byrne, Terri Cullen, Karen Devine                                                     

This panel discussion will present the latest research on exploring the benefits of engagement with horses on mental well-being of Adults and potential reasons how and why horses may contribute a presentation illustrating the benefits of engagement with horses the experiences of both participants, programme facilitator and referral source. There will also be a Q&A session.

Panel Discussion Number 3: 13th August 2023:

How engagement with horses improves mental well-being for Young People

Venue: The RDS Library

Time: 2.30pm

Moderator: Suzanne Guerin

Equine Assisted Facilitator: Suzanne Rice

Adults: Kat Ettridge, Arthur  Buckley                                                                

This panel discussion will present:

The latest research on exploring the benefits of engagement with horses on mental well being of young people and potential reasons how and why horses may contribute
A presentation illustrating the benefits of engagement with horses
The experiences of both participants, programme facilitator and referral source
Q&A session

Wednesday 9th to Sunday 13th:

Miniature Ponies in the Kids Zone (behind the Grand Stand)

Wednesday 9th to Sunday 13th:

Festina Lente Stand in the RDS Main Hall showcasing the work of Festina Lente