Castletown charity warns it may have to close, putting vital services for over 40 families at risk
A small Castletown charity urgently needs unrestricted funding to keep its doors open to children and adults with disabilities. A charity providing life-changing equine assisted therapy to children and adults with physical, intellectual and sensory disabilities is making an urgent appeal for financial support, warning that without immediate funding, it may be forced to close its doors.
Ability Equine Assisted Therapy, which has been supporting families since 2014, currently works with 45 families whose children and adults have a spectrum of physical, intellectual, and sensory disabilities.
For these families, Ability is far more than a weekly activity. It is a specialist, inclusive service where participants can develop physical skills, confidence, communication and independence in a supportive environment, but the charity is now facing a critical financial situation.
Ability has no funds available to sustain its services and urgently needs unrestricted funding to survive. Without immediate support, the charity may have no choice but to close, leaving 45 families without a service they have come to rely on.
The charity is appealing to the public, businesses, philanthropic organisations, community groups and potential funders across Ireland to help keep Ability open.
One family who has experienced the impact of Ability first-hand is the family of 17-year-old Eoin, who has Down syndrome and autism.
Eoin has attended Ability Equine Assisted Therapy since the charity was established in 2014.
His family describes the significant difference therapeutic horse riding has made to his physical development, confidence and ability to cope with change.
“When Eoin first started therapeutic horse riding he was walking poorly, his balance was very poor and he couldn’t manage steps without assistance. Within 6 weeks of sessions Eoin’s balance noticeably improved and he even started running a bit. We were amazed at the progress he made.”
The family says Ability's approach has also enabled Eoin's coaches to work with him on skills that are important in his everyday life.
“His coach is excellent at reading his form and has learned to communicate very well with Eoin. Whenever we are working on a new skill at home with Eoin the coaches find a way of incorporating it into his therapeutic horse riding session.”
For Eoin, the service has provided something particularly valuable: consistency.
“Many other activities have come and gone over the years as Eoin loses interest. However, horse-riding has remained a constant and Eoin is always happy to go to his lessons.”
Another parent, whose 15-year-old daughter has ASD and ADHD, has seen her daughter's confidence and self-esteem grow since beginning sessions with Ability four months ago.
“She really enjoys going and benefits so much from the inclusive atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and interaction with the horses. Victoria and her team are all very skilled, kind, intuitive and experienced.”
The parent says the impact has extended beyond the sessions themselves:
“I have seen my daughter grow in confidence and her self esteem has also increased since starting there. She looks forward to it every week and leaves on a high!”
Ability is now appealing for urgent financial support to protect its services and ensure that the 45 families currently attending can continue to access them.
As a small charity, unrestricted income is particularly important. It allows Ability to meet the everyday costs of keeping its service operating, sustain its existing programmes and expand access to families who need support.
If Ability closes, 45 families could lose access to a service that has become an important part of their lives.
The charity is asking anyone who can help — whether through an individual donation, corporate support, sponsorship, fundraising, philanthropic funding or another form of financial assistance — to come forward.
Every contribution can help Ability remain open.