A place to unwind and heal... safe haven where horses and humans connect naturally

Nestled away in Kiltale is a place where serenity, mental well-being and a love for horses combine. Cara Capall Therapy, founded by Cliona Ni Dhiomasaigh, is a place where clients of all ages can go to relax, heal and unwind in the company of beautiful horses.

Cliona refers to her horses as her ‘teammates’, explaining that the work the horses do is the most important thing at the centre. Horses of all sizes roam freely around the arena and yard, getting the opportunity to just be themselves without any obligation. The presence of the horses is calming in itself, but you can really feel the warmth and the trust from the giant animals as soon as you walk in.

Cliona very kindly offered to show me around, which I was really excited about. I was introduced to the wonderful horses, who ranged in all sizes, including a very cheeky smaller horse who could open the doors all by herself. I wasn’t told the horses names or anything about their personalities as this allows the client to apply their own story to each horse without any presumptions.

Not only does Cara Capall Therapy offer Equine Assisted Therapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) sessions, they also offer play therapy and sessions for different occasions, such as wellness sessions for corporate parties, schools and children with special needs.

I was brought into the arena and sat on a bench, allowing the curious horses to approach me in their own time. Cliona doesn’t force the horses to do anything that they don’t want to do, and they roam freely without equipment or headcollars. If you are nervous, she offers to put a headcollar on the horse.

After sitting and talking for a moment, two horses began to approach me. Cliona stepped away for a few moments, allowing me to get to know the horses myself. They were extremely friendly and calm, almost as if they knew they were in a session.

The sessions are all ground-based, so no horse riding is required. Cliona allows you to watch the horses interact, while asking open questions about what you think the horses might be feeling or if you can relate your own life and the people in it to the horses interactions.

After spending a couple of hours with the horses, I felt calm and clear headed. The environment of Cara Capall therapy is quiet and tranquil, with the sounds of birds and the surrounding nature. Cliona really knows what she’s talking about, with her vast insight on horses and how they function.

The experience is highly interactive, stimulating all of the senses while learning about yourself and the horses. Every question asked, Cliona was able to answer with full knowledge. For her equine assisted therapy sessions, a qualified mental health professional is present.

Horses are highly intuitive to human emotions, and you can feel that through the horses at Cara Capall Therapy. They are in tune with your movements, sounds and feelings. When I felt more at ease, you could tell by the horses body language that they did, too.

“EAP and EAL sessions are delivered in a calm, outdoor space where people and horses can connect naturally.

“EAP is especially great for those who may be looking for an alternative to traditional talk therapy.

“Every session is unique and shaped by the people and the horses present on the day.”

Individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, behavioural issues, struggling with grief or those who are seeking personal development can greatly benefit from equine assisted therapy.

Cliona explains that the horses are large prey animals, who respond to their environment instantly and offer immediate and honest feedback which helps participants become more aware, patient and connected.

These are qualities that extend well beyond the arena.

It is clear to see after just spending a few hours with Cliona and her team of horses the trust and love that is between them. The care that goes into each and every horse is outstanding, with each one having their own clear personalities and ways of interacting with clients.

Cliona was originally working with an airline cabin crew, but always had a love for horses since she was a child. She used to ride horses when she was younger but grew away from the hobby as the years went on. Now, she’s trying her hand at equine therapy full time, having only opened her business at the beginning of this year in March.

“I’m extremely passionate about animal welfare. I completely respect when the horses don’t want me to come near them. I respect their space and their moods. They’re such a big part of my life and I’m so interested in everything to do with them. They’re anatomy, their behaviour, everything.”

After Cliona came home from working as cabin crew, she did a horse riding lesson which reignited her passion for horses.

“I decided to do a lesson when I returned back to Ireland. I got the smell of the stables again, and I thought ‘why did I ever give this up?’ That’s when I decided to build the shed and stables down the back of my house and to get some horses.”

“I decided to go to college full time to study a Bachelor of Business in Equine at AIT. I got my first horse around then. After that I did the Eagala Course and since then I’ve been going full in on Cara Capall Therapy.

I wondered if it was possible to do this full-time, as most people do it part-time, so I decided that’s what I was going to try and do.”

Now, Cliona is a qualified riding instructor and has expanded her training in equine care, welfare and anatomy through training. Her lifelong passion for horses and the positive impact they have on people inspired her to begin Cara Capall Therapy.

Just being on the grounds of Cara Capall Therapy is an overall calming and rewarding experience assisted by these beautiful animals and Cliona’s expertise and kind nature, and it's only the beginning!