Knockevin Special School Project
This Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) project was inspired by the success of the St Colmcille’s EAL pilot. Currently funded by the Denis Lynn Foundation and One Equine, the project has been supporting children with severe, profound, and multiple learning difficulties, aged 3 to 19, in Co. Down since April 2024.
We are working with three individual practitioners, each delivering EAL sessions across one of the three Knockevin school campuses located in Dundrum, Downpatrick, and Castlewellan.
Project Aims
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programmes have demonstrated a range of positive outcomes—particularly for pupils with Special Educational Needs—in areas of social, emotional, and educational development. Key benefits highlighted in various studies and reports include:
1. Improved Social Skills:
Working with horses encourages clear communication and understanding of non-verbal cues, supporting better social interactions, empathy, and teamwork.
2. Enhanced Emotional Regulation:
The calming presence of horses helps reduce anxiety and stress, promoting emotional well-being and supporting children as they learn to recognise and manage their emotions.
3. Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence:
Successfully participating in tasks with horses gives pupils a sense of accomplishment, helping to build self-esteem and belief in their abilities.
4. Educational Benefits:
EAL can support academic learning by improving focus, responsibility, and the ability to interact positively with others.
5. Behavioural Improvements:
With growing self-esteem, self-awareness, the ability to manage their emotions, and stronger relationships, children can develop greater self-regulation and improved behaviour.
Dundrum
At our Dundrum campus, Nicci Hall from Peace of Mind has been engaging our youngest learners in meaningful EAL sessions. Through gentle interactions with horses, nursery pupils are learning in a calm and supportive environment.
Downpatrick
In Downpatrick, primary pupils have been enjoying fun, interactive sessions led by Kate Russell of Tobi and Peanut Therapy Ponies. Each week, the sessions bring something new for pupils to enjoy, connect with, and take away valuable experiences that enrich their everyday lives.
Castlewellan
Over at the Castlewellan campus, secondary pupils are taking part in tailored sessions with Joanne Morton from Blueoak Equestrian. These sessions provide a fresh and enriching learning environment that encourages individual growth and builds confidence through hands-on experiences.
The outcomes of this EAL programme have made a meaningful impact on the lives of participating pupils, contributing to a more balanced and enriched experience both in and out of school. By fostering resilience and essential life skills from an early age, the programme supports the development of a more socially and economically active population, ultimately easing long-term pressure on NHS services.
Although this project addresses just a small part of the wider need across Northern Ireland, the success of its funding and delivery model has enabled One Equine Trust to grow its work—with the support of additional funders.
Through this and other similar initiatives, we are expanding the availability of services and moving closer to our goal: to ensure that everyone in Northern Ireland who could benefit from interaction with horses has access to safe, regulated, and accredited Equine Assisted Services. This work not only responds to current healthcare challenges but also helps build more resilient and supportive communities.
Keep an eye out for updates, outcomes, and more pictures!
Your support can make a real difference for the pupils at Knockevin School. Click below to contribute to the continuation of this project.