Rag Tree Equine Assisted Learning

Rag Tree Equine Assisted Learning Rag Tree is a service which offers Equine Assisted Learning and Therapeutic Horse Riding sessions. Rag Tree is Denis O'Connor and Shelly Berry.

The journey to starting Rag Tree began when Shelly having graduated with a BSc (Hons.) Equine Studies went on to research ways to promote health through interactions with horses. Denis who works in the Community and Voluntary sector for over ten years at the time embraced the idea and work on Rag Tree began. We began to offer sessions in 2011 having completed additional training specifically in EA

L and Therapeutic Horse Riding. At Rag Tree we offer two services Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and Therapeutic Horse Riding. Equine Assisted Learning combines therapeutic interventions with a more innovative component involving relationships and activities with a horse. It is generally ground based. We see the focus as learning from the horse not about the horse. Therapeutic Horse Riding is beneficial for those who present with any of a wide range of cognitive, physical and emotional conditions. Up to this point we have worked with a variety of groups including at risk youth and young people deemed to have fewer opportunities (socio economic disadvantage, family breakdown, risk of early school leaving etc) ASD and people with a variety of disabilities. This summer saw a change of direction with the introduction of our therapeutic horse riding service. We feel our location is key of the success of the work we do. We are located well off the road in a beautiful secluded spot offering sea views and privacy. Generally only those booked in for sessions are present in the yard along with facilitators. We have invested considerable time to create an environment that optimises learning and benefits participants.

Yesterday, we bid a fond see you later to Zoe as she heads off into a new career. We can not put into words how much Zo...
22/08/2026

Yesterday, we bid a fond see you later to Zoe as she heads off into a new career. We can not put into words how much Zoe is appreciated here and how much she will be missed, but we wish her the absolute best in her new career. Zoe has been the backbone of the yard for the last 5 years with the recreational lessons as well as the therapeutic work and has taught so many to ride, improve, and enjoy their time here. Zoe, thank you so much for your hard work, enthusiasm, and skill, we will be lost without you.

19/08/2026

At Westmeath Counselling we provide Counselling and Psychotherapy Services for Individuals, couples, Children and Teens. We are centrally located in Westmeath with easy access from many routes. Click for further information.

The new horse on the block Paddy showing his cheeky side ❤️Thanks Noah for the great photo.
18/07/2026

The new horse on the block Paddy showing his cheeky side ❤️

Thanks Noah for the great photo.

15/07/2026
08/07/2026

🤣🤔 sounds about right

Some of the other animals we have here are the chick's and ducks. Ruben got an incubator for Christmas, so he incubated...
06/07/2026

Some of the other animals we have here are the chick's and ducks. Ruben got an incubator for Christmas, so he incubated eggs in April and in May they were born. It is amazing how quickly they grow. The chicks are now 8 weeks old and the ducks are 7 weeks old. They are Sam, Alex, Lee, Little Bob, Bagel, Lucky and Socks.

22/06/2026

We have many animals here, including the one and only Leo (aka Leo the great). He is a horsefield tortoise and he has been happy out in this sunshine mooching around the garden, foraging.

QQI Level 3 modulesAre you aged 16+ and interested in gaining a level 3 qqi award? We are currently running 2 modules a...
18/06/2026

QQI Level 3 modules

Are you aged 16+ and interested in gaining a level 3 qqi award? We are currently running 2 modules and have some spaces for new participants. We work alongside the horses for all our modules and there is the possibility of gaining AIRE stable management certificates during your time here also. Currently modules run on Thursday and Friday mornings.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, just get in touch and we can take it from there.

Please note that horse riding is not part of this programme currently. This programme is funded through WWETB and REACH funding.

Rose and Mr Fox chilling in the field
17/06/2026

Rose and Mr Fox chilling in the field

Address

Rag Tree, Ballinamona, Kilmuckridge
Gorey

Telephone

+353874425115

Website

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