Horse project at risk of closure due to insurance liability issues

THE first community horse project in Ireland, which is based in Tallaght, is at risk of permanent closure as it’s struggling to secure a new public liability insurance provider.

The Fettercairn Youth Horse Project in Tallaght is to remain closed while it attempts to resolve issues with public liability insurance – and the project expressed fears that if they have to close permanently the loss to the community “would be immense”.

A social enterprise, the Fettercairn Youth Horse Project (FYHP), which began in its current form in 2000, is run for the community on a site provided by South Dublin County Council.

The project provided horse riding as an accessible and inclusive activity for children, alongside accredited equine training and local employment and volunteering opportunities.

However, the service shut its doors last March when their last public liability insurance policy ended and have since struggled to find a new provider.

In an update posted on the FYHP website at the end of last May, the service outlined their issues with securing a new insurance provider.

“On renewal of our insurance in 2022, FYHP were informed that our public liability insurance provider was exiting the Irish market and would not be renewing our insurance,” they stated.

“Since the beginning of the year, we have done everything in our power to secure a quote for public liability insurance.

“In spite of increased demand for our services and being fully booked out for lessons, we had to take the heart-breaking decision to close our doors in March 2022 when our policy ended, and have remained closed while we attempt to resolve this very difficult issue.”

The FYHP stated that they fear that if the horse project was to close permanently, the loss to the community would be significant.

“If we have to close our doors permanently, we believe the loss to the community will be immense: thousands of young people and adults (many of whom have complex and additional needs) will no longer have access to our wonderful project,” stated the project.

“Funding for the employment of six staff members from the Community Services Programme will be lost to the community, our 20 young volunteers will no longer be able to demonstrate their commitment to horse welfare, develop their skills, and contribute to their community.

“It will also mean [the] first community horse project established in Ireland will close permanently after 21 years.”

The genesis of the FYHP began in 1995, when a group of adults and young people in Fettercairn decided to address the lack of equine amenities and infrastructure in their community.

In 2000, the project’s facilities grew with the construction of a 20-unit stable facility and an Olympic-sized outdoor arena, which has been the site of their popular activities over the years.