Under starters orders to raise €20K for the Fettercairn Horse Project
By Mary Dennehy
TWO mothers from Saggart are saddling up to raise €20K for the development of a sensory trail at the Fettercairn Youth Horse project, where 30 per cent of the children attending have special needs.
For the past three years the horse project has been trying to raise money for an integrated, educational and therapeutic riding trail within the existing grounds of the community facility – where ‘horses don’t see a child with autism, they see a child’.
Amanda and Luke
Currently, the project provides reduced-cost lessons for the parents of children with special needs, providing a therapeutic and fun activity for local kids while creating a space for them to engage with horses and instructors.
Living in Saggart, Amanda Fox brings her son Luke, who was diagnosed with autism three years ago, to the Fettercairn Horse Project for one-to-one lessons.
According to Amanda, Luke has experienced increased physical, social and emotional wellbeing from attending the project, with the introduction of a sensory trail having the potential to enhance the benefits for all children.
“The sensory trail will be an amazing addition to the project and will facilitate a number of groups and local schools, as well as local and countywide children attending the project”, Amanda said.
“A sensory trail will add to the experience especially for those with special needs, [including] increased stimulation, balance, motivation and co-ordination while also improving independence and encouraging communication.
“To have a [Sensory trail] here in Tallaght would be amazing.”
Grainne and Lucy at the Fettercairn Youth Horse Project
Amanda and her friend Grainne Coyle, who also living in Saggart has a girl called Lucy on the autism spectrum, have joined forces and are inviting members of the public to support their mini-marathon challenge to raise €20k for the sensory trail.
Taking part in the mini-marathon under the team name of Luke & Lucy’s Ladies, Amanda and Grainne are looking for people to join them on the day, and walk, jog or run for the sensory trail.
For further information or to register visit the Luke & Lucy’s Ladies Facebook page or contact Amanda on 085 2819289.
