
HORSE KNOWING
inspiring human learning
MENTAL WELLBEING COACHING
fully funded coaching program for farmers, farm families and farm workers
Department of Agriculture funded Coaching Program for Farmers, Farm families and Farm workers running between July and October 2025
Practical support for farmer's mental wellbeing through equine guided coaching
This is a fully funded coaching program - 1 hour per week for 8 weeks - taking place in counties Westmeath and Meath and available to participants from all over Ireland.
Two start dates, early July and late August, book early to secure your best time!
Limited FREE* places Booking NOW!
*participants fully funded by the kind support of the Dept.of Agriculture
What’s is Equine Guided Coaching / Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) ?
This coaching approach provides a hand's-on way to learn strategies and coping skills to meet life's challenges with more ease. You will be supported through personalised, ground-based sessions (no riding) offering calm, one-on-one time with horses to gently support emotional wellbeing and nervous system regulation through meaningful connection. No riding, and no horse experience needed!!
Why Horses?
Horses are naturally sensitive to human emotions and body language. They give honest, immediate feedback and help people tune into what’s going on beneath the surface – even when words are hard to find.
For those of us who already work with animals, this often feels familiar. The experience of interacting quietly and respectfully with a horse can feel grounding and natural – a way to reflect and learn in a safe space.
What can it help with?
Through this coaching process, you can:
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Manage stress, anxiety, and burnout
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Improve sleep and emotional regulation
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Build confidence and problem-solving skills
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Strengthen communication and decision-making
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Be with grief or loss in a supportive space
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Develop healthy boundaries and self-care routines
Program Details :
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Duration: 1 hour per week, over 8 weeks
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Format: Private, individual one-to-one, ground-based sessions (no riding)
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Location: Peaceful, rural setting with experienced EAL Coach
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Individualised approach: suitable for adults and young people over 12
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Confidential, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed
Locations :
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Co. Westmeath - near Lilliput
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Co. Meath - near Kilcloon
What past participants shared :
“Definitely noticed a decrease in my stress levels which were at an all-time high, which has made me much calmer and less snappy”
“I was very nervous about what I would gain from the program. However what can I say? This program has helped me enormously to rebuild my life and my future. It has allowed me to refocus on what is important. Myself and my family.”
“Just the acknowledgment that small window of time each week can help reset me has made me acutely aware that I need to implement more of this into my routine or I will burn out.”
“I found the ‘just being’ very helpful as a person that’s constantly bombarded all day everyday, just having the space to sit and be quiet was huge.”
“Melanie knows just when to talk and when not to. Be very good for trauma and young people who might not be ready for “talk type” of counselling.”
“She has found this to be a massively positive experience. She has had guaranteed weekly releases from her persistent self-destructive thoughts which have been invaluable. She finds a sense of self at each/every session and appears to be at peace in her own mind after each one. She finds the horses are very inquisitive of her and she loves that element. We are hugely grateful for all the efforts of everyone involved and their dedication!!!.” (Parental evaluation).
Why it matters :
A 2024 Irish study (O’Connor et al.) found that 42% of farmers are experiencing some form of mental health challenge – from stress and anxiety to sleep problems and burnout.
This coaching programme is designed specifically for the farming community – offering confidential practical support for those not in a position to access traditional talk therapy.
Take the First Step :
Whether you’re a farmer, a spouse, or a member of the wider farm family, you deserve support. This is a space to take a breather, reset, and build tools to meet life's challenges with more ease.
To learn more and book your place - call your EAL Coach Melanie on 087.667.2286
or email via the contact form below

One can stand alone in the dark
Two can make a light shine through
Marvin Gaye
CONNECT
Melanie Downes
HORSE KNOWING E.A.L.
Co. Westmeath, Ireland
m. 087.667.2286