Facility for autism in County Limerick is riding high thanks to donation

A COUNTY Limerick facility for children and adults with autism has received a welcome boost with €10,000 being donated to assist in the construction of a new jumps course.

A cheque was presented by Catriona Buckley of Liskennett Charity Gymkhana to Liskennett Equine Therapy.

Liskennett Farm in Granagh incorporates therapeutic day and residential services for adults and a Horse Boy Equine Therapy Centre for both children and adults.

The proceeds were raised from a gymkhana which was held in aid of the St Joseph’s Foundation facility.

“They are hoping to build a mini version of Hickstead (there’s an All England Jumping Course at Hickstead) at Liskennett,” said Frankie Ward, press officer for the event.

“It is a mixture of all sorts of fences,” she added.

Speaking at the cheque presentation at the weekend Joell Dunlap of the Square Peg Foundation explained the benefits of horse riding for people with autism.

“Joell explained that the motion, between the rocking movement and the movement of going over and across, it lulls them into a sense of security and calmness. It’s incredible,” said Frankie.

“They were explaining that one night two young men were having bad rages and they took them out and put them on two horses and walked them around at night for three to four hours and by four o’clock in the morning they were perfect and able to go to bed,” he added.