Inclusive Wicklow equestrian centre that transforms lives in search for new home

Eoin Mac Raghnaill
Wicklow People
Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 14:44

An English woman who established an inclusive equestrian business in Wicklow, where those with additional needs connect with horses and have healing, life-changing experiences, has opened up about her pride at celebrating the centre’s 10th anniversary and the challenge of finding it a new home.

Daughter of a riding instructor, the sister of a farrier, and granddaughter to pioneers in therapeutic riding in the UK during the 1980s, Essie Mooney was “raised on the back of a horse”, already helping lead ponies for children with profound disabilities at age nine.

Competing in Pony Club and riding club events throughout her youth, then training as a primary teacher at university in Glasgow, although Essie loved working with children, particularly those with additional needs, she realised the classroom wasn’t for her.

After moving to Ireland, Essie joined Festina Lente, a therapeutic riding centre in Bray, where she worked for eight years.

“I could see what I liked and what I didn’t – I began to imagine a centre that reflected my own values,” Essie recalled.

That vision took shape in 2015. Essie had already been introduced to equestrian vaulting through Mrs Joan Keogh, owner of Spruce Lodge in Redcross and a founding Dressage Ireland member.

At the time, Essie knew little about equestrian vaulting, a blend of gymnastics and dance performed on horseback, but she was intrigued. Along with Mrs Keogh’s daughter, Helen, Essie trained in the discipline, and together they launched Ireland’s first vaulting club.

By the time Essie approached Mrs Keogh with a business plan for a therapeutic riding centre, the groundwork was laid. Mrs Keogh agreed, providing a barn and grazing, and ‘EquiSteps’ was born.

The first pony was Tigger, a 14.1-hand gelding gifted by her best friend. Despite having been taught to rear on command, Tigger proved a remarkable therapy pony, able to mirror the energy of his rider.

“He could almost fall asleep for a child who needed calm, but offer a challenge to those ready for more,” Essie said.

Over time, the herd grew to six ponies and horses, each cared for to the highest standards, with regular physio, osteopathy, dental checks, and expert saddle fittings.

“They need to be horses first, so they can give their best in the work they do with us,” Essie added.

As the centre expanded, Georgina Izatt joined, overlapping briefly with Helen before becoming a core part of the team. Georgina’s expertise as a qualified saddle fitter further reinforced the centre’s focus on horse welfare.

“Georgina has a unique way with teenagers,” Essie said.
“She takes time to understand how they see the world and helps them look at things from a different angle.”

Today, EquiSteps works with around 60 families and eight local schools, each with autism support units. Sessions are deliberately small, one-to-one or with two riders.

“Although it might not make the most financial sense, it’s the most effective and satisfying way to work,” Essie said.
“It builds lifelong riding skills and respect for the horse as a partner.”

The results are often transformative. Charlie, one of Essie’s earliest riders, arrived as a non-verbal four-year-old. Over the years, with the help of a picture communication chart and his chosen ponies, his confidence grew.

After six years, he walked into the tack room, picked up a saddle and declared himself ready to move on from the therapy roller. This summer, at EquiSteps’ 10th anniversary celebration, Charlie stood in the crowd and said clearly: “I love you, Essie”.

Another child, a four-and-a-half-year-old girl, experienced her first full night’s sleep after a riding session.

“Her mother told me she slept for 12 hours – that hadn’t happened before,” Essie recalled.

There is also an adult man who visits from a residential home. Usually loud, tense, and reactive, he becomes serene around the horses. His care team marvels at the transformation: he makes eye contact, smiles, and stays present in a way they rarely see.

Stories like these define EquiSteps. The horses provide movement, warmth and presence. Essie and Georgina provide understanding and patience. Together, they create an environment where children find their voices, families find support, and horses live lives of dignity and purpose.

Recently, the death of Mrs Keogh and sale of Spruce Lodge have forced Essie to search for a new home for the centre. The uncertainty is difficult, but she remains hopeful. Signs of help are on the horizon, with supporters exploring options for a permanent site.

At the EquiSteps 10th anniversary celebration, whispers began of a “fairy godfather” – someone willing to help secure a new property and give EquiSteps a permanent home.

For now, the mission continues. Riders arrive, horses are cared for, and volunteers turn up. EquiSteps remains at its heart a safe space.

“The road ahead may be uncertain, but the foundation is unshakable: healing through horses, education rooted in empathy, and the powerful connections of horses that change lives,” Essie concluded.