Our daughter has attended Essie’s riding and vaulting classes for the past year. Going to Spruce lodge is the highlight of her week and the level of teaching and care that Essie and her staff provide is exceptional.
The time spent there has helped Robyn grow in self confidence and we feel very lucky to have found Essie and her ponies!
Finding Essie and Equisteps has been transformative for my child’s well-being, confidence, emotional regulation and levels of stress/anxiety. Vaulting is a magnificent way of providing endless benefits in a fun, active, encouraging and supportive environment.
When you meet Essie, you immediately realise why her reputation is so exceptional, and why you have been told she is the person your child must train under. The child is met with this magnificent engaging and upbeat woman who instills confidence and trust immediately in anyone who meets her.
Other venues were more convenient for us to attend, but Essie’s expertise and attention to detail is essential, for what is fundamentally a risky sport and activity.
I sought advice from colleagues in her field, and she is widely regarded to be the best. Consistent, reliable, trustworthy and a true professional.
Benefits we have discovered include:
- Teamwork – this is the only team sport dyspraxic child does
- Emotional regulation
- Fitness and core strength – all-over intensive workout. Eliminates the need for physio.
- Co-ordination
- Confidence – belief in herself, because she is believed in. (Children are extremely clever and intuitive, and they know when an adult believes in them or not)
- An extremely fun, yet disciplined environment
Steady progress week by week. Structured routine that children thrive in. Consistency with teaching (Essie is the only one who instructs the children – imperative for the building of trust, safety and progress).
My son Archer, 13, has been going to Equisteps for about 6/7 years now. He had begun doing therapy riding with his ASD class at school, in a different facility in Bray. He took an instant love to horses and I wanted to find him a local stable. Essie came highly recommended by friends of mine who worked with people with all disabilities. She reassured me over the phone she had proper supervision, qualifications and experience with children with Autism.
Since Archer’s first lesson there we have never looked back. He loves everything about the place. His behaviour would be noticeably different after a lesson, he gets so much positive energy from the horses and he loved his chats with Essie and Helen and all their wonderful helpers. As he grew older he gained so much in confidence and socialisation, from learning to help look after the eqipment, groom and lead the horses with Essie. He loves the pony camps during school holidays and he has made some lovely friends through them. All the horses, ponies and donkey are gentle and patient with all the clients and it is so reassuring for us as parents that our children can enjoy an inclusive activity safely.
Essie and her team have been a huge support to Archer and our family as they never push him only encourage, help and support. They plan lessons or volunteer work sessions, around him and are so flexible if he is having any challenges or struggles. We are so thankful they are in our locality and providing this wonderful environment for our Son and other children, to be able to enjoy.
My son Charlie has been attending Equisteps therapeutic horse riding classes with Essie for almost 10 years, and the impact has been truly life-changing. The lessons bring him peace, calm, and happiness, and they have played a huge role in both his physical and emotional development.
Charlie was non-verbal until the age of 11, but with Essie’s support he was able to develop his communication skills using a specially designed PECS book. This allowed him to fully participate in his one-to-one lessons, giving him confidence and a true sense of inclusion.
As a child with extremely low muscle tone, Charlie faced many challenges, but through his time at Equisteps he has gained strength, improved his core muscles, and developed fine motor skills in a way that traditional therapies could never achieve alone.
Essie is warm, approachable, and genuinely dedicated to her clients. She goes above and beyond, creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where children can flourish. Over the years, she has become not only an incredible teacher but also a very important part of our family — a true friend to us all.
Our lives would not be the same without Equisteps and Essie, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Equisteps has been a game-changer for my daughter. Since starting vaulting and riding lessons, she’s gained confidence, self-esteem, and resilience she never thought possible. The stable management and riding program have not only taught her new skills but also helped her develop socially. She’s made new friends and learned valuable life lessons about teamwork, trust, and communication.
Essie, is truly exceptional – practical, respectful, and empathetic. She creates a safe and supportive environment where my daughter feels seen, heard, and valued. This more than just a riding facility – it’s a haven where children can grow, learn, and thrive.
I couldn’t be more grateful for the positive impact Equisteps has had on my daughter’s life. If you’re looking for a place where your child can build confidence, develop new skills, and find a sense of belonging, look no further. Equisteps is a truly special place.