Urban Horses, Hidden Access & Equine Therapy in the City | Lucy Dillon of ChildVision Dublin | EAW 50

In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson speaks with Lucy Dillon, who runs the equine unit at ChildVision in Drumcondra — right in the center of Dublin, Ireland.ChildVision (formerly St. Joseph’s School for the Blind) provides services for children and young people with visual impairments and complex needs. Unlike most equine‑assisted programs located in rural areas, Lucy’s program operates in the middle of a major city — serving populations who would otherwise have little or no access to horses.Lucy shares the realities of running an urban equine therapy program: balancing horse welfare with limited space, designing programs for children with visual impairment and multiple disabilities, and maintaining high standards of horsemanship within a therapeutic setting.The conversation explores Lucy’s path through traditional British horse training, riding schools, equine education, and professional qualifications before transitioning into therapeutic work. She discusses how the structure and discipline of classical horsemanship become essential foundations for safe and effective equine‑assisted programs.Together, Rupert and Lucy examine how horses support children with sensory and neurological challenges, how urban equine programs can remain sustainable, and why good horsemanship remains the backbone of any meaningful therapeutic practice.If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome🔍 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Lucy Dillon built and now leads the equine unit at ChildVision in DublinWhat makes an urban equine therapy program fundamentally different from rural centersHow children with visual impairments experience horses and equine environmentsWhy horses can support sensory integration and body awareness in visually impaired ridersHow to design equine programs for children with multiple disabilities and complex needsWhy strong horsemanship foundations are essential in therapeutic ridingHow Lucy’s background in traditional British riding schools shaped her approach to therapy workThe importance of horse welfare when programs run in limited urban spaceHow urban programs provide access for communities who would otherwise never encounter horsesWhy therapeutic programs must balance clinical needs with genuine horse knowledgeHow equine units operate within larger educational and medical institutionsThe daily logistical realities of maintaining horses in a city environmentWhy joy, fun, and relationship with the horse remain central to therapeutic outcomes🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode[00:00:44] Introducing Lucy Dillon and the ChildVision equine unit in central Dublin[00:05:31] Lucy’s early path through British horse training and equine education[00:13:04] Working in traditional riding yards before moving toward therapy work[00:22:40] How horses help children with visual impairments experience movement and space[00:34:10] Designing equine programs for children with multiple disabilities[00:46:18] Why strong horsemanship matters inside therapeutic riding programs[01:02:14] Managing horse welfare and logistics inside a city‑based equine facility[01:15:22] The realities of maintaining horses for therapy in a dense urban environment[01:32:40] Why access to horses matters for children growing up in cities[01:47:12] What makes equine‑assisted work sustainable over the long term📚 Contact, Projects, and Resources MentionedLucy Dillon – ChildVision Equine Unit (Dublin) Search: Lucy Dillon ChildVision Dublin https://childvision.ie/what-we-do/equine-assisted-activities/New Trails Learning Systems – Horse Boy Method, Movement Method & Takhin Equine Integration https://ntls.coRupert Isaacson / Long Ride Home https://rupertisaacson.comPatreon Support https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome🌍 Follow UsLong Ride Home https://longridehome.com https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning Systems https://ntls.co https://facebook.com/horseboyworld https://instagram.com/horseboyworld https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems📊 Affiliate DisclosureLinks to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.