Equestrian equilibrium: The meditative side of horses and horse-riding

From equine-facilitated personal development to a riding technique developed using martial arts principles, Deanna O’Connor uncovers a more meditative side of the world of horses and horse-riding

Monique Boverhof of Croí Capall at the foothills of Mount Eagle, Ventry, Co Kerry

Standing in a windswept field, with the epic views of Mount Brandon and the Three Sisters peaks on either side, the magic of the Dingle peninsula is already at work. If you came here to destress, or to ponder your life choices, you couldn’t ask for a more epic location. Standing 20 feet away from a handsome bay gelding called Patch, I’m told to be still, focus and not to approach him until ...