Horses have been
a huge part of my life
for more than
50 years.
Over the years, I have seen again and again how much horses can teach us about ourselves — often without saying a word.
I competed for Ireland in eventing in 56 international equestrian competitions.
Competing against professional riders taught me a great deal about managing pressure, dealing with setbacks and keeping my mind working for me rather than against me.
Alongside horses and competition, I spent more than 30 years in business, buying, selling, building and developing companies.
I am perhaps best known for developing a city-centre car park into the five-star, 132-bedroom Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast and for creating Ballygraffan International Horse Trials, which was televised on Sky Sports.
In 2009, I mentored members of the Ulster Rugby team. This led me to become a certified coach and, through my work, I became interested in the emerging field of equine-assisted work in the USA. I trained initially in the USA and subsequently in England with EAHAE, before establishing Horses for People in 2014.Over the years, I have seen again and again how much horses can teach us about ourselves — often without saying a word.
What I particularly value about this work is that it isn't about telling people what they should do. It is about creating the space for people to discover things for themselves — to recognise their own strengths, consider different choices and find their own way forward.
A truly transformative experience.
The horses helped me see things about myself that I never noticed before.
— Workshop participant
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Curious about what horses could teach you?
Whether you're interested in individual coaching or bringing
a group to Ballygraffan, get in touch for an informal
conversation.
Horses for People
Whether you're interested in individual coaching or bringing
a group to Ballygraffan, get in touch for an informal
conversation.