The first equine therapy Saint Lucia programme has been successfully launched by a United Through Sport management intern, creating a new and impactful way to support children with additional needs.
As part of her academic placement, Tess joined United Through Sport in Saint Lucia and designed a structured programme using horses to help children develop confidence, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. With nearly 10 years of experience working with horses, she combined passion with practical skills to deliver a meaningful initiative.
Addressing the Need for Equine Therapy in Saint Lucia
Before launching the programme, Tess identified a gap in accessible child development and therapy programmes in Saint Lucia, particularly for children with additional needs.
To bring the idea to life, she:
- Conducted risk assessments across multiple stables
- Evaluated safety, accessibility, and suitability
- Built relationships with local providers
After careful research, she partnered with Sandy Hoofs Stables, where the new programme in St Lucia is now delivered twice a week.
How the Equine Therapy Programme Works
The programme runs weekly with two structured sessions, each designed to progressively build confidence and skill.
Key Activities in Horse Therapy Sessions
- Horse grooming and brushing
Encouraging calmness by matching breathing with the horse - Leading and basic commands
Developing leadership, communication, and trust - Horse riding
Building independence and confidence through guided riding
These sessions are designed to promote emotional wellbeing, behavioural development, and confidence building in children.
Internship Responsibilities and Programme Development
As part of her sports management internship abroad, Tess independently led the development of the programme.
Her responsibilities included:
- Liaising with local stables
- Designing the equine therapy framework
- Managing schedules between stakeholders
- Completing detailed risk assessments
- Delivering two sessions per week
This highlights how international internships with United Through Sport create real-world impact in communities.
Early Results: The Impact of Equine Therapy on Children
Within just three weeks, the equine therapy programme in Saint Lucia has already produced measurable positive outcomes.
Participants have shown:
- Increased engagement and enthusiasm
- Improved confidence
- Emerging leadership behaviours
- Better emotional control
Parent Feedback
“This is really helping him become calmer. Usually, he’d be running around and getting into fights at school, but he doesn’t do that anymore.”
This early feedback demonstrates the power of equine therapy for children’s behaviour and emotional development.
Why Equine Therapy is Effective for Child Development
Equine therapy is widely recognised for supporting mental wellbeing and child development.
Benefits of Equine Therapy for Children:
- Improves emotional awareness
- Builds confidence and independence
- Enhances communication skills
- Encourages patience and focus
The equine therapy Saint Lucia initiative shows how structured interaction with horses can create lasting behavioural change.
The Future of Equine Therapy in St Lucia
This programme represents an innovative approach to community support in Saint Lucia, with the potential to expand across the island.
With continued support from United Through Sport, equine therapy in Saint Lucia could become a long-term resource for:
- Schools
- Community groups
- Children with additional needs
A Successful Internship Making Real Impact
This project highlights the value of sports internships abroad and community development programmes.
By combining academic knowledge with practical experience, Tess has created a sustainable equine therapy programme in St Lucia that is already changing lives.
Get Involved in Sports Internships Abroad
If you’re interested in making a real difference through international internships or placements, United Through Sport offers incredible 2 to 12-week opportunities to work on impactful community projects like this one, from Saint Lucia to Ghana, South Africa, and beyond.
Programmes are available in sports coaching, development, physiotherapy, psychology, sports film and media, and sports management. Get hands-on experience, working with an international development through sport organisation.