Bonnybrook
The Horse Programme

We have a group called "De Lads". They're aged between 10-13 and they have a keen interest in horses. This group was ideal for a horse programme as some of the boys often spoke of owning a horse or wanting to own one in the future and of their friends who have or have had a horse and have been keeping them in local fields. We wanted to run a basic but knowledgeable programme for the group.

This programme ran for 7 week‘s and within these 7 weeks this is what we covered as a group:

• How to look after your horse/pony
• Discussions about everyday care for a horse/pony
• We watched a DVD about Smith Field and its Dangers.
• We did a stable management session in CherryOrchard
• We visited The Irish Horse Welfare Trust
• A recap Session Of the past 5 weeks and a Horse Quiz.
• And to finish off - A horse riding lesson

The lads enjoyed the programme and although they did know a bit about horses they did learn something new in each session.

Here is a pic of the lads during the Stable Management!

Darndale

The Animal Welfare Program ran with the 6th Classes of Our Lady Immaculate School has finished for the year. All the pupils involved fedback that they really enjoyed it particularly the "Whale Session!"

This program looked at how we can better look after our animals and to identify when they are being exploited. This could not have been the success if it was not for the continued accommodating support of both the DSPCA and Dogs Trust. Both these animal welfare organisations do a lot of work with Sphere 17 in our three area's - Darndale, Bonnybrook and Priorswood.

All the Staff and young people of Sphere 17 would like to say a huge Thank You!!