In 1995, a group of adults and young people in Fettercairn decided to address the lack of equine amenities and infrastructure in their community and started the Fettercairn Youth Horse Project (FYHP). Within a couple of months, the project was catering for 40 young people between the ages of 10 and 21. The aim was to channel the young people’s love of horses into a constructive community activity providing them with opportunities to develop personal, social and vocational skills. The Steering Group expanded to include a range of agencies and groups and then campaigned and fund-raised to establish the stables and arena.
FYHP has had a positive impact on the general community and the environment, complying with and indeed complementing the Control of Horses Act. FYHP is situated on a 4 acre site provided by South Dublin County Council in Fettercairn, beside the Fettercairn Community Centre and Westside Markets.
Achievements
- 2000 – A twenty unit Stable Facility and Olympic size Outdoor Arena constructed
- 2001 – Employed Full-time Instructor
- 2002 – Started Accredited Training
- 2004 – Strategic Review
- 2005 – Outreach Programme with Area Development Management (ADM)
- 2007 – Stepped up weekend commercial opening
- 2009 – Entered Pobal Community Service Programme
- 2010/2012 – Commenced three year Traveller Equine Initiative
- 2013 – Continuing Equine Assisted Learning Programme
- 2014 – Over 8,000 visits/lessons
- 2015 – Commenced new three year programme with Pobal