Sue Kelly, Director/Therapeutic Horsemanship Coach

Sue, an autistic adult and parent of neurodivergent children, has built her practice around lived experience, accessibility, and empathy. Her professional and personal journey led her to create EquiSense to offer the kind of support her own family benefitted from.

Sue worked with horses from an early age until attending college. She has a Primary Honours Degree in Science then studied a HDip in Counselling and Psychotherapy and moved towards youth advocacy, child care and child protection with the ISPCC, YAP Ireland, Le Chéile mentoring and Llamau in Wales. Sue achieved a PGDip in Education through UWE Bristol and worked in teaching until becoming a parent. 

Sue is a parent of four children, of whom three have additional needs. In the absence of HSE service, Sue accessed private Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy (EAOT) services for her children for Early Years Intervention when they were aged 2 and 4 years. They progressed exceptionally well. 

The experience her family had of EAOT services inspired her to return to horses and upskill, completing the Festina Lente, QQI Level 6 Therapeutic Riding Coach course and BHS Stage 2 Exam Qualifications in 2022. Sue set up her own Equine Assisted Service called ‘This is me EAS’ in March 2023. 

She strives to continuously improve practice through education and training and has a special interest in family support and well-being in addition to family and group dynamics.