Monumental day as horse club acquires new site

THE Clondalkin Horse Club has acquired a 17-acre site in the heart of the area for its equine project, it emerged last week.

The club was established by horse enthusiasts in Clondalkin in October 2012 following a public meeting for owners in the area.

The group formed a committee, developed a constitution and formulated a work plan with the assistance of South Dublin County Partnership.

One of the club’s objectives is to make it affordable for youth in the area to own and rear horses and to promote animal welfare in the local community.

It also promotes responsible horse ownership, and works with South Dublin County Council and other agencies to achieve its purpose of creating a better community.

The club was formed after a series of incidents in relation to the impounding of horses in the Bawnogue area of Clondalkin.

Cllr Gino Kenny, who has worked closely with the club said the announcement was a monumental day,

“not only for the club but social horse projects around Ireland

?.

“It hasn’t been just about the last year and a half, this has been decades in the making,

? he said.

“I firmly believe it will make a difference in the way equines and best practice are viewed in Clondalkin.

“The club members along with Michelle Kearns from the partnership have worked tirelessly and endlessly to get where we are.

“We hear daily of the horror stories of equine abuse and neglect but here is a good news story.

“It has been an incredible journey thus far but I believe this is the start of something special and unique. You can say the Clondalkin Equine Club is finally coming home.

?

The councillor added:

“This club has the potential to be something very different for the people of Clondalkin. It will promote good equine practice and the potential for educational and career opportunities for all ages in the horse industry.

?

Roisin Kearney, Clondalkin Equine Club committee member, said this was a moment they had been waiting for, for a very long time.

“It’s more steps on the road to having a solution to the equine problems that have persisted over the past 40 years in Clondalkin,

? she said.

“My many thanks to all that have worked so hard over the past two years.

?