SJ Equine coaching

About Me

I'm Majella, a mum, a qualified coach, and was a Special Needs Assistant with over a decade of experience in schools across Clare. I started SJ Equine Coaching because I saw how many children were struggling and how few places really understood what they needed.

I'm Majella. This Is My Story.

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James was here

1982

Love Story Begins

At just 12 years old, Majella walked into Sonny D'arcy's stables in Limerick and fell head over heels for horses. She's never looked back.

1990

First Horse of Her Own

After years of dreaming, Majella became a proud horse owner – the moment that set everything else in motion.

James was here
James was here

1998

Qualified Riding Instructor

Majella trained as a British Horse-Riding Instructor, going on to manage riding schools and teach lessons for years.

2006

A New Calling

Majella retrained as a Special Needs Assistant, worked in special schools and developing a deep understanding of autism, ADHD, and other disabilities.

James was here
James was here

2022

Bringing It All Together

Majella qualified as an Equimotional Wellbeing Coach, finally combining her two great loves – horses and supporting people with additional needs – into one unique, person-centred practice.

Today

Two Worlds, One Purpose

Majella brings her lifelong love of horses together with her SNA experience as a qualified Equimotional Wellbeing Coach, helping children and adults with additional needs find confidence, calm, and connection.

James was here
Horses

Our Horses

Smiling girl wearing a helmet riding a white horse with a purple saddle pad in an outdoor area with trees and a metal container in the background.

Snowy

Breed: Connemara Cross Cob
Color: White
Temperament: Calm, Empathetic, Sensitive, Gentle

About: Snowy is known for his gentle, sensitive way. He loves human contact and could almost talk to you. He has a calmness that comes from age and experience, which is why he puts people at ease. He's the first to meet Majella at the gate every morning. Snowy has helped us through lots of life's ups and downs. He is the reason we started our services.

Close-up of a black horse with a white stripe on its face standing near a wooden fence under a cloudy sky with the sun shining above.

Socks

Breed: Cob
Color: Dark Bay
Temperament: Calm, Gentle, Engaged but Non-Reactive

About: Socks has a big personality. Kind of like a drama queen, but in a funny way. She is motivated by food! You can't leave anything alongside her or on her stable door, she'll either break it or throw it on the ground. We think that's her way of saying "hello, I'm here, give me food."

View All Horses
View All Horses
Testimonials

What Clients Are Saying

Sarah
— mam to L. (age 8)

“Our son barely spoke to anyone outside our home. After a few months with Majella, he started chatting to other children at the farm and even his teachers noticed the difference. I wish we'd found this years ago.”

Niamh
— mam to E. (age 9)

“She used to come home from school completely wound up and nothing would settle her. Now after her weekly session, she's like a different child. Even on her worst school days, she leaves the farm in great form.”

Laura
— mam to C. (age 12)

"My son had severe anxiety and wouldn't engage with adults at all. Five years on with Majella and the horses, and he's a completely different child. He has a real bond with Socks and it's helped him trust people again."

Ashling
— mam to T. (age 7)

 "If your child is struggling and you don't know what to try next, just go for it. The fresh air, the horses, the way Majella works with them. It's everything they need and nothing like a clinic or a waiting room."

Sarah
—mam to L. (age 8)

"Our son barely spoke to anyone outside our home. After a few months with Majella, he started chatting to other children at the farm and even his teachers noticed the difference. I wish we'd found this years ago."

Niamh
— mam to E. (age 9)

She used to come home from school completely wound up and nothing would settle her. Now after her weekly session, she's like a different child. Even on her worst school days, she leaves the farm in great form.

Claire
— mam to J. (age 6)

"My son has autism and sensory difficulties. He'd scream and get very distressed in most settings. With Majella, he's calm. No meltdowns, no screaming. He stays settled for the rest of the day after a session."

Laura
— mam to C. (age 12)

"My son had severe anxiety and wouldn't engage with adults at all. Five years on with Majella and the horses, and he's a completely different child. He has a real bond with Socks and it's helped him trust people again."

Sarah
— mam to L. (age 8)

“Our son barely spoke to anyone outside our home. After a few months with Majella, he started chatting to other children at the farm and even his teachers noticed the difference. I wish we'd found this years ago.”

Niamh
— mam to E. (age 9)

“She used to come home from school completely wound up and nothing would settle her. Now after her weekly session, she's like a different child. Even on her worst school days, she leaves the farm in great form.”

Laura
— mam to C. (age 12)

"My son had severe anxiety and wouldn't engage with adults at all. Five years on with Majella and the horses, and he's a completely different child. He has a real bond with Socks and it's helped him trust people again."

Ashling
— mam to T. (age 7)

 "If your child is struggling and you don't know what to try next, just go for it. The fresh air, the horses, the way Majella works with them. It's everything they need and nothing like a clinic or a waiting room."

Sarah
— mam to L. (age 8)

“Our son barely spoke to anyone outside our home. After a few months with Majella, he started chatting to other children at the farm and even his teachers noticed the difference. I wish we'd found this years ago.”

Laura
— mam to C. (age 12)

"My son had severe anxiety and wouldn't engage with adults at all. Five years on with Majella and the horses, and he's a completely different child. He has a real bond with Socks and it's helped him trust people again."

Sarah
— mam to L. (age 8)

“Our son barely spoke to anyone outside our home. After a few months with Majella, he started chatting to other children at the farm and even his teachers noticed the difference. I wish we'd found this years ago.”

Ashling
— mam to T. (age 7)

 "If your child is struggling and you don't know what to try next, just go for it. The fresh air, the horses, the way Majella works with them. It's everything they need and nothing like a clinic or a waiting room."

Orla
— mam to K. (age 7)

“My daughter doesn't have any major behavioural issues, she just needed a bit of confidence. Being around the horses with Majella has brought her out of her shell. She loves being outdoors and her attention span has improved so much.”

Deirdre
— mam to R. (age 11)

"He preferred being on his own and couldn't cope around other children. Now he'll actually tell someone if something is bothering him instead of shutting down. He's a lot calmer and far less anxious."

Michelle
— mam to A. (age 8)

"Majella is so patient and caring. She creates this safe space where my daughter just relaxes. She went from being tense and overwhelmed to happy and confident. She lights up every time we pull into the farm."

Laura
— mam to C. (age 12)

"My son had severe anxiety and wouldn't engage with adults at all. Five years on with Majella and the horses, and he's a completely different child. He has a real bond with Socks and it's helped him trust people again."

Claire
— mam to J. (age 6)

“My son has autism and sensory difficulties. He'd scream and get very distressed in most settings. With Majella, he's calm. No meltdowns, no screaming. He stays settled for the rest of the day after a session.”

Aisling
— mam to D. (age 10)

“We tried so many different therapies and nothing seemed to click. Within weeks of starting with Majella, we could see real changes. He's calmer, more confident, and actually wants to go back every week.”

Niamh
— mam to E. (age 9)

“She used to come home from school completely wound up and nothing would settle her. Now after her weekly session, she's like a different child. Even on her worst school days, she leaves the farm in great form.”

Ashling
— mam to T. (age 7)

 "If your child is struggling and you don't know what to try next, just go for it. The fresh air, the horses, the way Majella works with them. It's everything they need and nothing like a clinic or a waiting room."

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Question

Does my child need any experience with horses?
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What if my child is nervous or scared?
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How long before I see results?
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Is it safe?
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What age is this suitable for?
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What should we wear?
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Do I need a referral or diagnosis?
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Are you qualified?
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Go to fAQ page
Go to fAQ page

Give Your Child the Gift of Confidence.

Book a free introductory call today and discover how equine-assisted coaching could transform your child's world.

Let’s Talk
Let’s Talk
A young girl wearing a purple helmet sits on a black horse with an orange saddle pad while two adults encourage her during a riding lesson outdoors.