A new indoor equine therapeutic centre located at the ChildVision campus in Drumcondra will be opened by his father, horse trainer Henry de Bromhead, his mother Heather, and sisters Mia and Georgia.
“The equine centre at ChildVision is a wonderful legacy for our beloved Jack, a hugely missed son and brother. Horses are a huge part of our lives, and we know the physical experience of riding a horse offers so many potential benefits, especially helping address a host of physical, social and emotional issues,” they said.
The new centre in Drumcondra. Leon Farrell of Photocall Ireland
“More so, the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre will be a place of learning and hope, full of laughter and joy, traits that were such a part of Jack, all facilitated by the much-treasured horses and ponies that call the ChildVision stables home.”
The centre will be at forefront of specialist therapy and education for children with visual impairments and will allow the equine team and volunteers to extend their services to reach more children over more hours making a life-changing difference, especially through the winter months and in bad weather conditions.
It was built as a result of a campaign spearheaded by well-known racehorse owner Chris Jones, which drew donations from a group of family and close friends of the de Bromhead’s.
The centre will also give children with visual impairments and additional disabilities access to the best global equine activities.
In a statement, the de Bromhead family said they were “delighted to have been part of this journey” and to see the vision “become a reality with the opening of the centre”.
“We are forever grateful to all the donors who came on board to support us – we know Jack would be really proud of what this life-changing generosity will enable for generations to come.”
Mr Jones, who spearheaded the campaign, said: “Today is a day for the de Bromhead family – for Henry, Heather, Mia and Georgia and of course for the children and families at ChildVision.
“The vision for this equine centre was to create a space where even more children could benefit from equine assisted therapies. From the beginning of this journey, we wanted to find a fitting way to remember our wonderful friend Jack – who was a hugely talented horseman but also a kind, caring and joyful young man.
“Now Jack’s name will be forever associated not only with the equine world but with creating joy and hope for so many children.
“It’s been an immense privilege to be part of this campaign and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful donors who gave so generously to ensure this building became a reality. I know Jack would be really proud by what’s been enabled in his memory.”
ChildVision CEO Barry Sheridan said: “In this Equine Centre we will ensure that Jack’s memory will live on in all those families that come through the doors, all those children who will sit up on one of our horses or ponies and we thank the de Bromhead family for entrusting Jack’s name with us”.