The facility, for children with visual impairments, has been named after Jack de Bromhead who died in a pony racing accident aged 13 in 2022
Henry de Bromhead has hailed a new equine centre named after his late son as ‘a wonderful legacy for our beloved Jack’. In September 2022 talented rider Jack de Bromhead died in a freak accident while he was competing at the Glenbeigh pony racing meeting in Co Kerry.
His mount veered into the sea and fell on top of the 13-year-old who was pronounced dead at the scene. In the wake of Jack’s death, his parents Henry and Heather and owner Chris Jones began a fundraiser for a brand new riding arena at the ChildVision centre in Drumcondra, Dublin.
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The state-of-the-art 1,375 sq.m. indoor therapeutic equine facility, which opened its doors on Friday, will provide opportunities for children with visual impairments and additional disabilities with equine-assisted activities.
Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning trainer Henry, with wife Heather and daughters Mia and Georgia described the centre as “a wonderful legacy for our beloved Jack, a hugely missed son and brother.
“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.”
Barry Sheridan, CEO of ChildVision, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre at ChildVision, a state-of-the-art facility that will enable life-changing opportunities for the children and young people we support.
“In this Equine Centre we will ensure that Jack’s memory will live on in all those families that come through the doors.”
Designed by Hanley Taite Design Partnership, the new building includes an enclosed sand arena, stables for up to ten horses, changing facilities, offices, and a viewing and learning space. The contemporary, sustainable design ensures services can be delivered safely and comfortably year-round.
Lucy Dillon, Equine Unit Manager at ChildVision, said: “Having a facility such as this will enable our team of dedicated staff and volunteers to help those children most in need of equine assisted activities. To see children engage with our horses and ponies in such a positive way is why we do what we do.”
