Having a keen interest in visual media Caren pursued a BA in Fine Art specialising in Sculpture (audio/video installation) at the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology where she graduated with a first class honors degree. Throughout art college, her work revolved around the horse and its use as a medium to transport thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Considering the therapeutic properties of human equine partnerships, she continued her education and received certification in the field of Equine Therapy. Alongside this, her interest and early experience with special needs individuals encouraged her to also pursue formal training in special needs where she has worked for the past 8 years.
Combining all her interests, Caren undertook a Masters by Research at the Limerick Institute of Technology in Equine Therapy and Non Verbal communication. Having witnessed first hand the benefits horses can have on the social, emotional, behavioural and physical development of individuals with special needs, she conducted an empirical study to investigate the extent of these benefits with the intention of thereby supporting activities in this field.
Following significant findings and a strong potential for an audio/visual approach to equine Therapy Caren has recently transferred onto a PhD programme at the Limerick Institute of Technology where she continues to research the cognitive, emotional, behavioural and physical benefits of horses for children with dyspraxia.
Considering the therapeutic properties of human equine partnerships, she continued her education and received certification in the field of Equine Therapy. Alongside this, her interest and early experience with special needs individuals encouraged her to also pursue formal training in special needs where she has worked for the past 8 years.
Combining all her interests, Caren undertook a Masters by Research at the Limerick Institute of Technology in Equine Therapy and Non Verbal communication. Having witnessed first hand the benefits horses can have on the social, emotional, behavioural and physical development of individuals with special needs, she conducted an empirical study to investigate the extent of these benefits with the intention of thereby supporting activities in this field.
Following significant findings and a strong potential for an audio/visual approach to equine Therapy Caren has recently transferred onto a PhD programme at the Limerick Institute of Technology where she continues to research the cognitive, emotional, behavioural and physical benefits of horses for children with dyspraxia.