Meet Caitriona Lyons

Expanded Board Candidate Profile

Candidate Responses

Expanded Board candidate application responses.

What professional experience/s has/have most shaped who you are today?

I grew up on a farm & was around horses for as long as I can remember. Training with Eagala in 2015 was a turning point, in my way with horses and helping me understand the powerful role horses can play in supporting emotional well-being. There have been many experiences that I have been honoured to be part of in the Eagala team; from the teenager who found his voice through the horses, he now says we saved his life ... The mother who had lost her child, she sat in silence & stillness with a horse arched over her for 20 mins, later the mother shared this was her first time finding the strength & words to speak of the loss of her child ... Being part of Eagala Ireland, it is my second family. The work, the people, has shaped my values and deepened my passion for helping others.

Please share any experience serving on nonprofit, association, corporate, community, or volunteer boards—or other leadership roles you feel have prepared you for Board service.

From serving on the Genio Board while also leading the day-to-day management of the Genio pilot programme with Coolmine Therapeutic Community, supporting Irish Traveller families. I engaged directly with HSE representatives and funders, developing my understanding of governance, funding and strategic partnership working. I also established my own equine assisted therapy business. I have grown it into one of Ireland's busiest and most successful equine-assisted therapy mental health business. Together, these experiences have strengthened my ability to lead, collaborate, make informed decisions and contribute to a shared vision. They have also reinforced my commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing through innovative, accessible services.

What inspired you to consider serving on Eagala’s expanded Board of Directors?

As a member based in Ireland, I would bring a European perspective, reflecting the diverse cultural, professional and regulatory contexts in which equine-assisted work is developing across Europe and other Western countries. I have seen the transformative potential of the Eagala model and the importance of supporting its continued growth internationally.I also have a strong vision for strengthening the role and credibility of the ESs within the Eagala team. I would welcome the opportunity to help strengthen the integral part the ES takes on the team, support greater collaboration and ensure ES voices feel more empowered and equal part of the team. Would love to discuss further!

Looking ahead five years, what do you believe is Eagala’s greatest opportunity?

Having worked in the area for 10 plus years, I see significant potential to build stronger recognition of Eagala within mainstream mental health services, particularly across Europe and internationally, and that's where I come in, viewed to be as similar/ part of being from Europe. Eagala already has a global foundation. I believe in the next 5 years I see it been build back up & beyond and demonstrating more clearly the unique value of the Eagala model.In Europe there is a movement towards standardisation of horse welfare & equine assisted services, in order for ethical equine assisted services to set themselves apart from the services which have not done recognised trainings. I believe this is an avenue for Eagala to look more at & collaboratively coming up with options.

What unique experiences, perspectives, or strengths would you bring to the Board?

As a dual Eagala member, qualified as both an Equine Specialist and Mental Health Professional (ES/MH), I bring a unique, whole-model perspective to Board service. I understand first-hand the strengths, challenges and opportunities experienced across both professional roles, and the importance of genuine collaboration between them. This dual perspective, combined with my experience in leadership, governance, programme development and growing a successful Eagala-based business, enables me to contribute strategically to Eagala’s continued growth, credibility and impact. I am passionate about protecting the integrity of the model while ensuring Eagala continues to evolve, innovate and meet the needs of its diverse global membership.

Describe a time when you worked with people who held viewpoints that differed from your own. What did you learn from that experience?

Throughout my work in mental health and equine-assisted practice, I have worked alongside people with different professional perspectives, experiences and approaches. At times, we have disagreed about what would best support a person or how a programme should develop. I have learned not to see difference as a barrier, but as an opportunity to understand more. Listening carefully, asking questions and staying curious has often revealed something I had not considered. I have also learned that finding common ground does not mean everyone has to agree—it means keeping the shared purpose at the centre. These experiences have strengthened my ability to collaborate, respect different viewpoints and remain solution-focused, even when conversations are challenging.

What does stewardship mean to you?

To me, stewardship means caring for something with the understanding that it is bigger than any one person. In Eagala, I see stewardship as honouring the integrity of the model, the voice and wellbeing of our members and, importantly, the horses at the heart of our work & supporting one another to help Eagala grow. It means acting with integrity, listening to different perspectives, making thoughtful and responsible decisions, and ensuring that what we build today strengthens Eagala for those who will come after us. I would see Board stewardship as both a privilege and a responsibility—to serve the community, safeguard its values and help create a sustainable future.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you that isn’t reflected elsewhere in this application?

I have been an integral member of the network since completing my training in 2015 and am one of its longest-standing members. I chair the Research Committee and act as a consultant and sounding board to the wider group and coordinator. I have also represented EAGALA nationally and internationally, including at the Croatian Conference, and remain committed to collaborative, respectful and values-led leadership.

Areas of Experience

The candidate selected the following areas of meaningful knowledge or experience: