Pony therapy brings comfort and joy to Northern Ireland’s North Coast

Fiona Kee with Wendy Woo

In the picturesque downland of The Eagry near Bushmills, a heartwarming initiative is touching lives across Northern Ireland’s North Coast.

Fiona Kee, a dedicated equestrian, has transformed her lifelong passion for ponies into a community outreach programme that brings comfort and joy to schools, care homes, and local events.

At the heart of this story is a legacy begun by a remarkable pony named Poppy and carried forward by her successor, Wendy.

Fiona with Wendy Woo during a visit to a residential home.

Fiona’s journey with horses began at age 12, when she acquired her first pony, Cindy, from Bill Davis in Ballinamore. This early connection sparked a lifelong commitment to equestrian care.

After studying Business and Equestrian at Ballymoney Technical College, where she became BHSAI-qualified, Fiona honed her skills in teaching children, pony management, and horse care. Her career took her to CairnKirk, where she offered pony trekking and competed in shows across Derrykeighan, Portballintrae, Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney, and Balmoral, earning accolades for her expertise and dedication.

The turning point in Fiona’s story came with the arrival of Poppy, a gentle pony who had endured neglect before finding a home with Fiona. Through careful nurturing, Fiona restored Poppy’s health, forging a bond that would resonate far beyond their stable.

Fiona Kee with Wendy Woo and friends, pictured at the Mosside Tractor Run

Poppy became a beloved figure across the North Coast, known for her calm demeanour and ability to connect with people.

Whether at charity fundraisers, community events, or residential care homes, Poppy’s presence brought smiles and solace. In care homes, she was a regular visitor, entering rooms to comfort bedbound residents, many of whom found rare moments of joy in her company.

Poppy’s fame grew to the point where a simple walk through a village became a procession, with locals pausing to greet her and share stories.

Her passing left a void, but her legacy endures through Wendy, a pony who now carries on Poppy’s mission with the same warmth and charm.

Fiona with Wendy Woo during a visit to a residential home.

To formalise her work, Fiona founded Friends of Poppies, an outreach initiative that brings Wendy to schools, residential homes, and community gatherings across the region.

The programme has become a vital part of the North Coast’s social fabric, offering therapeutic visits that uplift spirits and foster connection. Fiona welcomes inquiries from groups or individuals interested in arranging a visit, ensuring Poppy’s ethos of kindness continues to spread.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Northern Ireland’s North Coast, Fiona’s work unfolds in an area renowned for its natural and cultural heritage. Just a short distance from the Giant’s Causeway, the historic Old Bushmills Distillery (established 1608), Portrush – host of The Open in 2019 and 2025 – and Ballycastle’s Ould Lammas Fair, the region is a tapestry of tradition and beauty.

Not far from the Dark Hedges, immortalised in Game of Thrones, Fiona and her ponies are weaving their own story of compassion and community.

Fiona Kee with Wendy Woo pictured at the Mosside Tractor Run event.

Through Friends of Poppies, Fiona Kee is ensuring that the hoofprints of kindness left by Poppy – and now Wendy – continue to resonate, bringing smiles to faces across the North Coast, one visit at a time.

For more information or to arrange a visit, contact Fiona Kee through Friends of Poppies Facebook page or using the following details:

Tel: 07517 421 583

Email: fionakee01@gmail.com