WOMEIN IN RACING BURSARY AWARD – My appreciation blog for giving me a leg up (no pun intended) in my Coaching and Counselling career

After 20 years in the Thoroughbred Breeding Industry, I saw first-hand the profound connection between humans and horses. That experience—combined with a decade of mentoring through organisations like Women in Racing and Racing Welfare—sparked a deeper calling. My only block was the funding to do some further training to acquire the coaching and psychology qualifications I needed.

For over two decades, my professional life has revolved around the world of Thoroughbred breeding, running Keith Harte Bloodstock, a breeding and consigning business with my husband. Working closely with both animals and the people who care for them gave me more than just insight into the equine world. It revealed the extraordinary capacity for healing and growth through connection.

When I heard about the Bursary Scheme that Women In Racing were running, I knew it was my chance to start my journey to a new career. The application process was made really easy by a supportive committee. I found out very quickly that I had been successful in my bursary application. Five years later I am now a qualified psychotherapist and therapeutic coach and I couldn’t have started that without the assistance of the bursary I was awarded.

The launch of Eileen Harte, Therapeutic Coaching, is a service to equip clients with the skills required to enable them to move forward with their goals and evolve to their maximum potential.

My approach is collaborative and reflective. I believe real growth happens when we feel safe, seen, heard and supported to challenge ourselves in new ways. Whether clients are navigating personal change, professional growth, or moments of uncertainty, I create space for clarity and action.