The Book

Hoofprints
on the Hill

Real ponies. Real experiences. Meaningful lessons.

Order for £24.99
Front cover of Hoofprints on the HillFront coverHoofprints on the Hill book showing its cover and spineBook thicknessBack cover of Hoofprints on the HillBack cover

“If everything is okay in this present moment, then everything is okay. If it isn't, embrace it, accept it, and choose to move forward one step at a time.”

Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Culmore, on the border of Donegal in Ireland, lies a place where healing begins with connection. Hoofprints on the Hill is inspired by the real-life characters of Happy Hooves, an equine-assisted therapy charity and sanctuary where humans and animals learn, grow and heal together.

Within this haven, a special and talented little herd — made up of American Miniature Horses, Miniature Shetland Ponies, and a Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorse — bring calm, comfort and joy to all who meet them. Their steady, gentle presence reminds us that even the smallest creatures can make the biggest difference.

Through the lessons and adventures of the whimsical herd, you'll uncover stories of strength, resilience and transformation. You'll learn what it means to face change with courage, to nurture self-belief and acceptance, to find peace in times of grief and worry, and to discover stillness and gratitude in everyday moments — all while getting to know the ponies' unique personalities, full of quirks and charm that might just make you laugh along the way.

The teachings in these stories are intended to stay with you — gentle reminders to help you through life, no matter where you are, no matter your age, and no matter what moment you find yourself in.

Filled with heart, humour and hope, Hoofprints on the Hill reminds you that every emotion has meaning, every mistake brings learning, and every heart — even those most wounded — can heal.

Co-written and created by a BABCP accredited CBT therapist, lecturer, and founder of Happy Hooves, this book draws on evidence-based approaches from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The stories gently teach children practical, evidence-informed strategies to support emotional wellbeing and resilience.

Why It Matters

Real Ponies. Real Experiences. Meaningful Lessons.

Real Stories

Inspired by true events and the real-life ponies and animals of Happy Hooves and Windy Hill Farm.

Emotional Wellbeing

Gentle stories exploring worry, fear, grief, self-belief, acceptance, gratitude and managing emotions.

Created for Young Readers

Created with children aged 10–12 in mind, with accessible stories that help young readers explore emotional wellbeing and build resilience. The lessons can resonate with all ages.

Evidence-Based Ideas

Drawing on principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Inside Hoofprints on the Hill

Stories That Explore What Matters

Across eight heartwarming stories in Hoofprints on the Hill, the Happy Hooves herd face challenges, discover important lessons and explore themes of emotional wellbeing, resilience and self-belief.

Embracing ChangeBuilding Self-EsteemCoping with Grief and LossLearning to Change Your PerspectiveOvercoming AnxietyLetting Go of Stress and PerfectionismRegulating EmotionsNavigating Life’s Challenges using MindfulnessReducing OverthinkingThe Power of AcceptanceFinding Everyday Happiness

Inside the Book

A Look Inside

Explore a selection of illustrated pages and stories from Hoofprints on the Hill.

An open Hoofprints on the Hill spread from Rudy’s New BeginningAn open Hoofprints on the Hill spread showing the herd sheltering from rainAn open Hoofprints on the Hill spread showing Tico painting at an easelAn open Hoofprints on the Hill wellbeing spread featuring StarThe opening spread of Oreo Gains PerspectiveAn open Hoofprints on the Hill guidance spread about grief and healing

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Original Artwork

Illustrations from Hoofprints on the Hill

Discover the expressive artwork that brings the Happy Hooves herd and their stories to life in Hoofprints on the Hill. The book contains 56 beautiful illustrations, with just a few featured here.

The Happy Hooves herd watching an aeroplane fly overheadA horse meeting a cow beside a country fenceA tearful pony standing beneath a willow treeA pony looking through a doorway towards rolling green hillsThe Happy Hooves herd gathered together on a snowy nightA pony standing at the entrance of a horse trailerA chestnut pony moving around a paddockPonies, birds and other animals gathered at the barn with a visitor

Select an illustration to view it full size.

Readers & Supporters

Hoofprints Out in the World

Readers, schools, supporters and friends sharing moments with Hoofprints on the Hill.

A classroom listening to Hoofprints on the Hill
School pupils proudly holding copies of Hoofprints on the HillTwo generations reading Hoofprints on the Hill togetherA young reader enjoying Hoofprints on the HillYoung readers beside a Hoofprints on the Hill displayA reader sharing Hoofprints on the Hill with a miniature ponyCopies of Hoofprints on the Hill displayed with a Happy Hooves rosetteA supporter presenting a copy of Hoofprints on the Hill to a young readerSchool pupils reading together in the classroomA smiling pupil holding Hoofprints on the HillA copy of Hoofprints on the Hill being shared with a young readerTwo young readers with their copy of Hoofprints on the HillA reader holding Hoofprints on the Hill between two miniature poniesAn older reader enjoying Hoofprints on the HillHoofprints on the Hill pictured at the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge

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Continue with the companion guide

Hoofprints for your Heart turns the stories’ teachings into gentle, practical guidance.

Discover Hoofprints for your Heart