Meet Star, Koda & Shadow- The Real Therapy Horses Behind the Children's Book
Three horses who spent years teaching people emotional resilience, mindfulness, and present moment awareness
Over the years, something beautiful and completely unplanned grew around these three horses, the devotion from many therapy clients, a local devoted fan club made up of children and families, and friendships formed with anyone lucky enough to have spent time in their company. They have a way of staying with you long after you've left the paddock gate behind.
They didn't train to be 'therapy horses' they had a natural gift of healing. If you have a moment with one of our horses that lives in your heart, a memory, a photo, a story of something that shifted, we would genuinely love to hear it. These horses deserve to know how far their kindness has travelled.
Do you have a treasured moment to share of connection with another horse? We welcome that precious connection to be shared too.
Star
THE WISE ONE
Star carries a quiet wisdom. She has been present for hundreds of healing moments and seems to know exactly what each child needs. Her gentleness has opened hearts that nothing else could reach.
Koda
THE CHEEKY TEACHER
Koda (our buckskin mini pony, 8.3 hands high) came from next door in 2019 and never left our hearts. Cheeky and fun, he takes his time to trust, but when he does, something magical happens.
Shadow
THE GENTLE MIRROR
Shadow reflects back what you bring. Children who struggle to sit still often find stillness with Shadow. She is proof that presence is powerful and no words are needed.
Hoofbeats and Heartbeats
The Book Inspired by Star, Koda & Shadow
What Horses Teach Children About Big Feelings, Breathing &
Staying Present
'Equine Therapy Inspired Picture Book'
'Hoofbeats and Heartbeats' brings these three real, beloved horses to life in a beautifully illustrated picture book written in rhythmic verse with soft watercolour illustrations.
When a storm rolls into their peaceful paddock, Star, Koda and Shadow show young readers exactly what they do, breathe deeply, stay present, trust their feelings, and find their way back to calm. No hiding. No running. Just the quiet, grounded wisdom the herd has always carried.
Through their gentle example, children learn that big emotions are not something to fear, but they are something to move through. Star, Koda and Shadow offer four simple, real tools any child can carry with them into life's own storms:
Stay present - right here, right now
Breathe - slowly and deeply, just like the horses
Ground yourself - steady as a strong tree
Trust - that this feeling will pass, and you will be okay
Written from years of genuine equine assisted therapy experience, this is more than a bedtime story. It is a gentle, lasting tool for emotional awareness, mindfulness and resilience. Equally at home on a family bookshelf, in a classroom, or within a therapeutic setting.
Perfect for children aged 3–12, parents, educators and practitioners.
Real life Horses,
Real life dirt!
THE HERD
There's an energy I sense as you walk near,
Hearing, seeing and feeling you is so clear.
Every tense muscle, raised heartbeat, filters to me,
Here in our space, unresolved feelings I see.
Every moment together we let softness unfold,
Relaxing of energy, letting go of the hold.
Do you now feel the calm I'm bestowing to you, that comes naturally to me in all that I do.
by Joanne Oakes
