As many of you know, Siân and I recently made a very sudden and unexpected move to Cornwall.
If you've been following our journey, you’ve seen the amazing work we did with the ponies in Wales—rehabilitating them with the Think Like a Pony approach. One of these ponies, Haribo, was so terrified he wouldn’t let anyone near him. Through our work, he regained his confidence and trust. Now, Haribo is happily living with his forever family and has a special bond with his person, Olive. You can find more of these heartwarming stories on my Instagram (@sophie_tlap_horsemanship).
After two years in Wales, last September, we made the decision to relocate quickly after my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. In just three weeks, Siân, the dogs, cats, horses, and I packed up everything and moved to Cornwall. Tragically, just a month after our move, my dad passed away. This was heartbreaking but we are deeply grateful for the time we had with him. He was such a special person, and I miss him every day.
I’m often recognized for my lightheartedness and ability to spread joy—and if you knew my dad, Pete, you'd know these are qualities I definitely inherited from him. Pete had an incredible way of blending calmness, humor, and warmth, always being genuine with everyone he met.In the past few months, one of the things that’s helped me through the grief of saying goodbye to Dad is the horses. It’s been through the horses—the deep, unconditional bond we share—that I’ve found healing. Even in my sadness, I could still always make a difference in my little corner of the world.
Slowly, the pain has begun to ease, and I am feeling more connected to the trust that while I will never stop missing my dad, the love we shared as a family for him will be with me forever.
Siân and I have decided to stay in Cornwall, to be closer to my wonderful Mum. This decision also brings with it an incredible opportunity to create something truly special—not just for the horses, but for children and families in our new community who are also in need of help and support.
Alongside my work as a pony trainer, I have a great passion for mentoring young people and teaching. At 18, I took a leap of faith and moved to Leeds to train under Lynn Henry, a renowned expert in children’s horsemanship and pony behaviour. This decision didn’t just help me realise my dream of working with horses and making a positive impact on their lives—it became a profound journey of personal growth and healing, one that I became inspired to share with others.
It was an unconventional path as I chose to leave my academic studies earlier than planned to take a new path, but it was a change in direction that my Dad wholeheartedly supported from the very beginning.
Over the years, I had the honour of working closely with Lynn to teach horsemanship, empowering children to connect with horses in ways that fostered lasting personal development. Together, we raised awareness of this transformative work, built a team of instructors trained in the unique Think Like a Pony methodology, and established a children’s horsemanship centre. At the centre, the team worked with up to 160 children each week, many of whom were facing mental health challenges or recovering from trauma.
As a lead instructor on this youth development programme, I witnessed the remarkable effect that learning to communicate with horses had on the children. Rather than being a form of traditional talking therapy; the impact was about the invaluable lessons and reflections they experienced for themselves through their interactions with horses—self-reflection, honest communication, boundary-setting, and other vital skills that empowered them to thrive.
We now have the opportunity to bring this impactful work to Cornwall and Devon, supporting ponies in need while launching projects for local children and families through our new Community Interest Company, Think Like a Pony Southwest.
We are looking for your help to establish the first project, which will focus on supporting bereaved families and those facing the terminal illness of a loved one. Using the Think Like a Pony approach, children and carers will have the opportunity to form transformative connections with horses—experiences that can help them cope with grief and life-changing circumstances. This provides a healing space where families can find comfort, strength, and a renewed sense of hope, while building trust with the ponies.
For me, the healing power of horses has been a source of strength during my own grief. Through this project, we hope to offer that same healing to others.
This initiative not only helps the families involved but also supports the growth and healing of the ponies, creating a mutually beneficial experience for all. By forming positive connections with people, they gain the trust and confidence they need to thrive.
For more information on the Think Like a Pony approach, visit: www.thinklikeapony.co.uk
With the funds we raise, we will offer free or low-cost sessions to families in need, with a special focus on supporting families with young children who have lost a parent.
This work is only possible with your support. Over the past two years, we’ve poured our hearts into our pony rehab projects, working long days—often 15+ hours—from 5 am to 8 pm, to care for and transform the lives of the ponies who’ve come to us. It’s been through my teaching and Sián’s freelance work that we've been able to fund these efforts.
But to expand and set up this work in Cornwall we need financial help. With your help, we can reach more people and more ponies, touching lives and bringing real change to those who need it most.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
This project is dedicated to the memory of my dad, Pete Hildreth—a shining star who not only led us to Cornwall but continues to guide us. I truly believe he’s watching over us, making the stars align.
Love you Dad x