EFL uses horses to help individuals develop communication skills, enhance their emotional well-being, and gain insights into their own behaviour.
Read MoreDirector and Equine Lead
Lucy is a registered BHS AI instructor with over 35 years of experience in the competitive equestrian world. As the founder of the thriving Hoofprints Riding School, she has introduced hundreds of young people to the joy of horses, helping them build confidence and life skills. Her extensive experience spans a wide range of learning styles —including Autism, ADHD, and SEMH— and she brings a compassionate approach to teaching. Lucy is excited to launch this new venture, where her dedication to EFL can truly make a difference in helping children thrive.
Education Lead
Gemma is a dedicated and successful teacher of English who has worked across a broad range of ages, abilities, and additional needs—including neurodiverse profiles and SEMH. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education with Distinction and brings expertise in designing and delivering education programmes. Alongside her teaching career, Gemma has over 20 years of horsemanship experience. This venture brings together her two greatest passions—education and horses—creating a safe, supportive space where young people can re-engage with learning.
Hoofprints has been part of our lives for a few years for two of my children with very different reasons. My little girl was diagnosed with a brain tumor aged 6, she loved horses and was determined to ride. Lucy and her team made this happen and brought so much joy to her whilst being so poorly, she was made to feel comfortable, safe and loved with lots of extra care and attention nothing was too much for them bringing smiles and special memories we will be forever grateful for. We then continued going to hoofprints with my son aged 13 he has autism and adhd he hasn't been in education for 5 years and struggles to engage with anyone new. He has a big love for horses and coming to hoofprints we see a different boy he feels calm and safe engages in conversation, socialises and learns he really thrives and absolutely loves his time there with Lucy and the team. This is such a massive achievement for him it’s the only place he feels comfortable enough to stay without his parents, Lucy is amazing with him. We are excited to see where his journey takes him. We are beyond grateful for the positive impact this stables has on our son, it is more than just a service, its a lifeline.
Hoofprints is an exceptionally special place that has had such a huge impact on my daughter and our family. My daughter has complex additional needs, including Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Developmental Language Disorder, and Moderate Learning Difficulties. Finding the right support for her has always been a challenge, but Hoofprints has been a turning point in her journey. Lucy is a kind, caring, and highly skilled professional who instinctively understands how to meet each child’s unique needs. She goes above and beyond to adapt learning in ways that are accessible, engaging, and meaningful. She breaks down tasks into manageable steps and models activities clearly, helping my daughter feel confident and capable. Since attending Hoofprints, my daughter has learnt so much about horses and developed a strong, therapeutic bond with them. Being around horses has helped her to regulate her emotions and given her a safe, calming space where she can thrive. The impact on her mental health, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing has been extraordinary. Lucy creates an environment where every child feels safe, understood, and valued. I cannot recommend Hoofprints highly enough—it has been truly transformational. My daughter has blossomed in ways I never thought possible, and we are so grateful.
Hoofprints is a simply wonderful place. The horses are superbly cared for and the staff team are friendly, knowledgeable, kind and approachable. Their understanding manner and caring approach makes their students feel safe and the horses have a calming effect on the most active minds and busiest brains. Lucy and Gemma are a superb team, taking the time to understand each child as an individual and giving them the time and space they need, whilst gently encouraging them to progress at a pace that is appropriate for them. The provision is well structured, encouraging, and helps everyone grow. I am grateful for the way Hoofprints has supported my daughter through a challenging time and know how much it has helped her. I can't thank them enough.
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