When Horses Teach Us About Hope with Kathryn O’Neill
A Happy Trails conversation with Kathryn O'Neill about Horses, Hope, and writing devotions for middle-grade readers.
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If you’ve ever loved a horse—or loved a child who loves horses—you already know there’s something sacred about these gentle, thousand‑pound teachers. They’re powerful yet tender, steady yet surprising, and somehow, they manage to nudge us toward wonder without saying a word.
That’s exactly why I couldn’t wait to sit down with author, art educator, and longtime Write2Ignite critique group coordinator Kathryn O’Neill, whose new devotional Hoof Prints of Hope invites horse‑crazy kids (and their parents) into 52 weeks of faith, science, and equestrian delight.
Whether your child rides every weekend or simply devours horse stories by the stack, this book is a treasure chest of truth, curiosity, and creation‑based awe.
From Horse‑Crazy Kid to Devotional Writer
Kathryn describes herself as someone who “never graduated from being a horse‑crazy kid.” She grew up riding, exploring barns, and learning from a long parade of horses—each with its own personality, quirks, and lessons to teach.
“I’ve loved every one of them,” she told me. “They’re sweet, trainable, friendly creatures, and they have a lot to teach us.”
They’re sweet, trainable, friendly creatures, and they have a lot to teach us.”
Even though she never owned a horse herself, she sees that as a gift. It meant she got to meet many horses, ride different temperaments, and learn from each one. And somewhere along the way, her love for horses and her love for teaching began to braid together.
Kathryn spent more than 30 years in education—kindergarten, fourth grade, middle school, art classes, homeschool groups, and church ministries. Teaching was her first calling. Writing came later, almost quietly, like a trail you don’t realize you’re following until you look up and see where it’s led.
She began writing devotionals for adults, then for kids through DevoKids and Clubhouse Jr. Eventually, she and her agent started dreaming about a middle‑grade devotional that combined her passions.
Horses were the obvious answer.
Where Faith, Science, and Horses Meet
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing Kathryn describe the way horses reveal God’s creativity.
She talked about their nearly 360‑degree vision, their night‑vision, their herd instincts, their gentle trainability—all purposeful, all pointing to a Creator who equips His creatures beautifully.
But she also sees spiritual lessons woven into the everyday rhythms of riding:
Patience, because horses don’t always do what we want
Companionship, because horses are herd animals that thrive in community
Courage, because trail rides (and life) include unexpected twists
Presence, because God rides with us through every terrain
“I often use the analogy of life as a trail ride,” she said. “Some days are sunny and happy, other days are not, but God is always there.”
Isn’t that exactly what our kids need? A reminder that God is steady, even when the trail isn’t.
A Few Horse Tales (and a Confession)
Of course, we had to talk about the universal horse‑girl rite of passage: falling off.
Kathryn has not been bucked off seven times—the unofficial requirement for calling yourself a “true horse person.” I, however, have met that quota. Rodeo patterns, horses with opinions, and a few unfortunate equine disagreements will do that to you.
Kathryn laughed and admitted she’s come off a few times, especially when she returned to riding as an adult and started jumping again. But she’s never been bucked off.
I told her that makes her a dignified horsewoman. I, on the other hand, am a horsewoman by sheer gravity.
Why Kids Need This Book
Middle‑grade readers are wonderfully curious and wonderfully overwhelmed. They’re busy, overstimulated, and often unsure where they fit in the world. Kathryn hopes Hoof Prints of Hope gives them a place to breathe.
A place to wonder. A place to learn. A place to remember that God is near.
The fun facts and science hooks draw kids in. The devotions slow them down. And the trail‑ride metaphor helps them see their own story with fresh eyes.
A place to wonder. A place to learn. A place to remember that God is near.
Write 2 Ignite: Finding Her Writing Community
Kathryn also serves as a critique group coordinator for Write 2 Ignite, a community of Christian writers who create for children. She lights up when she talks about it.
“I really feel like I’ve found my tribe,” she said.
Write 2 Ignite offers critique groups, a newsletter, and online masterclasses—including a recent one on adding humor to your writing (which Kathryn insists she needs more of, though I disagree).
Writing can be isolating. Community makes it sustainable.
What’s Next for Kathryn
She continues writing for Clubhouse Jr. and is exploring ideas for another middle‑grade devotional—something in the same spirit as Hoof Prints of Hope, but with a new theme.
And of course, she’s still teaching, still riding, still learning from the horses who have shaped her life.
Where to Find Her Book
You can learn more about Kathryn and Hoof Prints of Hope at:
Talking with Kathryn reminded me why I love doing this work. Books shape kids. Creation shapes kids. And sometimes, God uses a horse to whisper something a child will remember for a lifetime.
Happy reading, friends—and may your trail ride this week be full of hope.
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