When Sophie Met Darcy Day

by Helen Yeadon

A heartwarming collection of stories from a woman who brings together disadvantaged children and abandoned racehorses, with remarkable results. Thirteen-year-old Sophie hadn't uttered a word to anyone for over two years when she got out of her parents car at a remote farm in Devon. Her parents were beside themselves with worry, and at the end of their tether, but try as they might, nothing seemed to make a difference. They'd heard about a place called Greatwood through friends - where owners Helen and Michael Yeadon looked after retired racehorses - and decided to take Sophie along for a visit. Helen asked Sophie to help her change the dressings on the infected cuts on the legs of Darcy Day, one of their more troubled horses, and it was instantly clear that these two had some kind of special connection. Darcy Day would normally back away from people, but this time she lowered her head and stepped forward, to let Sophie stroke her nose. It was the start of an incredible relationship that would transform both horse and child, and it gave Michael and Helen an idea. They registered as a charity, moved to bigger premises, and began inviting children with a wide range of learning disabilities to volunteer to help with the animals. The results were amazing - traumatised horses and anxious or disturbed children bonded with each other, and every week little miracles were happening before their eyes. Boys with diagnoses such as Asperger's Syndrome or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or those who'd been excluded from school for unruly behaviour, flourished through the discipline of working on the farm. Girls made timid and anxious by abusive backgrounds or school bullies came out of the shells. In this book are twenty of the most incredible tales of children who were given back their futures by the unique and extraordinary institution of Greatwood.

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2011

Reviews

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

When i happened upon this book by chance in a secondhand bookshop i had no idea until after reading several chapters that it was about the exracehorse rescue & rehoming charity called Greatwood and being that i am a supporter of a similar exracehorse charity called Moorcroft which is situated in West Sussex i was apsolutely delighted at this find. It is a book that has taken me 11days or should i just say over a week to read and for me this is a great achivement because i am normally a very slow reader and someone who takes ages even on slight books such as this one. It was the combination of horses, a personal acount and the fact that it was about a charity with which i could easily realte to and empathise with, that made it such a winner and also which made me read it in record timing because i just did not want to put it down. It is such a down to earth and emotional acount that is terribly heartfelt and honest and which both the charity and Helen Yeadon should be proud of because even though there are no false 'airs and graces' or scenarios to help make the charity look glossy, it is the honest acounts that make it so significant and the charity is great due to personal merits which do not need to be advertised or heralded to make them stand-out. There are many racehorse charities that acomplish about half of what Greatwood does but it is the extra parts and additions that Greatwood also does which makes it a completely unique charity and one which is not only uniquely different but special. Horses are great healers and so too are all kinds of animals and it is the 'horse power' concept that Greatwood provides which really caught my undevided attention, both practically and also emotionally too because i have done some work with the RDA (Riding for thr Disabled Association). I could completely understand what they are trying to do and achieve when it comes to children with all kinds of learning difficulties and special needs, and it is this particular element that facinated me whilst reading the book. The book just proves that people who are quite well established within top class circles of society and whom have come into contact with even HRH the princess royal, can still be very down to earth human beings and i could relate and understand all of Helen's views and thoughts on horses, houses, farms and charities and for someone such as myself who hates to see animal cruelty this book was a triumph. I loved the begining chapters that described the very first stages of how the charity came into being and it was so whitty, amusing and interesting that i was instantly hooked. This is a book that will totally apeal to all readers regardless of if you are interested in horses or not because it is not your typical horse story but rather a persoanl acount of someones experiances within life, and i urge you to read it because you will be able to relate& empathise with so many parts of it easily. Also those who are interested in children or even those of us who work in the healthcare or medical industry, will be facinated by what Helen has to say. It has sparked my love for this charity and as a concequence i know that it will be a book that i will read again and again; apsolutely FANTASTIC!

[Jem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was bitten by the horse bug very young and have remained an avid horse lover to this day, so reading about Greatwood and the fantastic work they have done in both rehoming and caring for ex-racers and neglected horses and ponies generally has been heartwarming. Not to mention the wonderful ways they have found to reach children thought to be beyond help. I recommend this to anyone who is a horse lover!

[Amanda Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful, heart warming story. A lovely gentle read, just what I needed.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comfort book that is very uplifting. The changing stories make it intriguing and fast pasted. I feel as though this book is my best kept secret after coming across it in a charity shop

[Teacup · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it in a second hand shop and decided to read it. I loved it so much!!! I had no idea what I was about to read and it suprised me so much!!

[Carolyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of the most inspirational and beautiful stories that I have read.. A must read for anyone who loves horses and wants to appreciate the power these big creatures have.
I just could not put this book down.

[Verity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and I instantly loved the writing style and seeing how the children have been affected by the horses. My only criticism is I would have liked more in depth stories about the child. But then obviously there probably wasn't much else to tell in a 10 week course

[Marchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story, really well done and sweet abit different from what i excepted but brilliant!

[Fiona Beattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. I learnt a lot about horses.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a pretty good and inspirational book

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspirational story about the positive effects that animals, specifically horses in this case, can have on children with special needs. A thoroughly enjoyable read. x