Author and film-maker, Elaine Heney who lives on a dry stock farm in Co. Tipperary, recently launched her latest book, ‘The Galway Connemara | The Autobiography of an Irish Connemara Pony’, inspired by the classic tale of ‘Black Beauty.’
The book by Elaine, the creative force behind Grey Pony Films, follows the heartwarming and adventurous life story of Lir, an Irish Connemara pony.
Set against the backdrop of the wild, rugged Atlantic coastline of Galway, ‘The Galway Connemara’ is an autobiographical tale narrated by Lir.
From the stone walls of Galway to the tranquil pastures of Co. Kildare, Lir’s adventures and the many humans he meets along the way, sheds light on the life experiences of many horses and ponies in Ireland today. It is suitable for readers aged 12 and upwards.
Elaine’s family has always kept horses and her grandfather was a judge at horse shows. She got her first pony, a Shetland pony named ‘Breezly’ and started riding lessons when she was six-years-of-age.
‘Black Beauty’ was in her top three favourite books as a child, she said.
In her 20s she went backpacking to Australia and worked as a trek guide at a trek centre in New Zealand.
“I was astonished to see all the horses were ridden with only rope halters by beginners up and down the mountains, and it worked perfectly.
“It completely changed my existing beliefs of what was possible in terms of training horses to do collection and lateral work, and proved that no pulling, stress, double bridles or gadgets were needed,” Elaine said.
Elaine is the author of close to 30 books about horses and ponies, for both children and adults. She started selling her books on Amazon, but they are now available to order on her shop website and in bookshops.
Renowned for her groundbreaking documentary ‘Listening to the Horse’, her work has revolutionised the way many horse owners around the world interact with their equine partners.
With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to animal welfare, she continues to inspire and educate through her films, books and courses.
Elaine has lots of book signings organised for the coming months.
They include: April 21: Mountain View Market, Kilkenny; April 26-28: Ideal Homes, RDS Dublin; May 26: Holistic Fair, Clonmel, Tipperary; June 15-16: Cork Summer Show; July 17: Clonmel Show, Tipperary; July 11: Barrow-Rathangan Show, Wexford; July 22-24: Irish Pony Club Festival, Wexford; August 11: Tullamore Show and August 14-18: RDS Dublin Horse Show.