BASED IN RATOATH, CO. MEATH · WORKING ACROSS SURROUNDING AREAS
Animal-assisted wellbeing & learning

Space to feel calm. Room to grow.

Gentle, inclusive experiences with dogs and horses that help people build confidence, connection and a sense of ease.

Welcome

Connection begins with feeling safe.

At Hearts, Hooves & Paws, people are invited to meet animals at their own pace, in a supportive space where choice and comfort come first.

Founded by Carol Power, our sessions bring canine-assisted wellbeing, equine-assisted learning and personal development to schools, care settings, families, community groups and individuals. Each experience is shaped around the people and animals taking part.

What we do

Find your way in.

Choose a session with Jill, support with your own dog, or a ground-based experience with horses.

Jill exploring a puzzle with participants
01 / WITH JILL

Canine-assisted wellbeing

Calm, handler-led visits for schools, care settings, families and community groups. Watch, meet or gently interact with Jill at your own pace.

Explore visits & tailored support ↗
Jill calmly observing her surroundings outdoors on a lead
02 / WITH YOUR DOG

Dog training & behaviour

Practical, force-free help for everyone: puppy foundations, loose lead walking, recall, confidence, reactivity and overwhelm.

Reward-based methods and long lines. No choke chains, prong collars or retractable leads.

Ask about training ↗
A child greeting a white pony in a field, with a larger horse nearby
03 / WITH HORSES

Equine-assisted learning

Ground-based sessions for individuals, groups and teams to explore confidence, communication, self-awareness and connection. No riding or prior horse experience needed.

Ask about equine sessions ↗
For secondary schools

Transition Year with Jill.

A practical programme for calm connection, confidence and everyday life skills.

Choose six weekly sessions or a monthly format to suit your school. Activities are adapted for the group and focus on self-awareness, communication, emotional regulation, teamwork and future readiness.

Ask about the TY programme
Jill sharing a quiet moment with a teacher in a school setting

Sessions may include

  • Meeting Jill calmly and safely
  • Gentle petting or brushing by choice
  • Conversation prompts and dog-themed games
  • Lead handling, if appropriate
  • Grounding activities and quiet breaks

Consent-led, sensory-aware and welfare-first throughout.

Who it's for

Different settings. The same gentle care.

01 / EDUCATION

Schools & SEN settings

One-off visits or a planned series for schools and SEN settings. Transition Year options include six weekly sessions or a monthly programme, with calm interaction, confidence and life skills.

02 / CARE

Care & dementia settings

Unhurried, handler-led visits with Jill for care homes, Alzheimer’s groups and community settings, planned with staff around comfort, choice and rest.

03 / COMMUNITY

Families & groups

Home and community visits for individuals and groups, with gentle games, observation, breaks and room to choose how to take part.

04 / WORKPLACES

Teams & organisations

Ground-based equine learning for teams, with activities that invite communication, reflection and connection.

A participant guiding Jill through a simple obstacle activity
A moment from a session

There is room to join in your own way.

Gentle games and shared activities can make it easier to connect, ask questions or simply watch.

Canine wellbeing with Jill

Support shaped around the person.

Everyone is welcome. These non-clinical visits are planned around choice, sensory comfort and Jill's wellbeing.

Carol and Jill leading a gentle activity with a small group of children
Children, young people & adults

Neurodivergent people & families

For autistic people and those with ADHD, sensory or learning differences, a visit can offer a calm way to connect without pressure. Families, carers, schools and community groups can take part too.

We use gentle introductions, predictable choices and breaks. A person may watch from a distance, ask questions, brush Jill, play a simple game or try a short supported walk if appropriate.

What can a visit include?

Meeting Jill at a comfortable distance; calm petting or brushing; dog-themed games or obstacles; lead handling when suitable; conversation and quiet regulation breaks. We agree on access and sensory needs beforehand.

Carol and Jill during a gentle care visit with an older adult
Care & community settings

Alzheimer’s & dementia

Calm, unhurried visits for people living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, including those experiencing memory changes, confusion, anxiety or low mood. We plan with family or staff and welcome people at any stage.

Someone might stroke Jill, talk about a past pet, smile, ask questions or simply sit nearby. The aim is companionship and meaningful moments, following the person’s response and Jill’s comfort.

How is a visit planned?

We discuss the space, group size, sensory needs and any support from staff or family. Jill is handler-led, interactions are brief and optional, and water, rest and a quiet exit are built into the visit.

In motion

Little moments with Jill.

Short clips from school, community and training sessions. Tap play to watch.

01 / A gentle greeting
02 / A school visit
03 / A group activity
04 / An obstacle game together
05 / Training outdoors
Our approach

Every participant gets to choose their pace.

We work with consent, clear boundaries and respect for animal welfare. Watching from a distance is as welcome as joining in. Sessions are adapted to the setting and the needs of the group.

Our work is non-clinical and is not a substitute for therapy. Jill is a therapy dog, not a service dog.

01

Choice & comfort
There is no requirement to touch or approach an animal.

02

Sensory awareness
We allow for quieter spaces, breaks and different ways to take part.

03

Animal wellbeing
Sessions are guided by the animals' comfort, with rest and boundaries built in.

Meet the founder

Hi, I'm Carol.

Carol and Jill with Adam Harris at Neurofest
Carol and Jill with Adam Harris, AsIAm, at Neurofest.

I bring together a background in education, coaching and animal-assisted practice to create welcoming experiences for people of all ages and abilities.

My work is neurodiversity-affirming and grounded in kindness, curiosity and practical support. Jill, my Australian Shepherd and therapy dog, joins me for canine sessions; equine work is ground-based and guided with care for both people and horses.

Equine-assisted learning & personal developmentForce-free dog training & behaviourChildren First & safeguarding trainingGarda vettedFully insured
Getting started

A session that fits your setting.

There is no set way to take part. We plan the practical details together before any visit.

01

Tell Carol what you need

Share the age group or setting, the people taking part and what you hope the session will offer.

02

Plan for comfort and safety

We discuss access, sensory needs, space, group size and the animal's welfare, then agree on a suitable format.

03

Meet at your own pace

People may join in, observe or take a break. The session follows their choices and the animal's comfort.

Enquire about a session
Good to know

A few common questions.

Do I need experience with animals?

No. You can watch, ask questions or take part at a distance. We plan the session around what feels comfortable.

Are equine sessions ridden?

No. Equine-assisted learning and personal development sessions are ground-based.

Can you visit our school or care setting?

Yes. We discuss the group, space, accessibility and the animals' needs before agreeing on a suitable visit.

How do I arrange a visit, and what will it cost?

Email or call Carol with your location, setting, approximate group size and what you hope to work on. We can then agree on a suitable format and provide a price before you book.

Is this therapy?

No. Hearts, Hooves & Paws offers non-clinical wellbeing, learning and personal development sessions.

Get in touch

Let's talk about what would work for you.

Tell Carol your location, group size or dog’s needs, and what you hope to work on. We’ll discuss a suitable format and price before anything is booked.

Email Carol