Happy the Very Sad Pony by local author and Psychologist Naomi Rossthorn,
Illustrated by Kev Howlett

Paperback

Happy the Very Sad Pony, written by psychologist Naomi Rossthorn who works with horses in therapy for people’s wellbeing, delicately exploring an honest approach for children to begin to learn and understand what depression is. The story follows Happy the Pony on a journey through his sadness, understanding his symptoms, discovering what he can do to help himself feel better and leaning from his herd buddies, Trigger, Bailey and Bob who are by his side.

Happy the pony is sad. He doesn’t understand why and feels like he will never get better. His herd help him to get better and work out ways to navigate his depression to finally feel happy again. He decides that sometimes you don’t feel yourself but it won’t be forever and your herd can help you.

This beautifully written children’s book was written to support parents, caregivers and teachers in their discussions around mental health and well-being with children. Happy The Sad Pony and Trigger the Anxious Horse are stories based on the therapy horses and ponies at Harnessing Wellness.

“Feeling sad can happen to us sometimes”

“There are many things that we can to make ourselves happier, just like Happy the pony did”