Behind The Print: Healing Hearts with Hooves
Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode of Behind the Print, I sit down with Terry Holmes-Stecyk, founder of Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales and Equine Assisted Services, to explore how she’s using the magic of miniature horses to inspire literacy, healing, and emotional connection.
From one-on-one reading sessions with kids to heartwarming visits with seniors, Terry shares the impact of her equine-assisted reading program and how high-quality print materials, like her stunning activity books, bring her mission to life in classrooms and libraries. Tune in to hear how passion, print, and tiny hooves are making a big difference.
Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.
7-minute read
“We get so many compliments, not just on our content, but of the quality of the printing. The teachers, everybody, across the board, says they have never seen a higher quality coloring book than what we get through your company.” Terry Holmes-Stecyk, Owner
Transcripts from Behind The Print with Terry Holmes-Stecyk, Owner of Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales & Equine Assisted Services
Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.
Today’s episode is Healing Hearts with Hooves, and I’m joined by Terry Holmes-Stecyk, Owner of Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales and Equine Assisted Services.
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: Hi Zoe! Thank you so much for inviting us to join you today.
Zoe Fisher: We’re so glad to have you. Can you start by telling us about Tender Little Hearts and what your role looks like day to day?
“We want to see every single child reading and loving that they’re reading. Not just for the fun part of it but also for the educational part.” Terry Holmes-Stecyk, Owner
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: Absolutely. Tender Little Hearts is an equine-based learning resource with a focus on literacy. Our goal is to encourage young readers, kindergarten through second grade, to love reading. We use four miniature horses and two miniature donkeys to visit schools and libraries, making reading fun and memorable.
Zoe Fisher: That is so fun! Who benefits most from what you offer?
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: Our primary focus is K–2 students. We want them to have a positive experience with reading. Studies show that if kids aren’t reading at grade level by fourth grade, their chances of future success drop significantly. We’re trying to change that early.
Zoe Fisher: How do the miniature horses play a role in that?
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: It’s all about the uniqueness of the experience. Kids are used to seeing dogs and cats, but horses and donkeys in the school library? That gets them excited. When they hear the clip-clop of hooves walking in, their energy goes through the roof. We do some breathing exercises to calm them down, then the students get to read one-on-one to the animals.we got here.
Zoe Fisher: That must make a huge impact for teachers.
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: It really does. Teachers and parents tell us the kids are still talking about the visit months later. We had a hundred first graders read to our horses in a single week! At school, kids might get about three minutes of reading time. At the ranch or the library, they might get eight to ten. And if they don’t want to read, they can just describe the pictures to the animals. The important thing is creating a judgment-free, encouraging environment.
Zoe Fisher: That’s such a beautiful and confidence-building experience.
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: Absolutely. We had one little boy who practiced reading for two weeks because he knew the horses were coming. When the day came, he sat down, read one page, closed the book, and said, “I did it. I read to the horse.” It was incredible. That kind of motivation and follow-through is life-changing for kids.
“Someday someone will look at us and say, you know, I think I want that to be my legacy… let’s help these kids because they are our future. That would be a dream” Terry Holmes-Stecyk, Owner
Zoe Fisher: You also mentioned an activity book—can you tell me more about that?
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: Yes! What started as a simple idea for a coloring book turned into a major project. We worked with an artist in Indonesia who brought our vision to life. We made sure it included diversity and accessibility, kids of different backgrounds, kids with disabilities, and focused on equine-based education. Our second edition includes word searches, math puzzles, mazes, and even a cutout donkey buddy. The quality is top-notch. Teachers tell us they’ve never seen a better-printed activity book. We owe a lot of that to your team!
Zoe Fisher: That’s amazing to hear! We’re honored to be part of that.
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: We’re definitely going to keep printing. We’re also planning a collaborative project where students create their own book, writing, illustrating, and all. And you’ll be printing it, of course!
Zoe Fisher: I’ll keep an eye out for it! So what’s it like wearing so many hats as a small business owner?
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: Oh my! I’m a charity board of one! Between farm chores, prepping for school visits, transporting and caring for the animals, writing grants, and managing volunteers, it’s easily 60 hours a week. I used to be a dental hygienist, working 40 hours. Now I work more, and for free!
Zoe Fisher: But you’ve found your purpose in it.
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: Yes. I started this in my 60s, and it’s what I was meant to do. Bringing joy to kids, giving seniors moments of connection, it’s all worth it.
“We have horses and donkeys throughout the book. We really did do our best to make it have inclusive diversity in children of other cultures, other nationalities, and even some with disabilities.” Terry Holmes-Stecyk, Owner
Zoe Fisher: What’s something you wish people knew about miniature horses or your program?
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: Mini horses are livestock, not pets. They need proper care, companionship, and can live into their forties. As for Tender Little Hearts, it’s a mission of love. Everything we do, from our visits to our little quilted heart giveaways, is centered around emotional connection and kindness.
Zoe Fisher: That’s beautiful. What are some milestones that shaped your organization?
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: COVID forced us to pivot from school visits to senior centers and hospitals. We also recorded read-aloud videos with author permission, which expanded our reach. We’ve won national awards and gotten local media recognition. Every little bit helps raise awareness and brings in new support.
Zoe Fisher: And what’s holding you back right now?
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: Funding and location. We need a new, more accessible property that’s closer to town so parents will bring their kids more often. And of course, grants are hard to get when your budget is small. But we keep the faith—maybe a benefactor is listening!
Zoe Fisher: What advice would you give other purpose-driven entrepreneurs?
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: Love what you do. Don’t be afraid to accept help. Persevere, and don’t give up. We’ve stayed in the black since day one because we’re passionate, frugal, and supported by an amazing community.
Zoe Fisher: If you had a free day to do anything, what would you do?
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: I’d have a delicious breakfast, go horseback riding, read a book surrounded by my horses, then get a massage and enjoy a glass of red wine. That would be the perfect day.
“If they can connect with a horse, maybe that can help connect with a teacher, maybe they can then connect with someone in their family, and maybe they’ll start making more connections all around.” Terry Holmes-Stecyk, Owner
Zoe Fisher: I love that! And finally, how can our listeners support you?
Terry Holmes-Stecyk: Visit our website, follow us on social media, share our mission, and if you can, sponsor one of our animals. Even a $5 donation helps. And of course, send good thoughts—we believe they make a difference too.
Zoe Fisher: Beautiful! Anyone out there who wants to see the CUTEST mini’s be sure to check them out!
That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind The Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, have a strong vision, build the right strategy, and use tools like print to amplify your message and make your brand stand out.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from PrintingCenterUSA.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.
Small Hooves, Big Impact
From joyful visits to classrooms to healing moments with seniors, Terry Holmes-Stecyk’s mission with Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales is a testament to the power of compassion, creativity, and connection. Through equine-assisted reading and beautifully designed printed materials, she’s opening hearts and turning pages—one hoofprint at a time. For Terry, custom printing has played a vital role in creating meaningful takeaways that support her message. Whether it’s an activity book, donor thank-you cards, or student keepsakes, thoughtful print brings her vision into the hands of those who need it most.
Ready to bring your own heartfelt ideas to life? Explore what print can do for your mission. Order today!
