About The Book

Graeme Parker, known to millions as The Hoof GP, has captivated hearts across the world with his unscripted videos, set against the stunning landscape of Southwest Scotland.

His humble, down-to-earth charm and the raw authenticity of his work with cattle have earned him billions of views and a devoted global following. But Graeme’s route to success wasn’t marked by good fortune from the outset.

This story is one which many will relate to and resonate with, in deeper ways than ever before possible. Beneath the surface of viral fame lies a story far more complex than anyone could imagine. His recognisable smile masks a man shaped by deep personal loss, twenty-five years of undiagnosed mental health struggles, and haunting family secrets – including the unsolved mystery of his father’s death.

In Bruised Sole, Graeme opens up like never before, revealing the vulnerable, human side of his life. It’s a story of survival, resilience, and the search for peace, filled with unexpected twists and moments of profound reflection.

This isn’t just about the man you see online – it’s about the hidden battles we all fight and the truths we often keep buried.
The Hoof GP’s story cuts as deep as it gets.

• DIGITAL
  • Published by The Hoof GP on 12 November 2024 (338 pages)
  • Buy at Amazon
• AUDIO (narrated by Graeme Parker)
  • Published by The Hoof GP on 15 November 2024 (10h 46m)
  • Buy at Apple Books or Google Play or Spotify
• PAPERBACK
  • Published by The Hoof GP on 20 December 2024 (336 pages)
  • Buy at Amazon or directly from The Hoof GP

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About The Author

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My Review

I came to Bruised Sole already familiar with Graeme Parker through his videos, but nothing prepared me for how raw, personal and emotionally affecting his story would be.

I watched the man first. I stumbled across the videos, then actively sought them out, and before long I was completely absorbed — not just in the work he does, but in the calm, honesty and humanity that comes through the screen. Listening to Bruised Sole on audio, narrated by Graeme Parker himself, took that connection to an entirely different level. This wasn’t just a story being told — it felt like a conversation, raw and unguarded, delivered by the person who lived every painful moment.

This is not a polished, sanitised memoir. It’s bruised, honest and often uncomfortable — and that’s exactly why it works so powerfully. Graeme opens himself up in a way that takes real courage, speaking openly about grief, long-term mental health struggles, loss, and the weight of unanswered questions that never truly leave you. There were moments that made me pause, moments that sat heavy, and others that caught me completely off guard with their emotional force.

What struck me most was how relatable this story feels, even if your life looks nothing like his on the surface. Beneath the viral fame and recognisable smile is a man carrying years of silent battles — the kind many people live with quietly every day. That honesty makes this book incredibly moving and, at times, painfully real.

Bruised Sole isn’t just the story of The Hoof GP. It’s a story of survival, resilience, and finding ways to keep going when life has taken more than its fair share. Deeply moving, beautifully honest, and impossible to forget.

Personal Reflections

Before reading Bruised Sole, I’d only known Graeme Parker through his videos, and I’ll admit I’d formed a few assumptions along the way. Spending time watching the videos (and then listening to his story in his own words) quietly shifted that perspective. What comes through isn’t performance, but a genuine love for life, for his work, and for sharing moments of calm and connection with others.

Bruised Sole added depth. It revealed the weight behind the smile, the years of struggles carried privately, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up. It was a reminder of how easy it is to see only the surface of someone’s life, especially online.

I also really appreciated the presence of Ashley throughout his story. She comes across as grounded, capable and supportive, and the partnership between them feels like an anchor, something steady in the background that doesn’t need to be overstated.

Having followed Graeme’s life as “The Hoof GP” online for some time now, I do consider myself part of The Herd. Through that lens, it’s clear how carefully the brighter moments are shared publicly, and how much is carried more quietly. Bruised Sole gave that understanding greater depth and left me with a deep sense of compassion — not just for Graeme, but for the unseen battles so many people live with while still choosing to show up for others.

I didn’t manage to see Graeme in person when he visited Dalscone Farm in Dumfries, but as a ‘Dalsconie’ I was able to buy a signed copy of the paperback – something I’m genuinely grateful for.

#BruisedSole #GraemeParker #RobertParker #TheHoofGP #Memoir #NonFiction #BruisedSoleTheUnfilteredStoryOfTheHoofGP

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DISCLOSURE: I purchased this book myself. As always, my thoughts are honest and my own.

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