About

We are small but mighty! We were born in 2017, the culmination of hard work, determination and a big dream by our founder Danielle McKinnon. We are backed by an experienced board of 8 colleagues, 11 staff members, around 40 active volunteers at any one time and 200 regular ridden and non-ridden members who are all part of our ESR family.

We serve our community and address social needs through training, work experience, signposting, mentoring, employment, volunteering, counselling and peer support; contributing to the economy whilst generating income to support the financial viability of our business. We lead people through uncertainty and to embrace creativity and curiosity, so they are able to see opportunities and take positive steps within their lives. Working collaboratively, with a range of partners and supported by a team of volunteers, we design and deliver activities that inspire people to develop, grow and reach their full potential.

We really believe in investing in young people, they are our future and they are the link to ensuring we don’t damage the world socially, politically or environmentally anymore. It's vital they are able to create positive futures and hopes because of their creativity and inspiration and because we need change.

Many of our equines have been rescued and have been rehabilitated animal welfare is at the forefront of our offerings and we proud of the practices and ethos that we upload to enable us to keep our herd happy, healthy, and thriving.

Our values

Our values underpin the work of Eat Sleep Ride and they help us to ensure we provide the best possible outcome for all who engage with us:

Respect

we accept people for who they are, regardless of difference.

Education

we see education as key to improving society and building better futures for us all.

Inspire

inspiration motivates us all and awakens us to new opportunities.

Nurture

we help, encourage and care for those we engage with.

Safety

self-care and care for others is paramount to us.

What motivates us

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ESR was born from small beginnings, from the lived experiences of our founding director. 5 years down the line, the team's stories have shaped our expansion and growth.

The knowledge we have gained along the way demonstrated the healing value of a deep relationship with horses and nature. From this journey, ESR has evolved as a conduit to help people thrive and achieve their dreams.

Our beneficiaries are highly vulnerable people including excluded/ SEN young people with trauma, isolated families, and adults with mental health issues. Our families experience challenges/disadvantages because of poverty, mental/physical ill health, isolation, substance misuse, or other vulnerability. Our children & young people come to us because of special educational needs, are at risk of antisocial behaviour, are in care, are carers & suffer from multiple complex trauma.

ESR believe that equestrianism should be an inclusive, welcoming, and enjoyable activity, not only accessible to those who can afford it but breaking down the elitist stigma that follows the sport. Through belief in our values, we have created a natural and sustainable environment where everyone's welfare sets the standard and theme throughout the yard.

Our strategic aims

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We are passionate about enabling positive behaviour changes and raising aspirations. Our 5 strategic outcomes for achieving social and environmental change

1. People have improved physical & mental health and wellbeing with improved connection to their community.

2. People have developed strong coping strategies equipping them to live healthier, happier fulfilled lives with stronger relationships.

3. People have access to our life-enhancing therapeutic equine and countryside-based activities

4. Young people have improved employability skills and increased employment opportunities.

5. To reduce our impact on the environment by working towards achieving a net zero facility and sharing our learning

To support our children and young people, we have developed a theory of change model which will support us in delivering against these outcomes and ensure that we continue to create the positive social impact that is so important to us.

News & Events

Job Opportunity at ParentSpace

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team at ParentSpace as they re-structure the organisation to ensure they continue to meet ongoing demand and strategic direction

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In The Spotlight

In The Spotlight with SES

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Alternative Education

The importance of options in learning and how it can affect you

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Community Learning Exchange

Last week, through organising with Senscot, we hosted our first-ever EFL based community learning exchange.

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It's All Happening Outdoors

Work has been busy still over the past 4 weeks - with a range of volunteers from all ages and locations coming together

Jump Clinic

We still have spaces available for our David Gatherer Arena Eventing Clinic, being held on Thur 2nd June at our current site at Reston

Our Social Impact

It is important to both reflect on our past achievements and look towards our future goals.

9th-15th May 2022 - Mental Health Awareness Week

Today marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.

Pingo Buses in Berwickshire

Pingo operates within the Berwickshire area and is perfect for joining up journeys, integrating with the existing transport network, and providing bus travel where a service doesn’t exist.