Herd Dynamics wins £30,000 in Firstport’s Social Innovation Challenge

At Eat Sleep Ride, we recently hosted a Learning Exchange with Inspiring Alba and Social Enterprise Scotland. Nine incredible women joined us on site to explore shared leadership through the wisdom of horses. Through grounding in the stables, the "Tide" energy exercise, meditation in the garden, and time with the herd in the field, participants discovered powerful lessons.

At Eat Sleep Ride, we believe that empowerment isn't a slogan — it's something women must live and feel. That's why we created Empower Her: an eight-week programme where women step into the field with horses, supported by our team of coaches, to rebuild self-worth, confidence, and belonging. Horses respond only to truth and presence. They mirror what we bring, offering honest feedback that is both confronting and deeply healing.

We're proud to share that Eat Sleep Ride is now People & Planet First Verified! This global recognition celebrates enterprises that put community, wellbeing, and sustainability at the heart of everything they do. From transforming a former landfill into a thriving off-grid hub, to supporting young people and families through horses and nature, this recognition reflects our mission in action.

We were delighted to host the lads from Andy's Man Club for an evening of mindfulness, horses and connection. They explored our gardens, pond and herd, before working with Ben and Frazzel to reflect on grounding, intention and boundaries. One participant said: "If someone told me I would learn something about myself from horses, I would have laughed - but I did!" The evening ended with a BBQ, fresh vegetables and plenty of conversation.

In 2025, Amrita Mojumder, a Master of Public Health student at the University of Aberdeen, produced the first independent Social Impact Measurement Report on Eat Sleep Ride. Her research found that equine-assisted learning helps young people and families facing disadvantage to build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing. Volunteers gain real skills, pathways into mentoring, and employment opportunities. Our site promotes sustainability through rewilding, food growing, solar power, and ethical equine care.

Eat Sleep Ride hosted a powerful digital safety workshop exploring Snapchat and online wellbeing. Led by 7 brilliant young leaders who came together with adult staff and volunteers to unpack social pressures, disappearing messages, location sharing, and ghosting. With real-life scenarios and breakout groups, we built confidence around safety, communication, and reporting concerns. Supported by Youth Scotland, the session helped strengthen our trauma-informed safeguarding across rural youth programmes.

We're excited to share a new article by our founder in Brainz Magazine, reflecting on the power of equine-assisted learning and shared leadership. In "The Gate Was Never Locked — They Just Needed to Know They Could Walk Through It," we explore how horses model emotional intelligence, and how Eat Sleep Ride supports young people, women, and communities to step into leadership with confidence and compassion.

We're now partnered with HORSED, the UK's leading equestrian marketplace app. It's like Vinted or Etsy — but just for horse lovers! Buy and sell second-hand tack, clothing, boots, and more. Discover small brands and shop items from top riders. Download the app through our link and help us earn rewards for the stables.

Amrita Mojumder is a medical graduate from Bangladesh and a current Master of Public Health student at the University of Aberdeen. As part of her extended work-based placement, she is evaluating the social impact of Eat Sleep Ride's equine-assisted programmes. Passionate about inclusive health and nature-based interventions, Sadia is helping to build evidence that supports the wellbeing of diverse communities.

As part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025, Eat Sleep Ride hosted a special event at our off-grid farm in Lamberton, welcoming refugee families and local community members for a day of connection, culture, and healing through horses. Activities included grooming, garden play, cultural food, henna, and shared stories.