Meet Our Staff

I started at ESR after meeting Danielle through a practitioner's network. I've joined to provide therapy and trauma counselling , and feel proud to offer a direct route when statutory services are at a crisis point. I have been working therapeutically with people for over 25 years, and became a counsellor after working in holistic nutritional therapy, realising that beneath the physical issues, the cause lay rooted in the emotional/mental/spiritual levels. It's great to be part of a wellness movement with such great social value and holistic approaches for horses and people.

ESR found me and my family whilst Dani was running her freelance business, my mum was crucial to the set up of ESR and we would make the journey from Linlithgow every week for the first year to exercise the ponies and make signs and equipment out of recycled materials. Dani and the yard have continued to be there for me unconditionally since losing my mum through covid and have supported me through exams such as my ride-out safely and horse health. The yard is my special place and a reminder of what my mum helped build and create.

I started to work at ESR in summer 2023. One of the first reasons why I came here is the mission to build a tiny house on wheels for ESR with my company "The Tiny House Experience Ltd." Originally I'm from Germany and I was living the last 8 years in Edinburgh. I moved to the farm with my own tiny house on wheels in June 2023 to repeat the project at Eat,Sleep,Ride..
While I'm living here and building the little house, I'm also working halftime on the yard basically as a craftsman/handyman. I'm repairing things, doing woodworkings and also building new projects like a chicken coop.
I really appreciate to live and work with all the lovely horses and nice people on the farm. For me it's a very new chapter and it helps me a lot to improve my skills and growing up. I'm thankful for being here on this unique place of positive energy.

Hi, I’m Hugh. My love for horses and the outdoors brought me to Eat Sleep Ride, where my journey started thanks to my mum’s involvement as a volunteer. As a young carer, ESR has given me the chance to balance responsibilities at home with exciting opportunities to grow and connect with others.

I’m currently studying with the Open University, which has been a rewarding challenge alongside my work at ESR. This is my first job, and I’ve really enjoyed getting out into nature, taking on responsibilities, and being part of a supportive team.

In my spare time, I love gaming and attending Comic-Con, where I get to express my creativity and connect with like-minded people. ESR has been a great place to develop new skills, and I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and contribute to this amazing community.

I first learned to ride at Eat Sleep Ride when I was younger and loved every minute of it. Those early experiences gave me not only a love of horses but also a real appreciation for the sense of confidence, patience, and teamwork that comes from learning in such a supportive environment.

Since then, my passion for working with children and young people has continued to grow. I’m now studying Primary Teaching at university in Edinburgh, where I’m gaining valuable knowledge about child development, inclusive education, and how to create engaging learning opportunities. Alongside my studies, I’m also a qualified swimming teacher, which has given me hands-on experience in helping children build skills, overcome challenges, and develop resilience in a safe and encouraging setting.

I’m really looking forward to developing my skills further and continuing to combine my passions for learning, teaching, and working with young people. Whether in the classroom, at the pool, or back at Eat Sleep Ride, I hope to make a positive difference by supporting children to learn, grow in confidence, and discover what they’re capable of.

Tracy is one of Eat Sleep Ride’s chief volunteers and a much-loved part of our community. Her enthusiasm, kindness, and reliability have made her a familiar and trusted face around the yard, where she is always ready to step in and support both people and horses. An animal lover through and through, Tracy also brings her horse Bandit to the yard, where his presence adds even more to the welcoming, family-like atmosphere of the site.

Over the last couple of years, Tracy has rekindled her lifelong passion for carriage driving. With patience and dedication, she has not only built her own skills but also shared her knowledge with others, giving young people and fellow volunteers the chance to try something new and learn in a safe, supportive environment. Her driving programme has become a much-valued part of the activities at Eat Sleep Ride, offering a different way to connect with horses and nature.

What makes Tracy so special is her combination of commitment, positivity, and willingness to get involved in every aspect of community life at Eat Sleep Ride. From caring for the horses to encouraging participants and lending a hand wherever it’s needed, she embodies the spirit of teamwork and generosity that underpins the organisation. Her contribution continues to be a massive asset to the yard, helping to nurture growth, confidence, and wellbeing for both people and animals alike.

Hayley first joined Eat Sleep Ride through the Empower Her programme, and it quickly became clear that she had a natural connection with the community, the horses, and the land. Since then, she has grown into one of the pillars of our team. Her commitment is especially inspiring given that she travels all the way from Galashiels by bus — a long and often challenging journey with the limited transport links in the Borders. Her determination to show up week after week is a testament to both her resilience and her dedication.

One of Hayley’s most unique contributions is her role as our Chief Poo-Briquette Maker. In this role, she transforms waste into a valuable resource, helping us create sustainable fuel while keeping the yard cleaner and greener. It’s a job that reflects her commitment to the environment, her strong work ethic, and her belief in making the most of what nature provides.

Beyond her sustainability work, Hayley is deeply passionate about horses. She spends time observing their behaviours, learning about their histories, and developing her knowledge of how to support them in the best way possible. She particularly enjoys working alongside Ben, with whom she has built a strong bond, and she thrives when sharing ideas, tackling new challenges, and taking on extra responsibilities around the yard.

Hayley’s journey from programme participant to valued team member is a powerful example of what Eat Sleep Ride is all about: creating pathways for growth, connection, and opportunity. She continues to grow in confidence and skill every day, and her enthusiasm, curiosity, and sense of responsibility make her an invaluable part of the herd.

Iona first came to Eat Sleep Ride when she was just 10 years old, looking for a different way of learning that would support her, build her confidence, and help her grow. From those early days, she quickly became an important part of our community, developing her skills, earning two Youth Awards, and completing her first ABRS care exams.

Now a valued member of the team, Iona is working towards her Level 3 ABRS exams while also balancing her part-time job at Eat Sleep Ride. She brings energy, reliability, and a strong sense of commitment to the yard, supporting both the horses and the young people who come to sessions.

Living locally in Eyemouth, Iona is deeply rooted in her community. Alongside her work and studies, she is an active member of the cadets and takes pride in her role as an auntie to her two nieces. Her journey shows the opportunities young people can find at Eat Sleep Ride—growing from participant to team member, and now inspiring the next generation through her dedication and example.

Hanna

Ava first became involved with Eat Sleep Ride through her passion for animals and her interest in learning new skills outdoors. Over time, she has become a valued and reliable member of our community, always bringing a positive attitude and a willingness to get stuck in with whatever is needed.

From helping around the yard and supporting with the horses, to joining in at events and activities, Ava’s energy and enthusiasm shine through. She has a natural way with young people, offering encouragement and support, and is equally thoughtful and compassionate in her care of the horses.

Beyond her volunteering, Ava is a creative and motivated young person who enjoys exploring new opportunities and contributing to her local community. Her journey with Eat Sleep Ride is a great example of how young people can grow in confidence and responsibility while being part of the herd.

Youth Leader Ava has been part of Eat Sleep Ride since she was just six years old, first joining through Pony Club. From those early days, she has grown into a mature, driven, and reliable young person now a huge asset to our team.

With years of experience behind her, Ava now confidently leads ride tours, supports our youth club activities, and helps guide younger participants with patience and encouragement. She has a natural ability to connect with both people and horses, and her dedication shines through in everything she does.

Ava has a real strength in maths and outdoor education, which shows in her problem-solving skills, her curiosity, and the thoughtful questions she asks. She isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and get involved in every aspect of yard life, from mucking out stables to supporting events and projects.

Her journey from a little girl at Pony Club to a key team member at Eat Sleep Ride shows her commitment, growth, and passion for learning. Ava is a wonderful role model to others and continues to play an important part in the life of our community.

Susan joined Eat Sleep Ride after 20 years working in technical theatre, seeking a career change into a more hands-on and practical role. A keen gardener with a strong passion for animal welfare, the opportunity came at exactly the right time.

Working with the horses on a busy yard has been both rewarding and enriching, offering daily opportunities to learn and contribute to their care and wellbeing. Being involved in growing produce on site and sharing this with the local community has been an added and meaningful benefit of the role.

Larissa is a third-year student studying Marketing with Digital Media at Edinburgh Napier University. She brings a creative, people-centred approach to her work and enjoys developing projects that inspire connection and engagement. With over six years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Larissa has strong skills in communication, organisation, and customer engagement.

At Eat Sleep Ride, she is supporting the development of our TikTok presence, helping to share our community spaces, youth activity, and heritage stories, and working with us to build meaningful collaborations and partnerships that extend our reach and impact.