Meet Our Staff

We are a small but growing team with a valued group of volunteers. Link – if you would like to volunteer or even work here do get in touch.

Full-Time Staff

Staff Dani
Staff Dani

Dani-https://www.linkedin.com/in/ms-danielle-mckinnon/

I am the founding director of Eat Sleep Ride CIC, a social enterprise inspired by my journey through socioeconomic disadvantage. With over 20 years of experience working with, riding, and training horses, I specialise in behavioral cases, physical rehabilitation, and the development of young horses.

Qualifications:

  • British Horse Society (BHS) Accredited Professional Coach, Level 4
  • BHS Stage 3 Coaching and Stage 4 Equitation and Stable Management
  • Diploma in Equine Facilitated Learning
  • Trauma-Informed Practitioner
  • NLP Practitioner
  • Equine Development Coach (EquiScotia Certified)
  • Royal Bank of Scotland Accelerator Alumni
  • Scottish Edge Social Entrepreneur Winner
  • Qualified Assessor in Indirect and Direct Work-Based Competencies
  • Leadership Facilitator for TeachingHorse, part of a global network

In addition to my work with horses, I run wellness programs and life coaching sessions, using the unique abilities of horses to teach social and emotional competencies, life skills, and teamwork to individuals of all ages. Horses are powerful symbols of community, presence, and understanding, and through these programs, I strive to share the profound lessons they offer

Dani-https://www.linkedin.com/in/ms-danielle-mckinnon/

Dani-https://www.linkedin.com/in/ms-danielle-mckinnon/

I am the founding director of Eat Sleep Ride CIC, a social enterprise inspired by my journey through socioeconomic disadvantage. With over 20 years of experience working with, riding, and training horses, I specialise in behavioral cases, physical rehabilitation, and the development of young horses.

Qualifications:

  • British Horse Society (BHS) Accredited Professional Coach, Level 4
  • BHS Stage 3 Coaching and Stage 4 Equitation and Stable Management
  • Diploma in Equine Facilitated Learning
  • Trauma-Informed Practitioner
  • NLP Practitioner
  • Equine Development Coach (EquiScotia Certified)
  • Royal Bank of Scotland Accelerator Alumni
  • Scottish Edge Social Entrepreneur Winner
  • Qualified Assessor in Indirect and Direct Work-Based Competencies
  • Leadership Facilitator for TeachingHorse, part of a global network

In addition to my work with horses, I run wellness programs and life coaching sessions, using the unique abilities of horses to teach social and emotional competencies, life skills, and teamwork to individuals of all ages. Horses are powerful symbols of community, presence, and understanding, and through these programs, I strive to share the profound lessons they offer

Part-Time Staff

Staff Midi
Staff Midi

Midi

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.

Midi

Midi

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.

Nina
Nina

Nina

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.

Nina

Nina

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.

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IMG 20240212 WA0076

Tobi Kottwitz

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.

Tobi Kottwitz

Tobi Kottwitz

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.

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Vicky

Hi, I’m Vicky. I spent 10 years in horse racing across the UK and Australia before starting my own construction business. After realizing it wasn’t fulfilling, I trained in NLP, Hypnosis, and Timeline Therapy, and became an online coach. Now back in the UK, I’m combining my passion for horses with personal development, focusing on team-building and women’s retreats. It’s been a journey, and I’m excited for what’s next.

Vicky

Vicky

Hi, I’m Vicky. I spent 10 years in horse racing across the UK and Australia before starting my own construction business. After realizing it wasn’t fulfilling, I trained in NLP, Hypnosis, and Timeline Therapy, and became an online coach. Now back in the UK, I’m combining my passion for horses with personal development, focusing on team-building and women’s retreats. It’s been a journey, and I’m excited for what’s next.

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Sarah

Sarah, our "Mother Hen," is the heart of our team, effortlessly managing the needs of ponies, people, and the site. She joined us during the 2023 Christmas party and never left—a decision we're incredibly thankful for.

With a rich background in farming, equestrian showing, and administration, Sarah brings warmth, skill, and organization to everything she does. Whether she's driving the trailer, handling accounts, or coordinating daily tasks, her gentle, nurturing spirit makes her an invaluable asset. We can't imagine ESR without her.

Sarah

Sarah

Sarah, our "Mother Hen," is the heart of our team, effortlessly managing the needs of ponies, people, and the site. She joined us during the 2023 Christmas party and never left—a decision we're incredibly thankful for.

With a rich background in farming, equestrian showing, and administration, Sarah brings warmth, skill, and organization to everything she does. Whether she's driving the trailer, handling accounts, or coordinating daily tasks, her gentle, nurturing spirit makes her an invaluable asset. We can't imagine ESR without her.

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Hugh Gallagher

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.

Hugh Gallagher

Hugh Gallagher

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.

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7898901718319490767

Ebony Rigby

Ebony is a seasoned equestrian with years of hands-on experience in all aspects of horse care, training, and riding across various disciplines. With a deep passion for horses, ebony has gained a variety of skills through years of working with and learning from these intelligent animals. Currently, she cares for and trains two of her own horses, furthering her expertise in equine management and development. Whether it’s training, grooming, or building strong, trust-based relationships with horses, ebony brings dedication and a wealth of knowledge to every aspect of the equestrian world.

Ebony Rigby

Ebony Rigby

Ebony is a seasoned equestrian with years of hands-on experience in all aspects of horse care, training, and riding across various disciplines. With a deep passion for horses, ebony has gained a variety of skills through years of working with and learning from these intelligent animals. Currently, she cares for and trains two of her own horses, furthering her expertise in equine management and development. Whether it’s training, grooming, or building strong, trust-based relationships with horses, ebony brings dedication and a wealth of knowledge to every aspect of the equestrian world.

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461421805 1077360060640039 916243219247781149 n

Vicky Keirnan

With over a decade of experience in the horse racing industry across the UK and Australia, Vicky brings a deep-rooted passion for equestrian life. After leaving racing, Vicky successfully ran her own construction business, but found herself seeking greater personal fulfillment. This led me her the world of personal development, where she trained extensively and became a certified practitioner and trainer in NLP, Hypnosis, and Timeline Therapy.

During my time in Australia, Vicky assisted in numerous NLP trainings and eventually transitioned into online coaching. Now back in the UK, She has returned to my equestrian roots and is focused on combining both of her favourite 2 worlds—personal development and horsemanship—with a growing interest in team building and women’s retreats.

Vicky Keirnan

Vicky Keirnan

With over a decade of experience in the horse racing industry across the UK and Australia, Vicky brings a deep-rooted passion for equestrian life. After leaving racing, Vicky successfully ran her own construction business, but found herself seeking greater personal fulfillment. This led me her the world of personal development, where she trained extensively and became a certified practitioner and trainer in NLP, Hypnosis, and Timeline Therapy.

During my time in Australia, Vicky assisted in numerous NLP trainings and eventually transitioned into online coaching. Now back in the UK, She has returned to my equestrian roots and is focused on combining both of her favourite 2 worlds—personal development and horsemanship—with a growing interest in team building and women’s retreats.

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IMG 20250410 WA0002

Lucy Rees

With a foundation in engineering and the entrepreneurial drive of a business owner, Lucy brings a unique blend of structure, creativity, and real-world experience to my role as a youth worker. Her passion lies in empowering young people to discover their potential, develop life skills, and build resilience—whether in a workshop, on a trail, or around a campfire. When she is not supporting youth, you’ll find me outdoors, often with horses, soaking in nature’s lessons on connection, patience, and strength. I believe in meeting young people where they’re at and walking alongside them as they find their way.

Lucy Rees

Lucy Rees

With a foundation in engineering and the entrepreneurial drive of a business owner, Lucy brings a unique blend of structure, creativity, and real-world experience to my role as a youth worker. Her passion lies in empowering young people to discover their potential, develop life skills, and build resilience—whether in a workshop, on a trail, or around a campfire. When she is not supporting youth, you’ll find me outdoors, often with horses, soaking in nature’s lessons on connection, patience, and strength. I believe in meeting young people where they’re at and walking alongside them as they find their way.

The Board

Stephen Boyle

As the Chair of the board, Stephen boasts a diverse background, including community support, entrepreneurship, and corporate experience, demonstrating a wealth of skills and dedication. He championed community empowerment and sustainable development at the Community Ownership Support Service. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Stephen ran a successful stained glass business. Previously, he served with The Richmond Foundation, offering support to adults with learning difficulties and fostering community inclusion. Driven by a passion for positive impact and excellence, Stephen eagerly continues his journey of service, contributing to causes that uplift communities and empower individuals.

Jennifer Mcgarrity

Community psychiatric nurse, degree in illustration and printmaking and a degree in Mental Health Nursing. Worked in intensive psychiatric care, acute mental health, CAMHS and now severe and enduring mental health in the community. Have done lots of art with people in my work. Have worked for Artlink with people with learning disabilities.

And many thanks to our affiliates who work with us on special projects; Elaine Jenkins, Sarah Oliver, Fran Baker, Fiona Ennis, Equitait, Kim Peters, and many many more