Our commitment to making a difference

Learn more about what we're doing.

Case study: Lloyds Banking Group volunteer and leadership day

In September 2026, a team from Bank of Scotland spent a day at Quarry Farm, working with our herd to explore how they communicate, make decisions and lead together.

Danielle McKinnon Selected for The Breakthrough Accelerator with Foundervine and Lloyds Banking Group

Our founder, Danielle McKinnon, has been selected for The Breakthrough, an eight-week business accelerator run by Foundervine in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group. It's a chance to grow the business side of Eat Sleep Ride so it can keep funding free places for the people we support.

Walking for the Herd: Team ESR at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk

On 13 September, a team of six walkers from Eat Sleep Ride took on the 21-mile Mighty Stride at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise money for our rescued herd and the young people we work with.

Eat Sleep Ride Named One of the Nation's Favourite Businesses

Eat Sleep Ride has been named one of Small Business Saturday UK's Nation's Favourite Businesses, recognising small businesses making a real difference in their communities.

Botanical Printing on Paper Workshop – Leaves of Auchencraw at Eat Sleep Ride

Join Leaves of Auchencraw at Eat Sleep Ride for a free hands-on botanical printing workshop, exploring nature, creativity and traditional craft techniques. Create unique leaf-inspired prints in a relaxed outdoor setting, with lunch provided and families welcome.

Leadership Lessons from the Herd: Danielle McKinnon Published in Brainz Magazine

Our founder Danielle McKinnon has been published in Brainz Magazine with a powerful new article, "The Box Every Leader Climbs Into." Drawing on lived experience, a £50 rescue pony and 24 acres of regenerated landfill, she explores what horses teach us about real leadership — presence, calm, trust, and the courage to lead as your whole self.

Meet Ishanee Podder

Behavioural Science Researcher — Herd Dynamics Ishanee Podder joined ESR while completing her MSc in Behavioural Science at the University of Glasgow. An economist and dedicated social volunteer originally from India, she's helping build the evidence base behind our Herd Dynamics leadership model — translating what happens between horses and people into insights others can learn from. When she's not researching, you'll find her dancing, painting, or out on a trek.

Featured: ALLIANCE Scotland Connected Communities case study

Featured in the ALLIANCE Scotland’s Connected Communities case study series, highlighting our intergenerational volunteering model, youth pathways, and community impact through meaningful work with people, horses, and nature. The feature also explores Herd Dynamics and our vision for Quarry Farm as a connected rural community resource.

Dark Skies, Old Tales — Fireside Storytelling at Quarry Farm

Join us for a soulful evening of Borders folklore, told fireside under one of Scotland's darkest skies. Part of the inaugural South of Scotland Dark Sky Festival — Saturday 17 October 2026, from 7pm at Quarry Farm.

Shared Leadership Is Harder Than Control

Shared leadership sounds collaborative and progressive, but in reality it is often slower, more uncomfortable and far more demanding than traditional control-based leadership. In this article for Brainz Magazine, Danielle McKinnon explores how horses, neuroscience and leadership theory reveal a deeper truth about leadership: real collaboration requires emotional regulation, psychological safety, financial clarity and strong governance. Drawing on her work through Eat Sleep Ride and the Herd Dynamics leadership programmes, Danielle explains why leaders must learn to read stress signals, share responsibility and balance embodied awareness with structural accountability.

From Horses to Hope: Our 2025 Impact Report

Our 2025 Impact Report shares the story of how Eat Sleep Ride continues to transform lives through horses, nature, and community. From youth leadership and volunteering to equine rehabilitation, environmental sustainability and wellbeing programmes, the report highlights the people, partnerships and progress shaping our work across the Scottish Borders and beyond.

Trustees Wanted - Join Eat Sleep Ride

Eat Sleep Ride is looking for new trustees to join our board as we continue to grow as a registered charity. Based in the Scottish Borders, Eat Sleep Ride works with young people, families and communities through horses, nature and learning. Our programmes support wellbeing, confidence and leadership while also developing innovative environmental projects such as biofuel and community growing.

Our Experiences Are Now Live on Booking Platforms

We're actively preparing Eat Sleep Ride and our experiences for the travel trade, with bookable listings now live on GetYourGuide, Viator, ClassBento, and Upiria. These platforms allow visitors, groups and corporate clients to discover and book our equine- and nature-based experiences directly, while helping us test demand, pricing and accessibility across different audiences.

Free Youth Arts Programme (Ages 5-21)

Eat Sleep Ride is delivering a monthly programme of free youth arts workshops for children and young people aged 5–21, running from March to September. The programme offers inclusive, accessible creative activities inspired by horses and nature, designed to build confidence, creativity and self-expression. Sessions are welcoming for all abilities, and family members are welcome.

Pitching, vulnerability & momentum

Pitching, vulnerability & momentum On Thursday, our founder pitched Herd Dynamics at Barclays Eagle Lab – Scale Eagles, reaching the final 10 from over 100 entries. While we didn't take the funding on the night, the conversations that followed mattered most — with new connections, interest, and real momentum around building sustainable income to support the charity work we deliver through Eat Sleep Ride.

Trustee & Board Development Through Horse-Led Experience

Eat Sleep Ride delivers trustee and board development through structured, horse-led experiential learning. Set on an off-grid, solar-powered site in the Scottish Borders, our sessions support trustees, boards, and senior leaders to understand how leadership, responsibility, and decision-making actually operate under pressure.

Herd Dynamics Resource: Approaching the Horse

A developing learning resource focused on the point of intersection between a person and a horse. This resource is designed to support learning through observation of the horse's responses before contact, noticing changes in one's own pace, attention and intention, and reflecting on how these shifts affect the interaction.

Eat Sleep Ride joins the Buy Social Suppliers' Catalogue

We're pleased to share that Eat Sleep Ride is now listed in the Buy Social Suppliers' Catalogue. We work UK-wide and internationally, offering in-person, land-based and equine-informed experiences at our site in Scotland, and bespoke online and hybrid sessions for organisations, teams and individuals.

Leadership Through Presence: Lessons from the Snake and the Horse

In our latest Brainz Magazine article, our CEO reflects on how 2025 — the Year of the Snake — challenged traditional ideas of leadership built on endurance, over-functioning and pushing through burnout. Instead, working with horses revealed a different path: leadership grounded in presence, awareness and shared responsibility. As we move into 2026, the Year of the Horse invites leaders to honour pace, relational awareness and embodied clarity.

Christmas Pony Days • 19 Dec – 9 Jan

Festive pony days at Eat Sleep Ride offering children a fun, supportive holiday experience with pony care, riding, crafts, nature activities and confidence-building sessions. Suitable for beginners, experienced riders and neurodiverse young people.

Eat Sleep Ride Christmas Party

A festive Christmas celebration at Eat Sleep Ride featuring pony rides, Santa’s grotto, crafts, games, campfire treats and family-friendly activities. A magical day of community, creativity and Christmas fun for children and families.

Holiday Pony Days – Fun for All Ages!

Christmas Pony Days at Eat Sleep Ride offer a festive experience with pony grooming, riding lessons, crafts, games and challenges, plus hot chocolate and seasonal treats. A fun, confidence-building holiday activity for children to enjoy time with ponies and nature.

Eat Sleep Ride joins national community-led suicide prevention project

Eat Sleep Ride is proud to be one of the groups selected for Suicide Prevention Scotland's new Community-Led Action Research (CLAR) programme, delivered in partnership with Penumbra Mental Health and the Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC). Over the coming year we'll be working alongside our community across South East Scotland to explore how horses, nature and shared spaces can reduce isolation and distress, make it easier to talk about suicide and mental health, and help people feel safer, more connected and more hopeful.

From Herd to Humanity - Shared Leadership in a Divided World

Shared Leadership in a Divided World: In a world that feels increasingly divided, horses offer a different way of understanding leadership — one rooted in connection, awareness, and shared responsibility. Through the TeachingHorse™ Diamond Model, I've learned that leadership isn't a title or a hierarchy. In the herd, leadership moves. It adapts. Every horse plays a role, and the strength of the group comes from how they stay attuned to one another.

Eat Sleep Ride Shortlisted for the 2025 BASIS Sustainable Sport Awards - Community Impact Category

We're thrilled to share that Eat Sleep Ride has been shortlisted for the 2025 BASIS Sustainable Sport Awards in the Community Impact category! This recognition celebrates how our equine and nature-based programmes are creating positive change for people, animals, and the planet.

Eat Sleep Ride Joins 'Towards a Thriving Sector' Leadership Programme

We're proud to share that Danielle our founder and Stephen chair of the board from Eat Sleep Ride have been accepted onto Towards a Thriving Sector — a national leadership and learning programme supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This seven-month journey brings together heritage organisations from across Scotland to explore new ways of working, building partnerships, and strengthening community impact.

Look Into It - Festival

Family friendly, pay as you feel fun filled community wellness event. Through out the day their will be a bouncy castle , local traders selling handmade gifts & food options such as gluten free, homemade ice cream.

Join the Herd - Be Part of the Beat

This winter, we're raising our voices — not just for us, but for the true heart of Eat Sleep Ride: our herd. These four-legged teachers are the ones who quietly carry the weight of our work. They help young people rebuild trust, find calm, and discover their strength. This song is a tribute to them — a reminder that to support our community, we must first support the herd.

Pony Days – October Holiday Fun

📅 Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat from 10th Oct – 3rd Nov 🕥 10:30–1:30 (£45) | 10:30–3:00 (£60) ✔ Groom & care for ponies ✔ Riding sessions for all levels ✔ Yard skills, games & crafts ✔ Nature play & pony cuddles 👧 Ages 5–18 📩 Book now: office@eatsleeprides.org

Shared Leadership in Action - Learning Exchange at Eat Sleep Ride

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.

When the Herd Heals - The Untold Strength of Horses in Women's Empowerment

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.

Eat Sleep Ride is People & Planet First Verified!

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.

Andy's Man Club Visit Eat Sleep Ride

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.

Our Social Impact (2025)

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.

Snapchat & Staying Safe Online: Workshop Highlights

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.

New Feature: Brainz Magazine - "The Gate Was Never Locked"

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.

Support Eat Sleep Ride While You Shop

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.

Welcoming Amrita Mojumder: Our New Impact and Evaluation Placement Student

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.

Horses, Home & Heritage: A Day of Connection

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.

Empower Her

Empower Her is a trauma-informed leadership and wellbeing programme for women. Rooted in nature, horses, and lived experience, it helps women reconnect with their inner voice, build self-worth, and lead with presence.

Our Carbon Footprint: Eat Sleep Ride's First Sustainability Report

In 2023, we completed our first carbon audit with the support of SRUC. Our total emissions were 14,836 kg CO2e, mainly from horse digestion (methane) and necessary energy use on-site. Though we're not a typical farm, this audit helps us take real steps to reduce emissions, including expanding renewable energy with more solar panels, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing biodiversity in our grasslands to store more carbon.

Supporting Mental Health with Horses at Eat Sleep Ride

For Mental Health Awareness Week, we're highlighting how horses help us heal. Eat Sleep Ride is a rural charity in Berwickshire, using equine-assisted coaching to support young people, families, and adults facing barriers to wellbeing. Through connection with horses, we help people build emotional resilience, confidence, and life skills in a safe, nature-based setting.

Why Breakfast Matters - A Fresh Perspective from Emmanuelle Ofori

We're thrilled to share "Breakfast Matters," a brilliant new booklet created by Emmanuelle Ofori, our Masters student placement. This vibrant, easy-to-follow guide explores why breakfast is the brain's best friend — drawing clever links between how humans and horses both thrive on balanced nutrition. From fun recipes to the story of Nina and her horse, this resource encourages young people to build better habits — starting with breakfast.

Discover Nature Like Never Before!

We're proud to launch our brand-new Interactive Nature Walk Map, designed and funded by our young people in partnership with NatureScot. This engaging tool lets you explore the hidden gems around our site at your own pace. From woodland trails to wildlife highlights, it's a brilliant way to connect with nature, learn, and have fun. We now have adorable Silkie chickens on-site.

Support Eat Sleep Ride through the Grassroots Sport Lottery!

We're a charity using horses to empower young people and promote wellbeing. By playing the lottery, you help us care for our animals and provide free, life-changing experiences for young people. Tickets are just £1 — and you could win up to £25,000!

We're thrilled to welcome Rohan to Eat Sleep Ride!

We're thrilled to welcome Rohan to Eat Sleep Ride! They're working on developing our Leadership with Horses course, blending nature, confidence building, and real-world communication skills. Their recent presentation showed real insight — and we can't wait to share what's next!

What's New at Eat Sleep Ride

Herd Dynamics Coaching Experience leadership and personal growth through equine-assisted sessions focused on energy, attention, direction, and authenticity. Event Space for Hire Our solar-powered, off-grid space is now open for retreats, workshops, and gatherings in the wild beauty of East Berwickshire. Tote Bags Still Available Support our youth and wellbeing work by purchasing a limited-edition ESR tote bag.

From Sluggish to Sharp: How Breakfast Boosts Mental Clarity

At Eat Sleep Ride, we are thrilled to have Emmanuelle Ofori, a Master's student intern, exploring the link between nutrition and mental clarity. Through her research, we aim to promote healthier eating habits that support young people's well-being. Skipping breakfast might seem harmless, but research shows it plays a crucial role in mental well-being.

We're on TV!

Eat Sleep Ride was featured on Robson Green's Weekend Escapes! We're thrilled to share how horses, nature, and community are making a real difference in the Borders. Watch it now on BBC iPlayer.

Support Eat Sleep Ride - Amazon Wishlist

Help Our Horses Thrive! Support Eat Sleep Ride by purchasing essential horse care items from our Amazon Wishlist. From seasonal supplements like Breathe Easy for asthma relief to Glucosamine for joint support, every gift directly helps our horses stay happy and healthy!

Become a Sponsor - Change a Life!

Support one of our amazing horses and help provide essential care, food, and wellbeing support for just £20/month. Your sponsorship directly helps horses like Buttons, Pirate, and Ben, ensuring they continue their therapy and youth programs. What You Get: Monthly updates, exclusive visits, sponsor recognition & more! Join the Sponsor Family Today! Email eatsleepridecic@gmail.com

New 2025 Price List Now Available!

We've updated our service prices for 2025, including riding school lessons, livery options, horse services, leadership programs, and youth activities. Whether you're looking for a fun riding experience, leadership coaching, or alternative education opportunities, we have something for everyone.

Empowering Communities, One Horse at a Time

At Eat Sleep Ride, we create safe, inclusive spaces for individuals to grow, heal, and thrive through the transformative power of equine-assisted therapy and nature. Explore our 2025 Impact Report to see how we're fostering resilience, community, and environmental stewardship.

Equine Communication Experience for One - £45

Discover the Language of Horses: Unique Equine Communication Experience Unlock the profound connection between humans and horses with our Equine Communication Experience for One! Learn the art of "talking horse" through shared leadership practices and mindfulness. Whether you're seeking personal growth or a unique adventure, this session offers a transformative experience with our equine partners. Perfect Gift for Horse Lovers. Available Now for £45.

Riding Lesson with Horse Assessment - From £35

Confidence Starts in the Saddle: Riding Lessons for Beginners Introduce a horse enthusiast to the world of riding with our Riding Lessons voucher. This fun and engaging lesson covers everything from grooming and tacking up to building riding skills with confidence. Special Offer: Purchase 7 lessons and get the 8th lesson FREE! Cost: £35 per lesson.

Equine Connection Experience for Two - £85

Equine Connection for Two Create unforgettable memories with our Equine Connection Experience for Two! Begin with guided grooming and horse care, followed by a tailored riding session designed to boost confidence and strengthen your bond with these incredible animals. Perfect for Couples, Families, or Friends. Cost: £85 (includes a unique experience for two). This experience is the ideal holiday gift for anyone who loves horses or wants to try something new.

Empowering Communities through Equine Experiences

Eat Sleep Ride CIC, based in Lamberton, East Berwickshire, combines equine therapy, youth empowerment, and environmental stewardship to create lasting social impact. Our programs foster confidence, resilience, and leadership, supporting young people and marginalised groups. Operating from a solar-powered site, we integrate sustainable practices into everything we do.

Welcome to Eat Sleep Ride: A Season of Growth and Impact

From building accessible sensory gardens to running transformative leadership workshops and inspiring young minds through biodiversity projects, Eat Sleep Ride continues to be a hub for healing, learning, and empowerment. This year, we've expanded our solar-powered spaces, hosted corporate leadership sessions, and supported young people in discovering their potential.

Pioneering Leadership through Echoing Wisdom: A Journey at ESR

Dive into the heart of innovative leadership with ESR's latest offering: Pioneering Leadership through Echoing Wisdom. Discover a unique oasis of learning where leadership emerges through silent dialogues with nature, guided by the wisdom of our equine companions.

The Harmonious Connection: Celebrating the Beauty of Dogs and Horses

In the tapestry of the natural world, few scenes are as heartwarming and majestic as the harmonious connection between dogs and horses. These creatures, each emblematic of strength and loyalty in their own right, share a bond that is both profound and beautiful.

Transformative Learning at RBS Hub: A Journey Beyond the Classroom

Dani our founder is now an alumni of the Royal Bank of Scotland Accelerator program and delivered a workshop at the RBS Hub to embark on an extraordinary journey beyond traditional learning. Along with the talented Nina, they explored the transformative power of shared leadership inspired by the natural guidance of horses.

Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Recognition: Our 2023 Milestones

As we turn the page on 2023, we pause to reflect on a year that has been both transformative and enriching for our organization. It's been a period of remarkable achievements, notable recognitions, and significant strides toward our mission of fostering sustainability, inclusivity, and well-being.

Gear Up for the Show Jumping Spectacle with ABRS+!

Dive into the heart of equestrian excellence with our latest blog post! We're thrilled to bring you all the details of our ongoing Winter Championship Show Jumping Tournament, a collaborative endeavor with ABRS+. As we gear up for the second of three exhilarating competitions this Saturday.

Community Consultation

Findings from our Democracy Matters Conversation

Our Crowdfunder

When Eat Sleep Ride was founded, it was with a vision to support the local community through equine and nature based interaction and particularly, to improve the lives of young people by providing opportunities.

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.

In The Spotlight

In The Spotlight with SES

Alternative Education

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

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.

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.

Eat Sleep Ride is HEIR Approved

Our membership of the Equine Assisted Services Partnership has been renewed and our listing on the Human Equine Interaction Register approved — the recognised standard for equine assisted services in the UK.

Pony Days Are Back

Pony Days – Summer Holiday Fun! Join us for Pony Days every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 26 June to 29 August 2025. Perfect for ages 6+, with riding, pony care, and outdoor play in a safe, supportive space. 📅 Half Day (10:30–1:30) £45 | Full Day (10:30–3:00) £60 📍 Lamberton, Berwickshire | 🎟️ Book now: eatsleepridecic@gmail.com