‘We have now grown into something much bigger’ - spotlight on social enterprise at Lamberton

A social enterprise near Berwick is hoping to get more support from residents and businesses in the town.
By Andrew Coulson
Published 10th Nov 2022, 10:30 BST
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Eat, Sleep, Ride (ESR) – based at Quarry Farm, Lamberton – is not a traditional riding school as it provides a range of services that include therapeutic, educational and community activities, and also commercial sport, training and team building activities.

Founded by Danielle McKinnon in 2017, throughout the last five years it has worked to address social needs through affordable equine, nature and countryside interaction.

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She said: “It was initially about providing affordable riding tuition for disadvantaged people, but we have now organically grown into something much bigger.

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Eat, Sleep, Ride includes an experienced board of eight colleagues, 11 staff members and around 40 active volunteers.Eat, Sleep, Ride includes an experienced board of eight colleagues, 11 staff members and around 40 active volunteers.
Eat, Sleep, Ride includes an experienced board of eight colleagues, 11 staff members and around 40 active volunteers.

“We provide volunteering opportunities, employability training and alternative education provision, giving clients the opportunity to develop specialist skills, and some of our services help those with severe self-esteem issues – a product of the difficult challenges they face and of the way their lives have evolved as a consequence of giving up on school, unemployment, emotional withdrawal etc.

“There is an important mental health element as interacting with and being present with the horses takes the individual to another place, away from the feelings of judgement and stigma.

“All of our horses are rescues and they each have their own story. They are a vital part of the team and we stress to everyone who comes along that they need to be treated with respect.

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“Along with health and wellness sessions, personal development and venue hire, we provide team building activities for businesses as well as skills workshops and professional development packages to benefit both managers and staff.

A range of equine services are provided such as ridden tuition, events, clinics, livery and clipping. Picture by Alan Hughes.A range of equine services are provided such as ridden tuition, events, clinics, livery and clipping. Picture by Alan Hughes.
A range of equine services are provided such as ridden tuition, events, clinics, livery and clipping. Picture by Alan Hughes.

“We are completely solar powered, we plant our own trees and we also have a sensory garden.

“We have been trying to raise greater awareness of what we do, including an updated website that went live last week, and hopefully this will help us to get an increase in support from Berwick businesses and the wider community.”

ESR’s plans for the future include the provision of glamping and weekend retreats for businesses.

For more information about the social enterprise, go to www.eatsleeprides.org

Related topics:BerwickSleep