THE founder of a new equine training centre near Auchinleck has set out how she and her husband hope to provide training for people in the area throughout the coming year.

Fossilfield Training Centre, at Berryhill Bing, has been set up to provide training to anyone aged 12 and above who hopes to work professionally with horses – or who simply wants to gain experience working in an outdoor environment.

Mercy McEwan, who set up the centre with her husband as a social enterprise, says an open day is planned for early spring to showcase what the centre offers and hopes to offer in future.

Those plans include an ambitious bid to offer courses in learning how to ride racehorses – the first of its kind in Scotland.

But Mercy says she wants to set up classes showing the therapeutic benefits of horses too.

A number of initiative are underway at the moment, including Gallop Club progressive awards and Woody and Buzz Adventure Club for younger members.

The centre is looking to have an open day on March 20, to showcase all they have on offer.

The brains behind the centre, Mercy McEwan, is excited to see how this year shapes up.

She said: “Basically the centre is a new social enterprise called Fossilfield Training Centre based near Auchinleck.

“It’s been a lifelong ambition,” she said.

“My husband and I have been constructing this bespoke centre for the last six years allowing our visitors an inclusive, safe and respectful environment to learn about themselves and others whilst engaging in various equine and outdoor learning experiences.

“It is an outdoor learning centre offering practical skill-based learning that aims to improve health and well-being – physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and professionally.

“We also intend to run a women’s mental health group called Moody Mares, offering a range of equine assisted therapy classes, and a horticultural therapy group, which will be responsible for the upkeep of our therapy and sensory garden.

“The centre is currently being supported by various professionals and local businesses - we are most grateful for their valuable input. The centre will be accessible to other like minded groups and organisations.

“We will also offer private tuition in horse and animal care and horseriding.

“In March we will begin our specialised Work Rider Training courses which will be a unique experience learning to ride racehorses. It will be the first of its kind in Scotland and we hope to produce some budding jockeys in the future.

“We hope to have an official opening date set for the middle of March but in the meantime we welcome any enquiries.”

Email fossilfieldracing@aol.com for more info.