Fossilfield Training Centre in Auchinleck recently marked the milestone of six months since their official opening.
Mercy McEwan, who set up the centre located at Berryhill Bing with her husband as a social enterprise, helps care for rehabilitated racehorses at the centre.
Fossilfield was 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.
Since March, the centre has gone from having six young participants, to having over 100 people involved in their unique training.
Mercy is overwhelmed by what has been an incredible six months, and she can't wait to see what the next six months hold.
"Having opened in March with six young participants Fossilfield has had over 100 people engage in our unique equine assisted therapy opportunities for both personal and professional development with ages ranging between 4 and 70 years," Mercy said.
"We have now successfully established The Woody and Buzz Outdoor Adventurers Club encouraging our younger members to be active outdoors and learn from nature.
"The McCann Jockey Club encourages physical wellbeing through the routine care and riding of our two ponies Molly and Woody.
"The Walsh Gallop Club focuses intensely around the care and rehabilitation needs of our group of retired racehorses and offers enthusiastic participants the opportunity to gain an insight into the Horse Industry for future career prospects."
Mercy added: "Already the centre has successfully supported several participants onto their career paths including veterinary nursing, farriery, dog grooming, child-minding and clerical as well as directly into the Horseracing Industry.
"We also held our first Popup Jockey Schools at Tarbolton, St.Patricks and New Cumnock primary schools which proved very popular.
"All programs and clubs are founded on the Centre's successful Harmony psycho-physical Technique developed by myself, a Level 2 BHA (British Horseracing Authority) Registered Racecoach and who has been nominated by the Racing Staff Development Program for a UK Coaching Community Coach Award.
"The centre couldn't operate with out the key support from our Funders , Local business sponsorship and the donations from our supporters.
"To carry on our success we are calling to action anyone with relevant experience to strengthen our youth development, fundraising and community wellbeing committees."
Fossilfields AGM will be held at Chapel Hall Auchinleck at 6pm on Monday, November 14.
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