Auchinleck: Fossilfield Training Centre for ex-racehorses

The centre, located at Berryhill Bing, was set up by Mercy McEwan and her husband as a social enterprise 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.

Opening their doors in 2021, the cnetre wasn't able to hold its official opening and subsequent opening day until March 2022.

Keen riders at Fossilfield (Image: Fossilfield)

Since then, they've had hundred of people involved in their training techniques, with many of their programs priving to be a massive hit with the locals.

As they look forward to 2023, owner Mercy is hoping to have another successful year, and build on what has gone before.

They've already hosted the first Pony Racing Qualifiers in the West of Scotland on January 7, with their own riders taking part

Mercy said: "The first Pony Racing Authority Training and Qualifier Day held at Fossilfield [was] a great turnout for the future of the sport with riders coming from across Scotland to attend.

"Our own Jaxon Ritchie with his pony Domino also took part and is now planning his debut races at our local meetings at Overton.

"Here at Fossilfield we are ready for 2023 and have an exciting year ahead, with new programs in development focusing around canine activities and wellbeing.

"We hope to grow even more than that in 2022 and will continue to give those disadvantaged a safe place in Ayrshire.

"Stepping into the new year was also the perfect time to share everyone’s achievements from the final quarter of 2022.

"This shone light on everyone’s hard-work and dedication to the centre and their own personal development."