Founder of the Fossilfield Vision, Mercy has over 30 years experience as a riding instructor and a lifelong passion for working with Thoroughbred Horses. Having been a Point-to-Point rider and trainer she retired in 2021 to fulfill a new passion inspiring a new generation of talent into the Horse-racing Industry. Qualified as a Level 3 Race Coach with the Racing Staff Development Program Mercy’s career highlight has been marking this astonishing achievement by becoming the first regional representative in Scotland
Lori has been representing Fossilfield since 2022 when she became the first Youth Ambassador .
Leaving school at 15 to pursue her childhood dream to be a jockey, she represents many young people who outgrow school to follow their destiny.
Since securing a full-time position as a work rider in 2021 with Lucinda Russell Racing, Lori’s career has went from strength to strength with her dedication and mindset recognised with nomination to the Godolphin Stable Staff Awards and career highlights including Corach Rambler winning the Randox Grand National (Aintree, 2023) & 3rd placing in the Boodles Gold Cup (Cheltenham, 2024).
Lori is a level 2 Race Coach and supports the transition of the Fossilfield Racing College graduates into their industry work placement. She plans to become a Racehorse Trainer in the future.
Sam joined the Fossilfield Team in 2023 as a volunteer instructor for the community riding school that came about after the success of the Racehorse Inititive “Do You Have What It Takes To Ride A Racehorse?”.
Working in partnership with both Race Coaches, Sam has brought additional expertise to Team Fossilfield as an ABRS Instructor. Embracing the vision and ethos of Fossilfield Sam’s has worked in collaboration with Mercy to help shape a complimentary and highly effective elite equine performance coaching program which is unique to Fossilfield Training Centre.
Ronnie began riding as a mature adult, coached by his wife and co-founder of Fossilfield Mercy. Developing a new passion which challenged him to ride against the two- time winning Grand National Jockey, Derek Fox, during a Charity Race in 2022.
Ronnie loves to share his experience as a Mentor offering an inspirational source of confidence to novice riders .
Representing a diverse range of characters and personalities our Team of Rehabilitated Racehorses provide an unique backdrop to our Training Centre which offers a multitude of coaching experiences including understanding horse psychology, equine welfare, training the performance horse, rehabilitating an end of career racehorse and much more. The versatility and bond the Thoroughbred has with mankind can not be surpassed and will always be a winner in Fossilfield Training Centre.
Offering a more manageable size our riding school ponies offer many hours of enjoyment to our youngest members and provide affordability into an elite sport.
Arthur is the baby of the team. The first born at Fossilfield in June 2022, Arthur has shown some great potential galloping around the fields, already displaying the attitude of a champion! He is a favourite among those visiting the yard with his mischievous and playful character. Arthur will begin a career in Horse-racing when he turns 3 years and will become the first Syndicate Horse for Team Fossilfield. Arthur’s mum – Lucky – never managed to track but has found a home for life at Fossilfield hopefully breeding a sibling for Arthur in the future.
Our newest members to Team Fossilfield are Steph and Kenzie who are currently being supported by East Ayrshire Council‘s Employment Incentive. Both ladies have been valued Fossilfield volunteers and were perfect candidates to fill our new positions of Programme Coordinator (Steph) and Activity Leader (Kenzie). Both are always at hand to assist with any queries and have been invaluable additions to our team. .