Ellie Cross (Youth Ambassador 2026). Ellie joined the Fossilfield Training Centre in 2022 as part of the Have You Got What It Takes to Ride a Racehorse? Programme for under 12s and has since become one of our most determined and inspiring young members. Living with a visual impairment, Ellie was among the first to join the riding sessions and has helped shape how we run programmes and clubs for young people. Her courage and commitment have been clear from the beginning as she built up her riding skills to gallop with confidence and completed her Level 5 Horsecare Award, and gained valuable experience working at Lucinda Racing.
Now Fossilfield’s Youth Ambassador for 2026, Ellie continues to grow in confidence and independence. She hopes to train as a social media manager in the future and use her creativity to inspire others. Her journey is a brilliant example of resilience, leadership, and the difference inclusive opportunities can make.
Horsescotland Awards (Project of the Year Nomination 2025) Fossilfield Training Centre was shortlisted for Project of the Year at the Horsescotland Awards for its initiative, Do You Have What It Takes to Ride a Racehorse? The programme offered young people the chance to experience the world of racehorses in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Although the project did not take home the top award, being recognised among many outstanding initiatives highlighted the impact of Fossilfield’s work in promoting accessibility and equestrian education across Scotland.
Matthew McGill (Youth Ambassador 2025). Matthew joined Fossilfield in 2024 as part of the No-one Left Behind Employment Initiative in partnership with East Ayrshire Council. Matthew was awarded the Most Improved Volunteer 2024 for his dedication in helping with morning stables, grooming and tack cleaning. Matthew also developed a particular passion for providing the Centre’s dogs, Samson & Bullet, with enrichment activities. Matthew has now re-engaged with his community and has started volunteering once a week with a local dog walking service.
Archie Patterson (Youth Ambassador 2024). Archie joined Fossilfield when he was 13 and has participated in the Do You Know How to Ride a Racehorse Scholarship Programme. He successfully completed his SCQF Level 4 Horse Care, Scottish Racing Academy (2023) and most recently undertook the SCQF Level 5 Introduction to Racehorse Care, Fossilfield (2024). He gained work experience as a Stable Hand at Ian Duncan Racing, Coylton and with Lucinda Russell Racing, Kinross as a Work Rider. Archie recently started his Apprenticeship to become a farrier (2025).
Lucy-Lee Crawford (Youth Ambassador 2023). Lucy joined Fossilfield in 2022 as part of an initiative to prevent Educational Disengagement. Working through a Leadership Programme she developed her confidence and team-building skills and now leads the Gallop Club as Head Lass. With her special bond with Emissaire (one of our end of career racehorses) she has became an accomplished rider and is working through her qualifications for Equestrian Coaching.
Lucy-Lee is currently completing her education and hopes to become an Agricultural Engineer.
Lori Walsh (Junior Director). Nominated as Fossilfield’s Youth Ambassador 2022, Lori has been an inspirational role model and the driving force behind developing the equine-facilitated programmes which Fossilfield offers. Finding herself isolated during the Covid-19 pandemic she demonstrated a remarkable level of resilience and dedication to the welfare of the racehorses at Lucinda Russell Racing, Kinross. Her level of maturity and passion was recognised by her employer when she was nominated for the Godolphin Stable Staff Newcomer Award in 2022 at the age of 17.
Setting up Fossilfield Training Centre in partnership with her parents, her mission was to allow other young people opportunities to challenge themselves and discover positive pathways that were meaningful to them. Lori continues to be actively involved and is a Level 2 Race Coach supporting young riders into her Industry.