Meet The Team
At Wagtail Equine Therapy, our team is anything but ordinary. We’re a one-of-a-kind mix of passionate humans and remarkable horses, working side by side to share healing, happiness, and a little bit of magic.
Mollie
Director
Mollie brings a strong background in clinical and forensic psychology, along with valuable experience working in the charity sector, to her role at Wagtail Equine Therapy CIC.
Her own journey with horses started when she was 13, during a tough time in her life. Facing challenges at school, low confidence, and mental health struggles, Mollie found a lifeline in the equestrian world. In 2013, she got her first horse, Jack, who she says truly saved her life.
Through Jack, Mollie found a deep emotional bond that gave her a new sense of purpose, responsibility and healing. That relationship helped her find the strength to reach out for support from family, friends, and other networks.
Inspired by how horses helped her transform her own life, Mollie went on to study psychology and is now dedicated to helping others on their own journeys towards wellbeing. At Wagtail Equine Therapy CIC, she believes horses can be amazing partners in personal growth, recovery, and building resilience.
Lauren
Director
Lauren’s passion for horses began at just 15 years old when she completed her first NVQ as part of her high school studies. From that moment, she knew working with horses was what she was meant to do.
She went on to complete an apprenticeship at her local riding school, earning her Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in horse care and schooling. During this time, she also qualified as an instructor.
Lauren has since built a wide range of experience across the equestrian world, from working on a rehabilitation yard and at Stepney Bank Stables, to grooming at a large competition yard in Ayrshire and later supporting both eventing and sales horses in Dumfries.
Lauren is now back home where her journey first began, still just as dedicated, hands-on, and passionate about every aspect of horse care.
Lauren also understands how important mental health is, thanks to her own life experiences. She is a big believer in the healing power of horses and always aims to create a kind, supportive space where everyone feels welcome – no matter their background or ability.
Valentine
Tiny. Curious. Cute.
Standing at just 8.2hh, Valentine may be tiny, but her personality is huge! This beautiful 2020 palomino mare came to us from the RSPCA Felledge after being rescued and was looking for her forever home, and now she’s found it with us.
Valentine is a joy in every way, kind, gentle, and always up for cuddles. We honestly can’t fault this little bundle of sunshine. She adores attention and is more than ready to meet all you fabulous people.
Come and say hello to our lovely Valentine, you’re guaranteed to fall in love!
Mickey
Devoted. Bright. Willing.
Standing at 8.3hh, Mickey may be small in size, but he’s bursting with heart. This gorgeous bay gelding, born in 2021, is full of character and charm.
Mickey came to us on long-term loan, when it was recognised that he needed a job with a purpose, and that he would thrive as a therapy pony. Since then, Mickey has been kindly gifted to us, and is now a fully fledged member of Wagtail Equine Therapy CIC!
With his kind eyes and gentle nature, Mickey is always making a big impression, and we are so excited for you to meet him! He’s ready to share his spark with everyone he meets.
Flint
Gentle. Steady. Peaceful.
Flint was born in 2007 and has had quite a few homes over the years, moving from one person to another. But through it all, he’s stayed a gentle and steady horse. His last owners gave him a great home for a few years, where he helped a young girl learn about life and riding. They wanted to make sure Flint found a loving, forever home, and that’s how he came to live with Lauren, the director of Wagtail Equine Therapy CIC.
Now Flint is settled for good. He brings calm and quiet strength to the herd and has a peaceful way about him that everyone appreciates.
Twirl
Confident. Playful. Affectionate.
Sponsored by House of Loco Tanning & Beauty
Twirl, born in 2015, is a seasoned ex-riding school pony with plenty of miles under his hooves and a heart of gold. Before joining his current owners, he lived in the beautiful coastal town of Seahouses, where he spent many days taking part in beach rides. With the sea breeze in his mane and endless sights and sounds around him, Twirl has truly seen it all, which makes him wonderfully unflappable and confident in any setting.
He’s currently on working livery, as his fantastic owners, have lovingly shared him so that more people can benefit from his calm, affectionate nature and cheeky sense of humour. Twirl was a brilliant teacher to his young rider, helping to build both confidence and trust. Now, he brings that same steady, funny charm to life at Wagtail, quickly becoming a favourite among the herd and the people who meet him.
Whether he’s making us laugh with his playful antics or offering quiet comfort just by being near, Twirl is a joy to have around.
Desmond
Calm. Loyal. Friendly.
Sponsored by Mollie Mcilvaney Photography
Born in 2017, Desmond’s journey hasn’t been straightforward. He started out aiming for a racing career but quickly proved to be more of a gentle, slow mover, winning hearts as a loving companion to the other horses on the racing yard.
Before joining Mollie (director of Wagtail Equine Therapy CIC), Desmond gave eventing a try, but it didn’t quite go to plan. Now, he and Mollie are building a strong bond, going back to basics to see where their path leads.
Desmond is a calm and friendly presence at Wagtail, happily enjoying brushes and treats from clients and visitors alike.
Wernie
Cheeky. Adventurous. Fearless.
Flavo Raymond, also known as Wernie or Werner, has joined the Wagtail herd from Germany! He is a 13 year old Welsh Cob with a big personality and even bigger appetite! Although he was born and bred in Germany, his dad came straight from Wales, so the Welsh spirit is there!
Wernie is full of beans, and is particularly talented when it comes to opening doors, and if there’s food involved he has an impressive ability to find his way to it!
Despite his cheeky side, Wernie is a real softie, who absolutely loves having his ears scratched. He’s not easily fazed by much and seems to think the world is there to be explored… although there is one exception to that is sheep! They are Wernie’s nemesis (but Tank and Timmy hope to change his mind on this!)
Splash
Wise. Kind. Patient.
Splash is our gentle old man with a heart full of wisdom and a story or two to tell. He’s had a varied life, some parts more difficult than others, but through it all, he’s stayed kind, patient, and full of character.
Now enjoying a happier chapter, Splash is proudly teaching his young person, Aimee, the ways of the world, offering steady support and quiet confidence. He’s also a valued member of the Wagtail Equine Therapy CIC team, where his calm nature and gentle soul help others feel safe, seen, and understood.
Despite his past, Splash continues to give his all, and proves every day just how special he really is.
Tucker
Cuddly. Loving. Sweet.
Tucker, born in 2021, is a 16.2hh Irish Sport Horse, loved and owned by Katie! Katie describes Tucker as her calm and peace, and says he gives the best hugs!
He is a loving boy who really enjoys attention and absolutely loves being groomed, usually so much that he falls asleep!
He has struggled with making horsey friends in the past, but has already made some amazing friendships at Wagtail, especially with his new bestie, Twirl 🙂
We hope that he will be able to share his kindness, calm and peace with others!
Tank and Timmy
Sociable. Bouncy. Welcoming.
Our two very friendly, four-legged weed-eaters! Tank and Timmy are our two wethers and quite possibly the friendliest sheep you’ll ever meet! They coming running to say hello every single time without fail, and absolutely love a cuddle and a bit of attention!
If you’re really lucky, you might even get the chance to have a proper snuggle with them when they’re lying down!
They originally joined us to help keep on top of the weeds around Wagtail, but they quickly became much more than just that! They are here to be loved, cared for, and part of the Wagtail family forever!