meet the team
Stephie White
Coach
After completing her Equine Studies course at Barony College, Stephie came to the Centre to train with our late founder, Amanda Saville.
In her 17 years with the team, Stephie has completed her UKCC Level 1 Award in Coaching and was Reserve Supreme Champion (Indoors) 2018, and Reserve Open Pony Pair Champion (2019.)
A talented driver and groom, Stephie has also backstepped for a number of different drivers and formations competing at the highest levels, including the World Championships.
She is now enjoying training her new pony, with whom she hopes to do more dressage and ride-outs - including a return to the City of Edinburgh Riding of the Marches.
Alicia Fraser
Coach
Alicia has been coming to the centre for over 22 years (since she was 5!) With her brightly coloured (ever-changing) hair and singing, Alicia may be our most recognisable coach.
Since joining the team as a professional, Alicia has completed her horsescotland Level 1 Certificate in Coaching and been Certius Short Format Reserve Champion 2023.
Always keen to try new things, Alicia is now working towards her Level 2 Coaching qualification.
Kimberly Scott
Coach
A keen rider when she first joined the Chariots of Fire team 10 years ago, Kimberly now has a horsescotland Level 1 Certificate in Coaching and extensive carriage driving experience - including backstepping for an Open Pony National Champion and Open Pony
Pairs National Champion.
While both of her daughters enjoy riding the many different ponies available at the centre, she'd love to get them a pony of their own.
Sheena Bulman
Coach
Sheena has been teaching at the Centre for 4 years now.
Having passed her BHS Stage 4 exams and achieved a 4th at the Open Riding Club Eventing Championships, Sheena now loves nothing more than being able to give the children she teaches a sense of achievement.
She also says that having done it enough when she was little, her personal ambition now she is "old" is to not fall off!
Kirstin Murray
Coach
Kirstin first came to the centre in 2016, as a volunteer; she's now a horsescotland Level 1 certified Coach, and hoping to get her Class 1 driving licence.
When not planning fundraising events or road-trips in the horsebox, Kirstin loves taking her pony Pebbles on ride-outs.
Katie Mannion
Coach
Before coming to the Centre in 2022, Katie trained with Grand Prix Show Jumper Geoff Billington
and Grand Prix Dressage Rider Charlie Hutton, both of whom have
represented Great Britain.
While still working towards Grassroots Eventing at Badminton Horse Trials with her own ex-racehorses, Katie has now completed her horsescotland Level 1 Certificate in Coaching and continues to enjoy backing and bringing on young horses.
"The team are kind, helpful, supportive and patient. They help grow my confidence and capability at a pace that is right for me."
Carolyn Fraser
Groom
After 19 years with the Chariots of Fire team, Carolyn is a jack-of-all-trades; most important of which is obviously ensuring all the ponies get enough cuddles. As a Mum and a Grandma, she gets plenty of practice.
While still a force to be reckoned with, Carolyn's pony, Megan, is now retired so Carolyn is currently on the look out for another special pony with whom she might have as much fun doing Club Competitions.
Wullie Patterson
Groom
Our resident handyman, horsebox driver, heavy metal fan, tattooed baldy, and total softy.
Wullie is Dad to four children with additional needs and wasn't that keen on horses when he first joined us as a volunteer 8 years ago.
He's now an important part of our yard team and, in addition to wanting to drive his pony Jack competitively at National events, he's hoping to start riding more.
Liza Pern
Business Manager
Liza is the longest-serving member of the Chariots of Fire family and the reason that Amanda's vision was realised and lives on.
Despite having spent her childhood galloping across the Downs, and later galloped around Cumbria and Boreland on Mr Pie - the pony that inspired Amanda to start the Chariots of Fire Display Team - Liza is now most likely to be your first point of contact, in the office or on the yard greeting clients.
Always passionate about the welfare of our animals, she is equally dedicated to ensuring that the Centre continues to provide the best possible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the healing power of horses.
"The staff are amazing, they understand our pupils, encourage them to do activities that they can normally avoid."