Cara
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I was a rural surveyor by trade and a specialist in renewable energy, but my true love has always been horses. Through Wilder Ways, I am now lucky enough to live my joy and help others to live theirs. I started riding at the age of 6 and I’ve been addicted ever since. The journey has been varied including a love of wilderness horse adventures around the world (Scotland – Norway – Canada –France – Mexico – Bulgaria – Mongolia) and exhilarating disciplines (cross-country jumping – horseback archery – polo – trick riding). Through all of this, my greatest passion lies in horsemanship.
I love learning about horses and the partnerships we can achieve. Over the years I have been fortunate to learn from some great horsemanship masters (Monty Roberts – Peter Campbell – Vladimir Mustakerski – Sean Coleman – Warrick Schiller – Joe Midgley). And, of course, the horses themselves have been great mentors, from the first Shetland ponies of my childhood to the foals we are breeding and training today. Over the 10 years of Wilder Ways, it has fascinated me to see how the same horses interact with different people; and how the same type of people are attracted to certain horses. This horsemanship malarky seems to be as much about humanship. So, as I get older, I realise that to achieve the partnerships and connections I seek with horses, I first have to gain a greater understanding and awareness of myself. |
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In earlier times Nichola Evans’s ‘Horse Whisper’ and Tom Dorrance’s ‘True Unity’ were my inspiration. These days, Richard Bach’s ‘Illusions’, James Redfield’s ‘The Celestine Prophecy’ and Miguel Ruiz’s ‘The Four Agreements’ are an even greater muse.
Today I am captivated by the exploration of Horsemanship and Humanship together. We are not so different. Both are social creatures, hard wired by our nervous system but with the power to be anything they dare to believe.
Via Wilder Ways, we invite you to join our adventures. Be empowered through adventure, as we use creativity and the love of play to install confidence and build connection, all within the nourishing wild canvass of nature.
Today I am captivated by the exploration of Horsemanship and Humanship together. We are not so different. Both are social creatures, hard wired by our nervous system but with the power to be anything they dare to believe.
Via Wilder Ways, we invite you to join our adventures. Be empowered through adventure, as we use creativity and the love of play to install confidence and build connection, all within the nourishing wild canvass of nature.
Nikki
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I’ve loved horse-riding since I was a girl and used to blag riding lessons in exchange for mucking out. By the age of 14, I’d saved up enough for a cheap, partly-trained Welshie, much to my mother’s annoyance – I learnt self-reliance early as she point-blank refused to have anything to do with him. He taught me how to stick on, horse care and an enduring love for the freedom horses can give you.
After graduating in Environmental Science and working as a botanist in South America, I set up my own ecology consultancy and spent the next 25 years as a freelance ecologist, wandering the mountains of Scotland with a map and pencil, monitoring our wildest places. I met Cara in The Fannich Hills and our friendship rekindled my love of horses. Within Wilder Ways my particular passion is the joy of empowerment; working with women who feel they ‘can’t’ do something, helping them to try and find that they can; and getting the buzz you can only feel from pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. I love horseback archery which I find to be one of the most exhilarating and affirming things you can do on a horse. Wilder Ways has also provided me with a million opportunities to get to know horses, what they need, what motivates them and to continue to seek ways to improve their lives and our relationship with them. My recent inner journey has made me aware of how this relationship reflects on ourselves. Horses are non-judgemental mirrors of our energy and intent – that is how they themselves communicate with each other. Our relationships with them can honestly show us a great deal about who we are, and ways to improve our own self-knowledge. |
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Christina
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I am a huge animal lover, have a great love for the outdoors and countryside and love being busy, so when I saw that Wilder Ways were advertising a housekeeper position in 2021, I knew it would be perfect for me.
At the age of 7 I was able to do horse riding classes for around a year and made some memories that I’ll never forget. I love horses so being surrounded by them here at Wilder Ways is amazing. Once I started working here I was able to ride again for the first time in over 10 years! Now, Hilary takes me out on hacks with Rio, which has been so special! I’ve had some amazing experiences working here, like doing horseback archery and bottle feeding a little lamb (Loki, who is now a fully grown wether, still comes to see me for cuddles!). Since starting with Wilder Ways, I’m now solely in charge of the housekeeping and have taken on an increasing amount of cooking – I never realised how much I love feeding people! In the quieter time and winter months I now also complete the bookkeeping and this year will start training for my AAT Bookkeeping qualifications. Whilst you might not often see me on the yard, Cara and Nikki tell me I’m the glue that sticks us all together.
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Hilary
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I’ve been pony obsessed as long as I can remember. I took weekly riding lessons my whole childhood before working weekends on yards as a teenager, so by 2020 I could eventually afford to look after a pony of my own, my lovely wee cob, Rio. I first came to Wilder Ways as part of my work placement module for my degree in Equine Business Management with the University of the Highlands and Islands. As expected, I immediately loved it here. It was an obvious choice for Rio and I to take up the opportunity to move here when Nikki and Cara offered me a job on the yard after a few days of being on placement. My day to day now involves caring for the Wilder Ways ponies and ensuring all of their needs are met, as well as tailing rides and chatting away to our guests, alongside completing the last 2 years of my degree! This is absolutely perfect for me as I love being outside in nature, meeting new people, and of course spending every day with the ponies! Hilary worked for us during our 2023 & 2024 seasons. Although we were so sad to see her go to chase her horsey passions, we love seeing her pop back and forward to visit and help out, so you may still see here around! |
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Beithean
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Being Nikki and Cara’s daughter, I've grown up around horses and riding for as long as I can remember! From learning the ropes on our Shetland, Midge, to going trekking in Iceland aged 7, & now getting the opportunity to become a horseback archer… I've had some pretty great experiences! Over the years I have enjoyed several stints at Wilder Ways, from wonderful opportunities to teach younger riders as my mum taught me, to working in the kitchen, tending the garden and helping with the animals. The experiences and life skills I’ve gained working for Wilder Ways will stay with me forever. |
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Although currently pursuing a career in sailing, Beithean still gets dragged in from time to time!
Volunteers
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There is always something to do around the farm, in the house or with the horses and in addition to our permanent team, we couldn’t get through everything without the help of the herd of volunteers who have joined us over the years. Our volunteer program attracts people from all over the world to come and spend some time helping us our here at Wilder Ways in return for their bed and board, training, time with the horses and other animals and a general top up of soul food from the farm. A big thank you to you all.
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