Danielle McKinnon

Equine Leadership Facilitator/ Social Entrepreneur

Danielle Mckinnon is a neurodiverse social entrepreneur, equine leadership coach, and founder of Eat Sleep Ride, a rural-based Scottish charity that empowers individuals through horse-inspired learning, nature connection, and inclusive leadership. With lived experience of the care and education systems, she brings authenticity, resilience, and vision to her work with communities on the edge.
 
Trained in the U.S. as an Equine Development Coach and licensed practitioner of the TeachingHorse Diamond Model, she is part of a global network teaching shared leadership through herd dynamics. Her work bridges equine-assisted development, coaching, and systemic change — supporting young people, women, neurodiverse individuals, and those affected by justice or trauma to lead through uncertainty with courage and clarity.
 
A skilled SVQ Assessor, she works across direct and indirect work-based learning, helping people build confidence and practical leadership in real-world contexts. She is also a Scottish EDGE Social Enterprise Winner (2022), RBS Accelerator alumni, and builder of a solar-powered wellbeing farm rooted in sustainability and intergenerational connection.
 
From riding the Genghis Khan Trail to challenging the status quo in rural Scotland, her journey reflects bold action grounded in empathy. She is passionate about learning from others and creating social, emotional, and political change — particularly by opening up opportunities for young people to thrive, lead, and shape a better future.