Stacey McDowell - Senior Manager

Stacey is an experienced educator with over 12 years of teaching experience. As a Primary Maths Specialist, Stacey worked extensively with the North West Maths Hub, where she supported schools and senior leaders in improving mathematics teaching and learning in primary education. After serving as a Deputy Headteacher for two years, Stacey transitioned to Senior Manager of Changing Lives through Horses at Wirral Riding Centre. Stacey is passionate about working with Young People and their families to make a positive difference.

Interesting fact: Stacey has always loved sassy little ponies and was lucky enough to be bought her first pony when she was 5years old. In the year 2000, Stacey took one of her sassy ponies and rode in a Musical Drill ride at the Horse of the Year Show!

Sophie Cairns - Programme Coordinator

After taking a long break from horses Sophie was finally encouraged to get back into the saddle by her pony mad daughter. Sophie started having lessons at Wirral Riding Centre (WRC) 7 years ago and then started volunteering at WRC helping out with yard duties. In January 2024 after a massive growth in demand for CLtH at WRC she joined our amazing team. She loves to see our young people grow and develop their equine skills along with developing key life skills in all the varying activities we provide and is currently growing her own knowledge by working through her BHS stages.

Interesting fact: Sophie is a classically trained dancer and has danced at The Royal School of Ballet!

Jessica Bell - Support Worker

Jess came to Wirral Riding Centre (WRC) in March 24 and has loved every moment since. Jess has been around horses since she was a little girl and always knew that she wanted to work with horses and young people. Jess studied at Reaseheath College where she gained her Level 3 Equine Diploma and has been working with animals ever since. Jess has also worked with and support children and adults with Special Educational Needs.

Interesting fact: When Jess was a teenager she was offered a job working with the Bronze Olympic Medalist Andrew Heffernan.

Melissa Rudd - Support Worker

Mel has recently joined the Changing Lives through Horses team in September 2024. For the last 12 years Mel has been an FE and HE Lecturer of Equine successfully supporting students through their college and university programs. Mel is very much looking forward to supporting the young people on our CLtH program.

Interesting facts: Mel has a passion for equine research and has published two journal articles in Equine Exercise Physiology!

Libby Hesketh - 1-1 Support Worker

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Libby joined the CLTH team in May 2025. She previously worked as a Teaching Assistant in an alternative provision, within a high school for the past 7 years. Libby has extensive experience teaching and supporting young people with a variety of additional needs, specialising in working with young people with ASC, MLD, ADHD, DCD and sensory processing disorder. Libby has had a passion for horses since childhood, taking up riding lessons when she was 10 years old and has been the owner of her horse Rosie for the past 4 years. Libby loves to spend time grooming and going out hacking with Rosie, who loves to share any food that Libby has at the yard!

Interesting fact: Libby also used to dance until she was 18 years old and used to compete with her team all around the country, winning many trophies including World Street Dance Champion.