The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has continued its partnership with youth charity The Prince’s Trust to support the delivery of a “Get Started with Horse Care” programme for unemployed young people in the Wiltshire area.
The programme was held at Greatwood, the recognised racehorse welfare charity, where 10 disadvantaged young people from Swindon and Bristol took part in this free five day course. The aim of the course was to help young people gain the skills and confidence they need to get into work or training. Get Started with Horse Care helps to boost their confidence by helping them to work with horses and to learn about the racing industry.
The programme started on Monday 16th July and resulted in the candidates gaining entry level qualifications in horse care. They learnt practical skills in handling and grooming horses and were encouraged to work in a team to help develop their communication skills. The highlight of the week was undoubtedly their visit to Brian Meehan’s training yard in Manton where they got to experience the day to day running of a large, busy and successful yard.
The Prince’s Trust provides support for three months after the programme to help young people into employment, education, volunteering or training. From the last Get Started with Horse Care programme run at the Northern Racing College in May, four participants went onto the Stable Staff Foundation Course and are now happily able to ride up the straight gallop, as well as looking after two horses on a daily basis.
Marguerite Doherty, Programme Executive at The Prince’s Trust, said:
“This programme gives young people the chance to learn and develop new skills, whilst also learning life skills like working in a team and resilience when things get tough. Most importantly though, courses like this show young people that their passion can become a reality. All too often, young people experience a poverty of aspiration; maybe school didn’t work out for them and they feel that with little or no qualifications, a successful future is something that is for “other people”, not for them.
“Working with Greatwood and Northern Racing College has been incredible. The support offered to our young people – someone to listen to them, believe in them and help them take the next steps in their lives – shows them that they can achieve and that they can be part of an industry that will help them lead fulfilling lives.”
Michelle Douglas, Industry Recruitment Associate for the BHA, said:
“It has been a pleasure working with these young people. The BHA is delighted to be able to offer this opportunity for young people to experience the fun and fulfilment of working with horses and hopefully show them that a career in racing is possible for them.”
The British Horseracing Authority has been a supporter of The Prince’s Trust since 2008, and works with the charity to help improve the lives of young people through sport.
