The National Horseracing College (NHC) is one of only two horse racing colleges in the country. Based in Doncaster, it is a charity, set up in 1984 to be a sustainable, resilient, responsive centre of training excellence in the North, delivering trained staff into horseracing and other equine industries. The College needs a comprehensive range of facilities to meet the requirements of its residential learners 365 days per year. Wherever appropriate and possible facilities are hired to the public to generate much needed additional revenue.

On average, NHC has 45% of learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom have little or no experience with horses. The Foundation Course provides a unique opportunity for learners to gain a range of qualifications and skills to prepare them for a career in the racing industry.

NHC achieves extraordinary success in changing the lives of young people, including care leavers, ex-offenders, and those at risk of exclusion by connecting them with tremendous opportunities, supporting them into independence and preparing learners for exciting careers in racing.

In 2016, the College was assessed by Ofsted to be Good with Outstanding elements (Grade 2 overall) and successfully maintains its Matrix accreditation. Its Functional Skills team help learners achieve success rates in Maths and English (currently above 97%) well above national averages, a tremendous feat given the low start point of so many learners. Its success in securing graduates into employment (96%) has been celebrated in local and national media.

NHC courses are mostly practical, requiring a reasonable level of fitness. For some, it can be difficult to keep up with the demands. Over the past 5 years, the tendency towards a sedentary lifestyle, with the increase in screen time and a reduction in outdoor activities, has led to many of our young learners having low levels of fitness and muscle tone which impacts on their ability to manage elements of the Foundation Course.

Simulator training is factored into the learners' timetable regularly as it helps to improve fitness, balance, and rider position. NHC has two new simulators thanks to generous funders, however the third one, considerably aged but currently used daily, will have to be replaced soon at a cost of £38,500. There is currently £12,000 raised from the generosity of funders and from fundraising activities, requiring a further £26,500 to be raised.

This project can greatly improve the success of young people and contributes to horse welfare by improving riders skills.

Your support is greatly appreciated and our horses will love you for it!