|
|
 |
| |
|  |
Careersinracing reports on its City Farms Week
This October half term saw over 40 young people from inner city farms, including Ashford Community Farm in Kent and Wellgate Community Farm in Romford, Essex, visit racecourses across the country, hosted by the British Horseracing Authority's careersinracing team.
Chepstow, Lingfield Park and Newmarket Racecourses hosted the young visitors and gave them a day to remember. With visits to the start of a race, Judge's Box and a tour of the Weighing Room and racetrack, there was something for everyone.
At Lingfield Park on 27th October, youngsters from Ashford Community Farm were lucky enough to join in on the racecourse's own "Discover Racing" day hosted by Ollie McPhaill from BHEST, where they saw first-hand a horse being shod and tacked-up, and also watched the mesmerising tactics of "Wonder Horseman" Gary Witheford, as he worked with a 2-year old filly. After getting to grips with these insights from behind-the-scenes, they then went on to watch an afternoon of exciting horseracing.
Caroline Johnson, Head of Centre for Land Based Studies at Ashford Community Farm, said:
"Students who are members of our Young Farmers' Club and study Animal Management attended Lingfield Park Racecourse and had such an amazing day. They thoroughly enjoyed watching the demonstrations, visiting the start and are now able to consider the opportunities available to them in racing."
These visits allow children between the ages of 12-18 who live within an urban environment to enjoy a day at the races; a chance that few of them are otherwise likely to have. They are able to take in the atmosphere of the day as well as seeing how a racecourse operates and are now fully equipped with information on the careers opportunities within the industry that exist for them.
Living in the inner cities, many children are not able to experience horses or riding, but being a part of their local City Farm offers them this opportunity. Most City Farms are community-managed projects, working with people and animals to offer a powerful learning experience for participating children. They exist mainly in urban areas and are created in response to a lack of access to green space, combined with a desire to encourage strong community relationships and awareness of animals, horses and farming.
Michelle Douglas, Industry Recruitment Associate at the British Horseracing Authority, commented:
"We are delighted to be able to offer such visits to a number of Inner City Farms and are really excited about working with them on this project and forming a continual relationship with them. Each of the racecourses involved has been extremely supportive and we are grateful for their on-going support."
|
|
|
