The National Horseracing College has strengthened its commitment to horse welfare with the installation of eight new field shelters at its Doncaster training centre, providing improved protection from changing weather conditions while supporting the practical education of future racing professionals.
The investment forms part of the College’s ongoing programme of facility improvements across its 200-acre campus, where students, apprentices and aspiring racing staff receive hands-on training alongside the horses in their care.
Supporting Equine Welfare Year-Round
Field shelters play an important role in modern horse management, allowing horses to remain outdoors while providing protection from rain, wind and increasingly hot summer conditions.
The new shelters give horses the freedom to seek shelter when needed while continuing to benefit from turnout and social interaction. This approach aligns with current thinking around equine welfare, recognising the importance of allowing horses to express natural behaviours while giving them greater choice over their environment.
With UK weather becoming increasingly unpredictable, access to reliable shelter can help horses remain comfortable throughout the year, whether avoiding heavy rainfall or seeking shade during periods of intense sunshine.
Quieter Roofing Selected for Horses
As part of the project, the College selected corrugated bitumen roofing manufactured by Onduline for all eight shelters.
Unlike traditional metal roofing, bitumen sheets reduce the impact of heavy rainfall noise, creating a quieter environment that may help minimise sudden sounds capable of startling horses during storms or prolonged wet weather.
Matthew Clark, Training Manager at the National Horseracing College, said:
“Providing a safe and comfortable environment for our horses is fundamental to everything we do at the National Horseracing College. The new field shelters are a significant improvement to our facilities and provide reliable protection from the elements throughout the year. As a training provider, maintaining high standards of horse welfare is always a priority and these shelters form an important part of that commitment.”
A Practical Learning Environment
Founded in 1984, the National Horseracing College is an independent charity that trains students and apprentices for careers across the British racing industry.
The upgraded shelters not only enhance daily horse management but also provide students with experience of working in facilities that reflect modern industry standards. Horses are regularly moved between paddocks and training areas throughout the year, making dependable outdoor shelter an important part of the College’s day-to-day operations.
The latest improvements reinforce the College’s focus on combining practical education with high standards of equine care, ensuring both horses and students benefit from a well-managed training environment.
