KEITS at the HEROS Charity Supporters Lunch
KEITS were delighted to attend the recent HEROS Charity Supporters Lunch, celebrating the incredible work this organisation does for both horses and people. It was an inspiring day, filled with stories of transformation, dedication, and the lasting impact HEROS has made since it was founded in 2006 by Grace Muir MBE.
About HEROS Charity
HEROS Charity is committed to retraining, rehabilitating, and rehoming ex-racehorses, ensuring they are given the second chance they truly deserve. Over the years, the charity has successfully rehomed more than 700 horses, carefully retraining them for new roles beyond racing.
As the official aftercare partner to racing since 2022, HEROS is recognised as a centre of excellence in equine welfare. Their approach is thorough and compassionate, involving full veterinary assessments, strangles testing, and carefully tailored retraining programmes to help each horse adjust at its own pace. From straightforward cases that take a few months to more complex situations that require longer-term care, HEROS ensures that every horse is set up for a safe and successful future.
Expanding Beyond Equine Care
In 2015, HEROS extended its mission to education, creating programmes for young people who are struggling in school. By working with horses, students can develop communication skills, build confidence, and grow in a supportive and unique environment. The inquisitive nature of horses makes them ideal partners in helping young people overcome barriers and thrive.
HEROS’ education and welfare work has earned well-deserved recognition:
-
BBC Make a Difference Award (2024) for equine welfare in Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
-
Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust RoR Community Award for Grace Muir’s dedication to ex-racehorses.
-
Excellence in Special Schools and Alternative Provision Award (2025) at the National Special Educational Needs and Disability Awards.
The charity has also launched innovative initiatives such as the Veterinary EMS Programme, offering hands-on equine care experience for vet students, and the HEROS Thoroughbred Forum, an online advice hub to support responsible rehoming and ownership.
Shared Values with KEITS
At KEITS, we are passionate about education, opportunity, and animal welfare, values that resonate deeply with HEROS’ own mission. Just as HEROS creates second chances for horses and supports young people to achieve their potential, KEITS is committed to helping learners and employers grow through high-quality training and apprenticeships.
We strongly believe that education can transform lives, and HEROS’ innovative approach to engaging young people through horses reflects this perfectly. Equally, their dedication to responsible rehoming and lifelong care for ex-racehorses mirrors our commitment to promoting best practice and welfare across the animal care and equine industries.
Looking Ahead
HEROS continues to expand its impact with a dedicated and professional team at its heart. The vision for the future is clear: to build sustainable programmes that will benefit both horses and people for generations to come.
KEITS’ Support
Attending the Supporters Lunch was a wonderful reminder of the powerful difference that can be made when people and organisations come together with a shared passion. KEITS is proud to support HEROS in training their equine learners and to celebrate the values we share of compassion, opportunity, and a commitment to lifelong learning and welfare.
We look forward to continuing our support for HEROS and watching their inspiring work flourish.