On 27th September KEITS CEO David Rose and KEITS Curriculum Manager Emily Mackay were delighted to be invited to join the HERO Supporters’ lunch at North Farm Stud, the home of HEROS (Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme) in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside.
HEROS was given charitable status in 2006 and was founded by Grace Muir in order to support racehorses leaving the racing industry who needed some retraining and a home. What began with helping Ex-Racehorses to find new homes has since grown into supporting young people with educational Health Care Plans in finding their way through an alternative education setting.
The Supporters’ lunch was an opportunity for HEROS to thank all those who make it possible to continue their good work. Upon arrival after initial greetings, David and Emily were given a guided tour of the facilities that HEROS uses to support the students. Impressed by the education hub, David also marvelled at the adventurous and broad curriculum that the diploma students were following.
After Lunch, the guest speakers were awe inspiring, and after watching the HEROS journey video, there was not a dry eye in the house.
KEITS are honoured to have supported HEROS for several years with the delivery of level 1, 2 and 3 diplomas in Equine and Animal Care, as well as delivering apprenticeships at Level 2 and 3. We delight in our contribution to this worthwhile charity, and we have seen first-hand how young people who are presented with significant barriers, often hindered by mainstream education, can flourish and thrive under the excellent care that HEROS provides. Many students have been successful in achieving distinctive outcomes and securing employment opportunities thanks to they support they have received through these programmes.
KEITS agrees that Grace Muir is a phenomenal individual and her passion to provide care and meaningful “jobs” for horses after racing is incredible, but her passion and drive for matching these magnificent horses to support young people is infectious.
David and Emily had a wonderful day at the HEROS Supporters’ lunch, and KEITS are immensely proud to work with HEROS Education. We thoroughly enjoy supporting both the programme and students in achieving recognised industry qualifications.
We are looking forward to continuing to work with them delivering our animal care and equine diplomas and apprenticeships and excited for the future.