Q&A: Getting to know about the National Horseracing College in Doncaster

The sport’s northern centre of excellence here in Doncaster, the National Horseracing College at Rossington Hall, is also getting to grips with the new normal.

For our latest Q&A we caught up with NHC engagement assistant Haydn Cahill to find out more about life at the college and the opportunities open to prospective students.

What attracted you to working for the National Horseracing College?

As a PGCE and BA (Hons) graduate focused in teaching physical education, a level two licensed football coach and a qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor, my areas of expertise have revolved around supporting individuals, particularly young people. Prior to this I spent some time living in USA on a football scholarship in California and New Jersey as a student-athlete.

The role of engagement assistant at NHC fits my ambitions perfectly, combining both my desire to support young people and work in the local community.

Are you a horse racing fan? What do you admire/enjoy most about the sport?

As a sporting individual, yes, I am a horse racing fan. What I admire the most about the industry is its career opportunities as there are currently 85,000 people employed within horse racing in the UK.

I admire the professionalism of everyone involved within the industry too. It’s a fascinating career choice with many incentives and you can start your journey of working towards a career within the equine industry with us at NHC.

How have you found working at NHC and what sort of activities are going on from day to day?

I have been in my role for three months and found working at NHC very fitting. There is a complete togetherness at NHC that has a positive impact on our learners.

At this moment in time, as expected, activities are limited due to Covid-19, yet we have taken the virtual approach and engage with our stakeholders as much as possible.

My role would normally be ‘on the road’ visiting educational sectors, youth centres, sports clubs, equine employers and so on to deliver campaigns, presentations, seminars, and establish partnerships.

However, NHC does continue to run and our learners are continuing their educational journey, while abiding by government policies, so if you are interested do not let the current circumstances stop you finding out more or applying.

What qualifications are available from NHC and what sort of people should apply to go there?

We offer numerous qualifications. Our most popular course is the Residential Foundation Course, which learners can earn their Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care in just 12 weeks while living on site before going into a six-week work placement at a racing yard within the UK to earn full-time employment.

Most of our learners complete their level 2 and 3 Apprenticeships with us too, while working at a yard. This course runs every six weeks.

We run a programme for 14-16 year-olds too for those who wish to start working towards their Diploma at an earlier age and alongside their full-time education.

Also, Doncaster Equine College is a popular option for those who wish to earn their level 1 and 2 in horse care and level 3 in horse management qualifications.

We also run specialist courses for those who are already established in equine. Anyone can apply who has a keen interest in working with horses, no equine experience nor academic qualifications are required.

What sort of career options are open to NHC graduates?

As mentioned before there are currently 85,000 people working within racing within the UK so there is a broad range of career options available for our graduates.

Our graduates can secure full-time employment in a UK yard as part of the yard’s stable staff, who are the backbone of a yard, after completing their work placement, and can work towards careers such as becoming a jockey, working their way up in management, ride out for a trainer, travelling staff, show jumping, breeding, farrier, or even further their education in equine at university to focus in areas such as dentistry or as a veterinarian.

Opportunities are endless within the equine industry.

Why would you recommend NHC to anyone interested in a career in racing?

NHC can get you to where you need to be, so that you are ready to work within the equine industry regardless of your experience with horses and/or academic background.

A total of 94 per cent of our Foundation Course learners go on to exciting careers in the horse racing industry and we have many graduate success stories.

Check out our social media platforms and browse our YouTube channel too by searching National Horseracing College. If you require more information get in touch via one of the following ways:

Web: www.theNHC.co.uk

Tel: 01302 861000

Email: [email protected]