STUDENTS and staff at Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley had some unusual visitors to celebrate National Racehorse Week – Jo Foster, a trainer from Menston, came to school with two stable lasses, a jockey, a racehorse and his mini companion, a Shetland pony.

Students were treated to a talk about careers working with horses and a demonstration of the specific skills needed to ride like a jockey before they had their turn. Using a specially constructed wooden horse, students were offered the opportunity to practice riding like a jockey – riding high in the stirrups above the saddle and holding their bodies strong to hold themselves up, while using the reins to urge the ‘horse’ along.

Meanwhile, Sigurd, the racehorse, and Yogi, the mini pony, were introducing themselves to the other students. Students were able to stroke and feed both of the horse and pony, while chatting with the stable staff about horse care, careers in racing and more. Students were also able to look at horse racing memorabilia and try on the protective racing vest worn by a jump race jockey.

“I feel it is important to take Sigurd out to visit our local community on National Racehorse Week to show both young and old what amazing creatures these equine athletes are. If we can brighten up the day of a lonely care home resident or stimulate a school child to enjoy horses or consider it as a career option, it’s been a worthwhile exercise. Yogi the Shetland is a great asset. Equine therapy is so valuable to the lonely, the vulnerable and anyone suffering in silence. Horses can help so many people,” said trainer Jo Foster.

After the student event, Yogi, the miniature pony, went to see the school’s headteacher, Sally Bishop, in her office for a short meeting.

“We were delighted to welcome Jo Foster and her team to school to visit our students. Along with some interesting presentations about the care of equines, and careers in the equine industry it was a great chance for students – and staff – to try their hand as a jockey on the mechanical racehorse as well as to experience the therapeutic benefits of interacting with these majestic animals. Our students really enjoyed the experience – and Yogi was a great hit when he visited my office! As he is trained to visit those who cannot go outside, such as care home residents, it was irresistible to invite him in – complete with visitor lanyard, obviously! We look forward to welcoming them back for our staff wellbeing week later in the year,” said Sally Bishop, Headteacher.

During her talk, trainer Jo Foster explained to the students that it had been decided to go ahead with the visit, despite the sad news about Her Majesty the Queen, as the Queen was a keen racehorse owner and very much enjoyed going racing, so the visit seemed fitting.

Jo Foster Racing, Sigurd and Yogi also visited care homes during the week-long celebration of Horse Racing. National Racehorse Week took place from Sunday September 11th to Sunday September 18th having been delayed by one day, as a mark of respect following the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

The week featured 138 separate events with over 100 yards, 8 studs and 7 aftercare, retraining and rehoming centres taking part. Each opening their doors to demonstrate the love, care and affection that goes into caring for Britain’s racehorses at each stage of their life.

Eleven school visits and 15 community events took place as the industry worked to educate and offer those that might not ordinarily have the opportunity the chance to get behind the scenes.