Her Majesty The Queen’s love of racehorses inspires the next generation

Thoroughbreds and the sport of horseracing have held a special place in the heart of Her Majesty The Queen from a very early age. During this Platinum Jubilee year, it was Racing to School’s aim to inspire a connection with horses in the next generation through an unforgettable day of learning at The Royal Studs.

By Royal Appointment

When Year 5 and 6 pupils of Weasenham C of E Primary Academy took the short trip across to the Sandringham Estate in their minibus on a summer’s day in July, they did so with little clue of what to expect at a working Stud. Despite their rural location, for some of the pupils their Education Programme Day with Racing to School at Fakenham Racecourse in May was the first time they had even seen a horse.

The county of Norfolk was included in the government’s list of Education Investment Areas earlier this year, and Racing to School is committed to supporting as many schools as possible in the region, more now than ever given the loss in recent years of opportunities for learning outside the classroom.

It may not sink in for the pupils for a long time that they are among only a small number of people invited each year to look behind the scenes at the Stud. Learning about the thoroughbred breeding season and the daily routines that provide the best possible care for each horse were key objectives of the day.

Rich history, bright future

The group met the Stud’s veterinarian and farrier, who both talked passionately about their jobs and how their hard work had led them to careers they love. The highlight of the day was always likely to be the chance to meet some of the Queen’s horses. The Royal Studs were founded in the 16^th century but retain all the components required to house Her Majesty’s stallions, mares and foals. Sandringham encapsulated a calm and tranquil place for the young people to make their first introductions as the pupils were shown how to approach the mares and foals, and to read their body language. Carrots certainly helped the bonding process.

Wesenham Primary Academy’s Sarah Arthurton said: “We felt privileged to be able to come to the Stud, and David (Somers) was fantastic. The children especially enjoyed feeding the horses, even telling their class teacher once back in school that horses eat carrots and polo mints! Once again, thank you so much for giving us the opportunity. The children loved their visit.”

The racing industry is planning its second National Racehorse Week in September with a particular focus on engaging young people and showing the care and attention given to racehorses, both in their formative years at Stud and then within training stables. Weasenham pupils were made aware of the patience required by those working with horses to learn their traits, to understand what environment suits them best, and to then prepare them to become as successful as possible on the racecourse.

An enduring passion

Her Majesty’s passion and knowledge were key themes of the day, as the group were told about the regular updates and reports about the horses that were sent to The Queen. Meeting success and setbacks with a pragmatic and positive approach has been the hallmark of the Monarch’s approach to breeding racehorses – a valuable lesson for young minds to learn in their own lives.

It is easy to understand why Her Majesty loves spending time at the Stud, with its immaculate pastures and walled gardens. It also made for the perfect environment for pupils to learn the history of The Royal Studs and their importance to the local community in which they live and may one day work.

A year of celebration

The Royal Stud visit was a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate Her Majesty’s love of horses and her lifelong contribution to the bloodstock industry. Racing to School is also proud to have taken part in The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations across The Cazoo Derby week and at Newmarket Racecourses earlier this year. The historic royal colours of purple, gold braid and scarlet have been carried by a select group of jockeys over the years and featured throughout racing’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

At Sandringham, two lucky youngsters also had the chance to wear the special silks as the group walked through Sandringham Estate’s grounds and on up to the statue of Gold Cup-winning heroine, Estimate. The great names of Eclipse and Persimmon – also captured in statue form at Sandringham – might not have meant too much to these young people before now, but we hope their legacy will.

The charity would like to thank the Queen’s Racing Manager, John Warren and also David Somers and his team at Sandringham Stud for arranging the visit and for being such generous hosts of an unforgettable day of learning.