National Horseracing College
Enhancing equine facilities at the National Horseracing College with Onduline
Enhancing equine facilities at the National Horseracing College with Onduline
Providing high-quality facilities is essential for training the next generation of horseracing professionals. At the National Horseracing College in Doncaster, this extends to the environments in which horses are housed and trained, where welfare and day-to-day performance go hand in hand.
Founded in 1984, the National Horseracing College is a registered charity and independent training provider for the racing industry, delivering education and practical training to students, apprentices and aspiring horseracing professionals. Operating across a 200-acre campus, the college provides year-round training programmes designed to prepare students for careers within the racing industry.
As part of its ongoing investment in horse welfare and training facilities, the National Horseracing College recently replaced a number of field shelters helping to provide horses with comfortable and reliable outdoor shelter throughout the year.
Modern shelters for changing conditions
Field shelters play an important role in equine environments, providing horses with protection from harsh weather while allowing them to remain outdoors and move freely.
Building on its commitment to continuous improvement, the National Horseracing College invested in the replacement of several existing field shelters. The eight new structures provide horses with comfortable, reliable shelter throughout the year, further enhancing the outdoor facilities that support both equine welfare and training.
The new structures provide improved protection from winter conditions while also offering shade during the warmer months. With seasonal weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, the ability to provide shelter from both heavy rain and intense sun was an important consideration for the facility.
Positive equine welfare
The new shelters also support the College's commitment to providing environments that promote positive equine welfare. While protection from rain and wind remains important, modern horse management increasingly recognises the benefits of turnout, freedom of movement and allowing horses to express natural behaviours.
By providing horses with access to shelter when they choose it, the structures offer protection from both adverse weather and periods of extreme heat, while enabling horses to remain outdoors within their social groups. This element of choice and control is an important consideration in creating comfortable, low-stress environments that support both physical wellbeing and behavioural needs.
Selecting materials with animal welfare in mind
As part of the design of the new shelters, careful attention was given to the materials used for the roofing system, with animal welfare a key consideration.
The college selected ONDULINE CLASSIC corrugated bitumen sheets for the roofs of all eight structures. Lightweight and straightforward to install, the sheets provided a practical roofing solution suited to the simple construction of field shelters. However, the material was also chosen for the quieter environment it can help create for horses.
Unlike metal roofing, which can amplify the sound of heavy rainfall, bitumen sheets help reduce noise levels during wet or stormy conditions. ONDULINE CLASSIC sheets are up to four times quieter than metal roofing, helping to minimise sudden loud sounds that can startle horses or cause unnecessary stress.
By reducing the impact noise created during heavy rain, the shelters provide a calmer space where horses can take refuge from the weather. For staff at the college, this also provides added reassurance that horses have access to a comfortable and settled environment even when conditions change quickly.
Matthew Clark, Training Manager
Matthew Clark, Training Manager at the National Horseracing College, said:
“Providing a safe and comfortable environment for our horses is fundamental to everything we do at the National Horseracing College. The new field shelters are a significant improvement to our facilities and provide reliable protection from the elements throughout the year. As a training provider, maintaining high standards of horse welfare is always a priority and these shelters form an important part of that commitment."
Supporting a practical training environment
For a training facility that operates 365 days a year, ensuring that horses have access to reliable outdoor shelter is an important part of day-to-day management.
Across the National Horseracing College’s extensive grounds, horses are regularly moved between paddocks and training areas. Providing well-positioned field shelters allows horses to remain outdoors while still having access to protection from changing weather conditions.
The improvements also support the College's practical learning environment, allowing students to observe and work within facilities that reflect the standards expected throughout the racing industry, helping to prepare them for future careers in the sport. The eight new structures now form part of the wider infrastructure that supports both equine welfare and the practical demands of a working training facility.
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