Marketeer Zoe Horne is an enthusiastic advocate for the expanding Racing2Learn programme, which has been accessed by over 17,322 racing professionals. Here she talks about the free eLearning courses that are just a few clicks away.

If Racing2Learn has escaped your attention, I’ll quickly whet your appetite.

Developed and designed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and industry stakeholders, in partnership with 1^st4sport, Racing2Learn offers a range of interactive courses. There is a great choice, including horse care, racehorse welfare, community engagement, principal racing organisations, safeguarding and mental health awareness – and there are more on the way.

Created for everyone involved in the racing and thoroughbred breeding industries, the eLearning courses can be accessed remotely and completed at any time. The courses are of relevance and interest across a range of vocational areas, with some designed specifically for certain job roles while others are generic.

Remote learning critical during COVID

At the time of launching Racing2Learn, COVID-19 ensured remote learning was the only viable option for those wanting to continue or commence their own learning and development: either to return to work, use non-working time effectively, or for future career opportunities.

Short in length, the courses can be completed in approximately 60 – 90 minutes with each course containing interactive quizzes and tests. Certificates are issued to record achievements and each course has continuous professional development points applied by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

Delighted to be asked to support initiative

Having worked in the racing industry my entire working life, I was delighted to be approached earlier this year by the BHA to take the lead on promoting the Racing2Learn platform via the various social media channels.

My formal racing education started in 1995 when I attended the residential Foundation Course at the Northern Racing College (now National Horseracing College) in Doncaster. I had a blast and loved the whole learning experience and made lifelong friends. After working for many years in a hands-on position and riding as an amateur jockey in 2002, I was appointed as Marketing and Recruitment Officer at the NHC, a role I fulfilled until 2010. Fast forward to 2018 and I found myself once again frequenting the NHC as a Marketing Consultant.

Over the years I have been involved in all manner of activities relating to equine education, including Pony Racing that I have watched go from strength-to-strength since it was formally introduced in Britain in 2004.

Helping recruits get going

My role with the NHC is hugely rewarding; I meet with potential recruits while they’re at school considering their career options. I observe their development when they enrol onto the 12-week, residential Foundation Course, then follow their progress into the workplace – a racehorse trainer’s yard. It is then that they undertake their Apprenticeship qualification and I follow their success on the racecourse, whether this be as a racing groom, a jockey or a trainer.

A career in the horseracing industry is accessible to everyone but so few people actually realise this and seem very surprised, especially those who feel the opportunity may have passed them by as they have already followed another career path. Formal training is offered at the British Racing School, Newmarket, the NHC and more recently at the Scottish Racing Academy in the Borders. No previous equestrian experience or academic qualifications are required and tuition is free for EU/EEA residents with bursaries also available to assist with residential fees. Courses are available for both riders and non-riders.

I’m often asked what I’m most proud of achieving in my career and I can honestly say it’s being able to give something back to an industry which has given me, and continues to give me, my highest highs and my greatest memories.

Take a look – there’s so much on offer

If you’ve not yet taken a look around www.Racing2Learn.com then I urge you to take some time to see what’s on offer. As well as the 40+ interactive eLearning courses, it also contains a plethora of information and links to useful industry websites. There is also a hugely helpful calendar containing industry training and seminar dates. Whether you’re just starting out in the industry or you’ve years’ of experience under your belt there really is something for everyone. Take the opportunity today to build the tomorrow you want.