NATIONAL EQUINE CAMPUS
Fuelling passion. Unlocking progress.
NATIONAL EQUINE CAMPUS
The National Equine Campus will serve as a local, national and international centre for industry excellence. The Campus will support the development and success of all participants in the industry and become the focal point for the promotion of the sport through rehabilitation, training and education.
This will be achieved though the implementation of a masterplan providing a framework for the delivery of a centre of excellence. This will help cement Ireland’s position as a global leader in the development of the people who support the industry, along with maximising the potential of the campus for community use.
The campus will have a clear focus on the welfare of both human and equine participants and will reflect the heritage and history of the equine industry in Ireland. The National Equine Campus establishes a new vision for industry education and wellbeing, emphasising environmental responsibility and sustainability.
CORE OBJECTIVES
The National Equine Campus masterplan has been developed based on Seven Core Objectives, which encompass the aspirations of Horse Racing Ireland to foster excellence in performance standards and improve industry attraction, recruitment and retention:
1. Rehabilitation and Support Services
2. Training and Education
3. Strengthening the Grassroots
4. International Growth and Development
5. Sustainability
6. Welfare
7. Community
DELIVERY
The campus masterplan will be realised through an integrated funding mechanism over the next five years. Individual buildings and infrastructure will be delivered through a series of phases to meet specific milestones. The detail of each phase has been defined by the specific needs of the industry.
Rehabilitation and education facilities along with selected residential accommodation will be completed in Phase One. The remainder of residential accommodation, administration, and the redeveloped Curragh House will be completed in Phase Two. Phase Three will include a new entrance and community recreational facilities. Updates on timelines, facilities, and opportunities to get involved will be shared as the project progresses.
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FAQ
The National Equine Campus will be the national education and training hub for the horse racing industry in Ireland. NEC will be operated by Horse Racing Ireland and will replace the exisitng jockey school at the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE). It will serve the industry as a whole, as well as offering world-class high-performance and rehabilitation services for jockeys.
The project is being developed to help meet the future workforce and skills needs of the Irish racing industry. It forms a key part of Horse Racing Ireland's education and training strategy, which aims to increase participation in learning, improve skill levels across the industry, and create better career opportunities for those working in racing.
The Campus will benefit a wide range of people, including stable staff, jockeys, trainers, breeders, racecourse employees, industry professionals, students, and those considering a career in racing. It will provide opportunities for education, upskilling, professional development, and wellbeing support throughout a person's career. In time, NEC will also serve as a communtiy hub.
The National Equine Campus will offer a broad range of learning opportunities, from short practical courses and professional development programmes to nationally recognised qualifications. Training will cover multiple areas of the racing industry and include pathways from introductory learning through to degree qualifications.
The National Equine Campus is being realised through an integrated funding mechanism over the next five years and will be developed in phases. Planning, consultation, and stakeholder engagement are ongoing as Horse Racing Ireland, RACE, Equuip, and industry partners work together to shape the future campus.
Rehabilitation and education facilities along with selected residential accommodation will be completed in Phase One. The remainder of residential accommodation, administration, and the redeveloped Curragh House will be completed in Phase Two. Phase Three will include a new entrance and community recreational facilities. Updates on timelines, facilities, and opportunities to get involved will be shared as the project progresses.
The National Equine Campus is being developed in collaboration with the Irish racing industry and wider community. Industry participants, employers, employees, students, and stakeholders will have opportunities to contribute ideas and feedback through engagement events, surveys, and consultation activities. By sharing your views, you can help ensure the Campus meets the future education, training, and wellbeing needs of the industry. For the latest updates and opportunities to get involved, keep an eye on the Equuip website and social media channels.