HEROS Charity has been in operation since 2006. The Charity began with a primary focus on ex-racehorse re-training and re-homing. Having a life-time working in racing, Grace Muir recognised the potential these horses had for a change of career when their racing days were over.
However, in addition to a wide range of work associated with horses from “cradle to grave”, HEROS now also provide a range of education and training including; alternative to school placements for students from 11 – 16 years old and courses for post 16yo learning. HEROS specialises in engaging SEN students and those who are struggling in mainstream education. Following our programmes we find young people progress towards the workplace having found “their authentic self” at HEROS Charity. With support from The Racing Foundation and our many other partners, HEROS is proud of the individual care offered to both the horses and the students here.
HEROS is hugely grateful to all our sponsors, donors, individuals, corporate bodies and to the racing industry for all the support they give us. We appreciate our supporters who help us to fundraise in order to expand and continue the great work we are proud to be doing. HEROS Charity could not continue without help this help.
North Farm Stud has been steeped in the breeding, care and management of thoroughbreds for 84 years. It has always been a way of life for the Muir family. When Grace Muir succeeded her father, Ian Muir, as Stud Manager she responded to requests from trainers and owners, who were customers of the stud farm, to find homes for their horses and her success surprised her. It resulted in the rehoming of 350 horses over the years. One thing led to another and with the support and encouragement of family and friends HEROS Charity was born in July 2006.
While it is true that HEROS Charity could not have existed without the support of Mr Ian and Mrs Agnes Muir, the relationship between HEROS Charity and North Farm Stud is purely one of business.
North Farm Stud is a commercial enterprise where mares are foaled, yearlings broken and prepared for sale, horses are rehabilitated post injury and retrained. It is also where horses are turned out for summer/winter breaks.
HEROS Charity is a completely separate entity, which has the good fortune to operate from the North Farm Stud site. While, for obvious reasons, it enjoys the benefit of discounted charitable rates, it pays its rent and buys in expert services and raw materials from North Farm Stud in a business relationship. North Farm Stud gains no specific financial benefit from HEROS Charity; in fact it is quite the reverse.
People often seem to suffer from the misconception that HEROS Charity is part of North Farm Stud or vice versa. This confusion is most unfortunate as it leads to a view that HEROS Charity can survive without substantial charitable giving and sponsorship. Nothing could be further from the truth.
To continue to do its good work of retraining and rehoming meaningful numbers of horses HEROS Charity needs constant help and support to generate sufficient funds. While the support it receives from Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is invaluable, much more is needed from all interested parties from both inside and outside of the racing community.
With the right backing HEROS Charity can grow and build stronger foundations. Everybody agrees that more needs to be done and HEROS Charity is more than capable and willing to do it. As an independent charity standing on its own feet it needs all the help and support you can give.
