A day at The National Stud building community with Red2Green
Red2Green
〰️
National Stud
〰️
Autism In Racing
〰️
Red2Green 〰️ National Stud 〰️ Autism In Racing 〰️
The National Stud recently welcomed learners from Red2Green for a series of community visits in partnership with Autism in Racing, creating a calm, welcoming and memorable experience in the heart of Newmarket.
Across three visits, participants had the opportunity to spend time in a unique working stud environment, meet members of the team, explore the surroundings and learn more about the people, horses and specialist care involved in the industry. The sessions were shaped around confidence, curiosity and community, with the final visit bringing the programme to a close after a series of meaningful moments for everyone involved.
Red2Green supports adults and young people aged 16 and over with learning disabilities and/or autism across Cambridgeshire, helping individuals develop skills, confidence, independence and social connection.
Anna Butler-Finbow from Red2Green said:
“Red2Green has supported and promoted adults 16+ with learning disabilities and/or autism across Cambridgeshire towards education, employment and independent living skills for over 25 years. Our learners had a fantastic time on their recent visits to The National Stud with Autism in Racing, where they had the opportunity to learn about, meet and groom the horses, especially the much-loved Panda. We extend a huge thank you to the team for creating such a calm, patient and welcoming environment, enabling our learners to explore and learn.”
The visits gave participants the chance to experience a new setting, meet new people and enjoy time together in an environment closely connected to Newmarket’s heritage. For some, the highlight was grooming the horses. For others, it was discovering the working systems behind the stud, from heat lamps and specialist lighting to the horse walker and other equipment used on site.
Jane Buick reflected on the impact of the visits:
“We had three wonderful visits to The National Stud with Red2Green. It was a pleasure to have access to a working stud and the team at The National Stud were brilliant at adapting to the needs of the individuals on the tours. It was heartwarming to see how much joy grooming one of the horses gave and to see one gentleman really relax and embrace the whole experience.”
One particularly memorable moment came when a participant who had not spoken throughout the tour began talking while grooming one of the horses. Another participant, who was less interested in horses but fascinated by electrics, was encouraged to explore parts of the site connected to his interests, helping make the visit personal and engaging for him. In another moment, a young person gently stroked one of the horses with care and confidence, creating a proud and moving moment for the carers supporting him.
The sessions were also an opportunity for The National Stud to open its gates to the wider community and share a space that plays an important role in the local area. Autism in Racing is keen to continue engaging with charities such as Red2Green, helping more people access different areas of the racing and breeding industries while building stronger links across the community.
Images from the community days capture the warmth of the sessions: people spending time together, exploring the surroundings, meeting the horses and enjoying the chance to be part of something different. These moments reflect the importance of community partnerships that are not only about access, but about belonging.
The National Stud is proud to have hosted Red2Green and to support opportunities that bring people together through shared experiences, learning and connection.
We look forward to continuing to build meaningful links with local organisations and creating more opportunities for the community to experience The National Stud.
