National Racehorse Week

‘He’s more than just a racehorse – he changes people’s lives’

When owner Mrs Verity first walked into a care home with her three-time Wetherby winner, Sigurd, she admits feeling a little anxious.

‘He’s so easy to deal with, he’s always in a good mood and absolutely charming to have around, but I did think will he cope with this? Well he did, admirably.’

Now, the face of this year’s National Racehorse Week in recognition of his work engaging the local community, Sigurd (known as Siggy) is proving that racehorses are about more than elite performance on the racecourse.

Based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, his trainer Jo Foster first had the idea to use racehorses to give back to the community after seeing the effects of the pandemic on the local area.

‘People were suffering from loneliness, isolation or mental health issues. These wonderful horses offer us so much more than simply winning races; they put smiles on people’s faces and can genuinely help improve their mood,’ Jo said, ‘It’s also an opportunity for people to come and see how much we love and care for our racehorses – which is what National Racehorse Week is all about’.

As Siggy’s owner, Mrs Verity was extremely supportive of the idea from the get-go. Accompanying Jo and groom Dawn on his visits out into the community, she enjoys talking with residents and young people about the experience of owning a racehorse and what Siggy means to her.

Jo said of Mrs Verity’s support, ‘As an owner Liz is tremendous, she’s backed us all the way. She understands horses and knows that we wouldn’t be doing it with him if he wasn’t right for it or he wasn’t enjoying it.’

The owner/trainer collaboration has touched multiple generations through their sustained effort over the past two years. Visits to schools have sparked interest in the sport and Jo now takes on regular apprenticeships from local students at the yard.

Equally impactful, a recent trip to a care home as part of Great British Racing’s launch of National Racehorse Week saw a resident who had not left the home for five years take his first steps outside on hearing the news a racehorse was at the door.

‘It can be a tough day, but it’s very moving.’ said Jo.

Mrs Verity agrees and hopes that Sigurd can carry on his ambassadorial role in the community long after his racing career comes to an end. She also hopes to see him go on to compete in dressage and other equestrian sports.

‘Other owners will relate that there is so much more to owning a racehorse than simply winning. Winning is the icing on the cake. It’s been a pleasure to share with people what Siggy means to me’.

The ROA will be attending some of the events throughout the week - come and meet us at: