What do pumps, ponies and a brilliant night out have in common? They are all working together to offer an imaginative space where young people who need a different route through education, are inspired to learn alongside retired racehorses!

Pump is proudly sponsoring a charity dinner to raise funds for children’s charity ‘HEROS’ to fund a new SEN (Special Educational Needs) Learning Centre. HEROS has been rehoming and retraining former racehorses since 2006, giving them a new purpose and career, as teachers, mentors and friends for learners aged 11-16. Pupils and horses progress at their own pace.

Horses do not care about exam grades, labels or whether someone finds a busy classroom overwhelming. They respond to body language, consistency and gentle communication. That immediate, non-verbal feedback can give a young person a safe and practical way to explore trust, patience, boundaries and responsibility. Estimates show over 33,000 former racehorses living in the UK, with 2,300 more retiring from racing each year. The steady routine, attentive handling and meaningful activity provided by HEROS, forms part of a carefully managed transition away from the track. The child learns to observe and communicate; the horse gains a new role. Progress may arrive quietly, a relaxed lead-rope walk, a newly mastered stable task or the confidence to try again and every small win deserves a cheer.

As an official sponsor, Pump Technology’s signage will be displayed on the inside of each toilet door! (As well as other locations on the evening. 😊) By sponsoring the charity dinner, Pump Technology Ltd is helping HEROS turn the new Education Centre into a reality, with more tailored support and more chances for young people and ex-racehorses to thrive together.

There is a synergy in the unique model used by HEROS, that works brilliantly for both horses and children.

The company welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the dinner and help provide the horsepower to reach this fundraising target! In the words of the charity – ‘potential should never be put out to pasture’.

Based in West Berkshire, HEROS is a British Horse Racing Aftercare Lead and has rehomed and retrained100s of former racehorses. In 2015, HEROS diversified and started HEROS Education. It now welcomes up to 65 students between 11 and 16 with SEN needs, each week. They also run post 16 Diploma Courses, using racehorses as a catalyst to spark inspiration in SEN students to find relevant equine jobs.