“I’ve often said there’s nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.”

The stable visits are all year round, and are run across the United Kingdom. Ocassionally there are also visits in The Republic of Ireland and the Channel Island of Jersey. You can see the schedule here:  Events (goracinggreen.co.uk) which is regularly updated, and events are posted on the social media channels.

Anyone. No questions asked. Everyone is welcome. Children are welcome, but must be supervised by a parent or carer over the age of 18.

They are free of charge, and refreshments and cakes/biscuits are also included.

The maximum number of people in any group visit is 15, though generally visits are kept to 8 people, including the facilitator. However, if you or a friend or family member struggle, single and friends and family visits are also available.

Companies, charities, support groups and any businesses/organisations are welcome to get in touch if they feel this type of visit may be of benefit to their service users and/or employees.

The visits are run by the founder of #GoRacingGreen, Debbie Matthews, who has her own experiences with mental health and social phobias. Debbie has worked in accessible and inclusive tourism for over 20 years, is a Mental Health First Aider, Autism Awareness trained and a Dementia Champion, as well as working with local and national tourism bodies, including VisitEngland, to develop inclusive and accessible tourism policies.

No. Unless you want to talk about it, of course, or unless you have anything that you are particularly anxious about, in which case you can discuss this by email, in confidence, prior to the visit. It is, however, worth advising of any dietary requirements as drinks and cakes are served.

It is also worth mentioning if you use walking or mobility aids, or use a wheelchair, so arrangements can be made to ensure you can move around with the group easily on the day.

Generally the visits will take place in the morning at a racing yard, but other facilities are also used, such as The British Racing School, Avon & Somerset Mounted Police Unit, Foaling Units and Studs. Generally we will watch the horses do some work, then have a drink and some cake, talk to the team, and then walk around the stables and meet the horses. They generally last for 2 hours.

You will be able to spend one-on-one time talking to, and stroking horses. There is a misconception that racehorses do not have the best temperaments, but this is actually a myth, most are extremely calm in their stable environment. Of course, some are flightly, but we will only have access to those that are suitable for the visit.

All yards visits have toileting facilities. However, if you specifically require an accessible toilet, please advise prior to the visit. In most cases, this can be accommodated, however there are some yards where this would not be possible.

Yes, please, as this way the number of people in the group can be controlled, and we do not exceed the limit set. You can do this via emailing debbie@novicefilly.co.uk, or, if you see the visit on one of the social media channels, you can send a direct message through that platform.

If you know in advance that you aren't able to come, we would appreciate you letting us know so your place can be offered to others. However, illnesses and anxieties can rear their heads at any time, and we understand that it may be difficult or uncomfortable for you to get in touch. Therefore, if on the day of the visit you feel you are not able to come, you do not have to feel pressured to let us know.

This link  Stable Visit Information (goracinggreen.co.uk) provides general information, including things like what should I wear? Can I take photographs? Can I bring my dog? However, if there is anything you would like to know that is not covered, please email debbie@novicefilly.co.uk 

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