I’m here to help' - Keith Haggins joins Racing Welfare as stud and breeding industry's community engagement officer

Racing Welfare has recruited a new community engagement officer to work with the thoroughbred stud and breeding sector in a bid to raise awareness of, and increase access to, the charity’s services.

Keith Haggins, who has nearly 30 years of experience of working within the breeding industry, is looking forward to combining that knowledge with an interest in mental health support and personal development, for the benefit of others.

A former manager at Waddesdon Stud for the late Lady Rothschild, Haggins' role is part of a three-year project made possible by funding from the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust, which makes regular donations to causes including the bloodstock industry, medical research and education.

The project included a survey which gauged the current level of awareness of Racing Welfare services in the stud and breeding sector as well as determining the type of support required. Data showed that in 2022 the stud and breeding sector made up only 5.7 per cent of the people supported by Racing Welfare and Haggins will aim to redress the imbalance by spreading the word.

"I’m incredibly excited to join Racing Welfare," he said. "I started out as stud hand and rider, worked my way up to management level and was employed by some incredible breeders in Ireland and in the UK. 

"I know the stud and breeding industry really well and am looking forward to capitalising on that for the benefit of others. I’ve already had some really positive meetings with many stakeholders and am looking forward to attending the upcoming sales at Tattersalls.

Those working in the stud and breeding industry have made up a very small number of those using Racing Welfare's servicesCredit: Sarah Farnsworth

“I want to get the message out to anyone who works within the thoroughbred stud and breeding sector that I’m here to help and would welcome anyone to get in touch with their ideas on how we can engage with and support them."

He continued: "I have a passion for all things surrounding mental health and have recently returned to education to become a Licenced Thrive programme coach; helping people with a wide range of issues including personal development.

"Throughout my career I was aware of Racing Welfare and the great work they do, but I thought they only supported racing yards. I want everyone within the thoroughbred stud and breeding sector to know that Racing Welfare is there for them."

Chloe Martin, Racing Welfare’s head of community engagement, said: "We’re delighted to welcome Keith to the team, and know that with his knowledge and passion for the sector, he will be an asset to the charity and to all those he supports.

“Through improved access to, and knowledge of, Racing Welfare’s services, more people in the thoroughbred stud and breeding sector will be able to benefit from better physical and mental wellbeing.”

To contact Keith Haggins, Racing Welfare community engagement officer (thoroughbred stud and breeding sector), email: khaggins@racingwelfare.co.uk or call 07974 479179.

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