Thoroughbred Breeders Association releases video featuring Racing Foundation-funded carbon calculator

13 Nov 2024

The Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA) has released a video outlining the use of their carbon calculator featuring Shade Oak Stud owner Peter Hockenhull.

Developed with funding from the Racing Foundation, the digital tool supports breeders with baselining the carbon footprint of their stud farm and modelling scenarios for reducing their future negative impact on the environment. It also enables breeders to examine their use of resources across the breeding operation, with targeted changes to land management practices and energy usage likely to cut carbon emissions and save energy costs

Tansy Challis, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation, said: “Environmental sustainability is one the Racing Foundation’s four key areas of focus and the thoroughbred breeding industry, supported by the TBA, is taking great steps to have a positive impact in this space.

“The Racing Foundation provided funding support for the development of the carbon calculator and is delighted that this project is proving to be an important component to support industry-wide environmental stewardship.”

Since last November, a growing number of stud farms including Flat and National Hunt breeders, both in the commercial and owner-breeder sectors, have signed up to the tool. 

The Hockenhulls have already obtained impressive results from embedding sustainability, which has helped save on significant energy costs at their stud farm.

“Shade Oak Stud’s operations clearly demonstrate the environmental and economic benefits of embedding environmental sustainability into its land management practices,” said Challis.

She added: “We’d encourage all stud farms to sign up to the tool to find out how they can benefit and how they can help support a sustainable future for the sport of horseracing.”

The full video, produced by the TBA, features Peter Hockenhull examining those areas which have helped his 200-acre stud reduce emissions originating from the horses, land management practices, fuel and energy usage, transportation and hard feed, forage and bedding materials. You can watch it here.