Demand for The British Racing School's CET and ACET equine transport qualifications has continued to grow as racing businesses endeavour to ensure that their staff are fully qualified in advance of the implementation of new animal welfare legislation in January 2008.

The legislation, put in place by DEFRA as part of their move to improve animal welfare standards, will affect anyone who transports horses as part of an economic activity (i.e. a business). Those affected must attain a Certificate of Competence (e.g. a CET, for journeys over 65kms and up to eight hours, or an ACET, for journeys over eight hours), by 5 January 2008 in order to continue operating within the law.

Transport Qualifacation

The British Racing School has already held a number of popular exam days and is predicting a surge in applications towards the end of the busy turf season. The school is continuing to do its utmost to help businesses by providing a dedicated phone line and information service and by scheduling examination days across the country. In endeavouring to provide a superior service, the school is also giving candidates the opportunity to sit exams in the workplace and is offering a massive 20% discount for group applications (8 or more candidates).

Kevin Needham of BBA Shipping & Transport Ltd, a leading horse transport company based in Newmarket, commented, "As the recent legislation is an EU directive, we cannot avoid it and therefore must ensure that we comply with any changes to the laws for transporting horses. We are very lucky to have organisations such as The British Racing School as they have the resources to provide companies such as ours with the necessary qualifications".

Duncan Gregory, Operations Director of The British Racing School adds, "This qualification may not be welcomed by the equestrian industry, but our flexible service aims to make the achievement of it as painless and convenient as possible".

For further information, please contact Sarah Holmes at The British Racing School on 01638 669 284 or sarahh@brs.org.uk.