Shade Oak Stud highlights benefits of greener practices and cost savings thorough use of TBA Stud Farm Carbon Calculator

With the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan getting underway earlier this week, the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association has today launched a new video resource outlining the benefits of greener practices on stud farms using its Stud Farm Carbon Calculator in partnership with ADAS and with the support of the Racing Foundation.

Click here to view the video.

The digital tool, launched a year ago, is the first tool developed to specifically support 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 their breeding operations, with targeted changes to land management practices and energy usage likely to cut carbon emissions and save energy costs.

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 use the digital tool. One such example is Shade Oak Stud in Shropshire, owned and run by Peter Hockenhull and his wife Emma, who have already obtained impressive results from embedding sustainability, which has helped save on significant energy costs.

The TBA is today launching a video it has produced with 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 as well as forage and bedding materials.

Victoria Murrell, Equine Health and Welfare Manager for the TBA said: “Creating a carbon footprint isn’t just about being more environmentally friendly, it’s also about reviewing the use of resources across the farm and identifying areas to save money. 

“Shade Oak Stud is an excellent example of this, where Peter’s engineering skills are put to good use repurposing existing unused materials; the planting of trees and hedgerows on unproductive or wet land has created shelter belts and cost-effective fencing solutions; investment in renewables has drastically reduced energy bills; and thorough composting of manure has created ample organic matter to improve the soils.

“The benefits are felt in the pocket, as well as in optimising biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions”

Peter Hockenhull of Shade Oak Stud said: “Since taking over the stud farm from my father, we have been working on becoming more energy efficient across the site and essentially, I hate waste! The TBA’s Stud Farm Carbon Calculator has helped us identify additional pockets across the stud farm where we can further reduce carbon emissions and become more self-sufficient.”

Sarah Wynn, Managing Director for ADAS Climate and Sustainability, who has previously worked with the TBA on environmental impact assessments and in shaping guidance for breeders added: “The climate crisis can seem so remote at times, yet we have seen in recent years changes in weather patterns that have been exacerbated by climate change. 

“Stud farms are vulnerable to these changes. Assessing their GHG emissions and understanding what they can do to reduce emissions, coupled with investing in sustainable land management practices can support Stud farm managers in both mitigating against and adapting to climate change to ensure resilience for the future.”

Ruth Dancer, Director at White Griffin Equine Environmental Specialists commented: “The race is on for people to make changes quickly and effectively, in order to both adapt to climate change on their farms and support the global effort to reduce our collective impact on the environment.

“Storytelling and sharing of best practice is a fundamental tool in this battle, and brings to life the processes and practices that we have been advocating for years. By producing this video, the TBA are accelerating the ability for people to understand and action the changes needed, and we are delighted to have supported them in this process.”

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. Shade Oak Stud's operations clearly demonstrate the environmental and economic benefits of embedding environmental sustainability into its land management practices.

“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.”