For the first time since the welfare of retired racehorses was thrust into the spotlight in 1991, an approval system is to be introduced for retraining centres in order to promote best practice.
The British Horse Society (BHS), who have been working in collaboration with the Lancaster-based British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre, will now include retraining centres in their BHS Approved Centre Scheme. This initiative is supported by the British Horseracing Authority-backed Retraining of Racehorses.
Whilst racehorse trainers and riding schools must have a licence to operate anyone, skilled or not, can set up a Retraining Centre.
“We believe that this is a long overdue development and when retraining centres have BHS Approval it will give members of the public more confidence when looking to take on a retired racehorse for equestrian activities.” said BTRC Chief Executive, Gillian Carlisle.
“BTRC is delighted to be awarded this new facilities accreditation from the BHS and we hope that all Retraining Centres, large and small, will join the scheme not only to assist the public in making a choice before taking on a retired racehorse, but also to facilitate interaction between Centres and so promote best practice in the sector” said BTRC Chief Executive, Gillian Carlisle
The BHS Approved Centre Scheme is a quality assurance scheme and those Centres which meet the standard for approval will have public liability insurance, excellent standards of horse welfare and trained staff as a minimum.
“We are delighted to have been able to develop a category for Retraining Centres within the BHS Approved Centre Scheme. Helping retired racehorses to find suitable homes is a concern for all of us.” Said Oonagh Meyer Head of BHS Approvals.
The BTRC, Britain’s oldest and largest Centre dedicated to the retraining and rehoming of retired horses is the first Centre to be assessed by the Society and has been given a Highly Commended rating.
For more information on retraining centre approval please contact BTRC on 01524 812649 / enquiries@thetrc.co.cuk or the BHS on 02476 840509 / approvals@bhs.org.uk.
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