BTRC Fully Funded School Visits

An Inspiring Outdoor Learning Experience for Schools

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (BTRC) is delighted to offer fully funded educational visits for schools, providing children with a unique opportunity to learn, explore and connect with horses in a safe and engaging environment.
Based in the beautiful Lancashire countryside, our visits are designed to support curriculum learning while giving pupils valuable hands-on experiences around retired racehorses and life on a working equestrian centre.
Whether your pupils are learning about animal care, wellbeing, teamwork, careers, or rural life, a visit to the BTRC offers an unforgettable educational experience outside the classroom.

What Happens During a Visit?

Every visit is tailored to the age and needs of the group, but activities may include:

• Meeting retired racehorses and learning their individual stories
• Understanding horse behaviour and communication
• Learning how horses are cared for every day
• Discovering what happens to racehorses when their racing careers end
• Exploring the countryside and farm environment
• Learning about careers involving horses and animal welfare
• Taking part in practical, hands-on activities around the yard

Pupils gain a unique insight into the work of the BTRC and the important role we play in the welfare, rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming of retired racehorses.

Get Stuck In!

One of the highlights of a visit to the BTRC is the opportunity for pupils to take part in some of the daily jobs involved in caring for horses. These practical activities help children build confidence, responsibility and teamwork skills while learning about animal welfare.

Depending on the age of the group, pupils may have the opportunity to:

• Groom our Shetland pony Washbear
• Fill haynets
• Muck out a stable
• Explore the equipment used in horse care
• Learn about feeding, grooming and stable management

These hands-on experiences allow pupils to see first-hand the dedication and hard work involved in caring for horses, giving them a real insight into life on a working equestrian centre.

Fully Funded Through the ED1 Programme

Thanks to government-funded ED1 funding, eligible schools/U18’s can access fully funded educational visits to the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre, helping to remove barriers and ensure more young people can benefit from outdoor learning experiences.These visits provide pupils with a unique opportunity to learn about horse welfare, the countryside, and life after racing through engaging, hands-on activities with our retired racehorses.

As a registered charity, the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre is dedicated to the rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming of vulnerable Thoroughbreds. By visiting the centre, pupils gain an insight into the important work we do to provide horses with a safe and secure future beyond racing. Through meeting the horses and learning their stories, young people can develop a greater understanding of animal welfare, responsibility and the role charities play in supporting both animals and communities.

Make a Difference

Every Thoroughbred at the BTRC has their own story. During your visit, pupils will learn how the centre helps horses transition from racing into happy and fulfilling new lives, whether as riding horses, companions, or permanent residents at the centre. By opening our doors to schools, we hope to inspire the next generation while raising awareness of the ongoing care and support these horses need throughout their retraining journey.