Welcome to our new series! Every Tuesday we will be posting #TeamTuesday over on Facebook in which we will introduce you to our amazing #TeamBTRC, with a different staff member every week. We will also be sharing the week’s update on this blog so keep coming back to find out more! Get to know a little more about the staff that work so hard to care for our horses and what makes them tick…
And last but certainly not least is our fantastic Yard Manager, Toni…
Hi, I am Toni and I have worked here at the BTRC for just over 6 years. I began as a Work Rider before I was promoted to Yard Manager 2 years ago. I have been around horses all my life. I like to see the horses come into the centre and then the changes that our care has made to them when they leave us. I particularly enjoy studying their clinical history, then I work closely with Gordon our vet, who develops a work plan which I oversee and supervise on a daily basis. It’s lovely to see the results that our hard work and care makes to these horses lives.
Favourite BTRC horse (of all time)?
Ultimate dream (who I loaned from the Centre).
Where was your first job?
Barton Equestrian Centre as a Stable Hand.
What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island?
My dog Charlie, my daughter Sienna and a BIG bottle of Vodka!
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?
Ride my own horse.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Young Hearts Run Free by Candy Statton and the Source.
If you could change something in the world, what would it be?
To regulate breeding of animals; particularly dogs, cats and horses.
Find out more about new Stable Staff Member, Kate…
Hi I’m Kate, I hail from Essex but recently moved to Lancashire. I am a hardworking person with a passion for all things equestrian. I enjoy working with at the BTRC as I take a huge amount of pride in my work and knowing that we are helping horses when and where we can to recover and rehome makes me that much prouder of what I do.
Favourite BTRC horse (of all time)?
Cap Canaille (Clyde)
Where was your first job?
Working as a groom at Westlands Equestrian Centre in Essex when I was 13.
What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island?
Radio, matress and suncream!!
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?
Travelling/sight seeing and hiking.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chantilly Lace by the Big Bopper
Our longest standing member of the team and a face many of you will recognise… Lauren!
Hi, I’m Lauren and I’m the Communications & Engagement Manager. I joined BTRC in early 2015 as Office Manager having previously worked for a youth charity whilst studying for a degree in Business Management. Horses have been a big part of my life since I was very young; I competed in British Showjumping and was an active member of Oxenholme Pony Club for many years. Joining BTRC was a dream as it encompassed my passion for all things equine but has also allowed me to grow and develop so much over the years. My role is incredibly varied, and each day is different, which is what I love most about working here. My new role has enabled me to get out and about more and share our work with the community, which is very rewarding. Outside of work I live with my husband Tom and two dogs Poppy & Nellie (who also come to work with me!) and I enjoy spending my free time with my own horse, Ed.
Favourite BTRC horse (of all time)?
Transfer
Where was your first job?
Working in a BnB
What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island?
My dogs, wine and my phone (well I am the Communications Manager 😂!)
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?
Spending time with my family and friends, walking my dogs and riding.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
2Pac – Changes
If you could change something in the world, what would it be?
Free flights so I could travel the world (when I’m not working!!)
New team member Niamh always has a smile on her face and is quickly learning the ropes!
Hi, I’m Niamh I’m 22 and I work full time as a Rider Groom here at the BTRC. Before moving to England and working at the BTRC I lived in Ireland where I worked as an Instructor on a livery yard/riding school for 3 years. I have my own 6 year old Connemara pony, Corrib, who is still in Ireland but I can’t wait to bring him over to England in the very near future! I really enjoy working for the BTRC as I have always been very passionate about the rehabilitation of horses and how it is so rewarding seeing each horse improve and become ready for rehoming to then going to their new homes. Also it is incredible to work with such an amazing and passionate team.
Favourite BTRC horse (of all time)?
Golden Cape
Where was your first job?
Working as an instructor on a livery yard / riding school
What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island?
Colouring book, colouring pencils and chocolate
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?
Spending time with my friends and family
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Shout Out to My Ex – Little Mix
If you could change something in the world, what would it be?
How much it costs to learn to drive 😂
A long standing member of #TeamBTRC, who knows the place inside out, will do anything for anyone and someone we would be lost without… Holly!!
Hi, my name is Holly and I am the Equine Co-Ordinator for the BTRC. I have worked here for the past eight and a half years. When I first joined back in 2015 I was a part time stable staff member before working my way up to become a Rider Groom and then eventually to the role I am in now as Equine Co-Ordinator. This role means I am in charge of the rehoming of our BTRC horses and arranging their annual visits once they have gone out on loan and making sure all of our loaners are happy. I love being able to see all the horses that I rehome progressing with their new loaners. I also spend time with our work experience students to make sure they learn everything they need to while they are on their placement with us. Outside of work I live with my partner Jake and our two children, Leo & Archie and our two dogs, Rupert & Dexter. My Mum and I have 5 horses between us that are kept at our yard close by to my house. So I am very busy when I’m not at work!!
Favourite BTRC horse (of all time)?
No Tears (Teddy)
Where was your first job?
At a local private showing yard
What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island?
A book, chocolate and a warm tent!
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?
Spending time with my family and my own horses,
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Jordan Davis – Next thing you know
If you could change something in the world, what would it be?
I would change Winter being less muddy… I own a grey horse!!!
It’s #TeamTuesday again and this week we have a VERY special team member to introduce you to…
“Hello, my name is TuTu Wilde, or Toots to my friends. I am 18 months old and I am a Dartmoor Hill Pony from Pew Tors in the Dartmoor National Park. I desperately needed to find a new home because as much as I loved living on the Moors with my pony pals, I always preferred spending time with humans and my loving Mum was worried as I would jump in the gaiter when being fed and try to disappear off on an adventure! The BTRC were looking for another mascot and because I’m SO friendly, I was the perfect fit!! They even had a very generous supporter named Julie donate the money towards my long trip up North, which I made in a super luxurious Eric Gillie lorry with lots of other horses and finally arrived at my new home a few weeks ago.
I have settled into life at the Centre very well and have loved getting to know everyone, especially my new mate Washbear. I’m not sure she loves me as much as I love her but I’ll soon win her round!
I’m looking forward to meeting you all very soon at the Christmas event and hopefully I’ll be out and about next year to say hello to even more supporters.”
We are very grateful to Pew Tors Ponies for trusting us to care for Toots and of course to Julie for donating towards her journey. Tutu has been named after the late Jane Wilde, a lifelong friend, loaner and supporter of BTRC. Together with her friend Julie who made the donation, we feel this is a fitting tribute to our friend who is missed so very much.
Introducing you all to our new Retraining Rider… Debbie!
Hi, I’m Debbie, I’m 34 and recently took up the position of Retraining Rider at BTRC, I have always had a passion for horses from a very young age and I’ve never grown out of it . I worked on an event yard early in my career and then went into retail and now finally at the BTRC. I’m looking forward to seeing the horses progress and find their forever homes.
Favourite BTRC horse (of all time)?
Mare: Lakshmi Lola and Gelding: Second Wind
Where was your first job?
Working on a Eventing Yard
What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island?
My daughter, unlimited pizza and sweets
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?
Compete my own horse
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Morgan Walle – Last Night
If you could change something in the world, what would it be?
Nicer British weather
Hi, my name is Molly and I am 25, I have worked at the BTRC for just over 3 years, initially I started out on the yard but I now work in the office as the office support manager.
When I left school I spent a couple of years working and living in Australia as a PE teaching assistant/hockey coach and upon return to the UK I started at The BTRC. I have ridden and had horses all my life and at home I currently have 3 horses that I share with my younger sister and also my dog, Bessie.
I have learnt so much since I started working at the BTRC and have become really passionate about the welfare and aftercare of our wonderful thoroughbreds. Everyone here works so hard to get the horses through their retraining programmes and ready to rehome, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say there is nothing better than seeing the horses heading off to their forever loan homes ❤
Favourite BTRC horse (of all time)?
Prince will be my forever favourite but Bee comes close second
Where was your first job?
Waitress at a pub
What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island?
My dog Bessie, a pair of tweezers and Rose Wine!
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?
Spending time with my horses and going out with friends
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Billy Joel – Just the way you are
If you could change something in the world, what would it be?
The English weather!
Third up we have the Marvellous Mollie!
Hi I’m Mollie, I’m 24 and I work part time as Stable Staff at the BTRC. I have 3 cats and a Shire X TB. I began my career within the Equine Industry as an apprentice groom at Country Farm Stud where I gained my Level 3 Certificate in Horse Care and Management in Breeding. After this I worked at HAPPA alongside my work at a local pub. I moved up to Cumbria to work for Witherslack Hall Equestrian Centre as a riding instructor and trek guide which unfortunately closed down whilst I was on maternity leave. Once my maternity leave was up I began working for the BTRC as it has always been my dream workplace and I feel lucky to work with such hardworking colleagues and horses! I enjoy seeing the rehabilitation the horses go through to eventually get rehomed. My favourite horse is Cilla, my all time fave and my colleagues know because she’s all I go on about!
Where was your first job?
My first job was as a waitress in a pub.
What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island?
Coffee, my dressing gown and my baby’s nappy bag!
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?
Spending time with my family and my horse.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Fleetwood Mac – The chain
If you could change something in the world, what would it be?
More trees and less houses!
Secondly, we have the small but mighty… Emily!
Hi, my name is Emily, I’m 20 and I am a full-time stable staff member. I moved up to Lancaster to live in the accommodation on site at BTRC when I was 18. I previously attended Reaseheath College where I studied Level 3 Horse Management. Following this I joined The National Horseracing College for their 12 week foundation course, leaving with a merit. I enjoy working at BTRC as they encourage you to develop your skills in different aspects as well as seeing all the different personalities of the horses that come in.
Where was your first job?
The BTRC
What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island?
Matches, blanket and crisps
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?
Looking at thing to buy and sleeping
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Danza kurduro – Don Omar
If you could change something in the world, what would it be?
Making plane tickets free.
First up is the most hard working, quad driving extraordinaire, always smiling… Megan!
Hi, I’m Megan, I’m 23 and I work full time at the BTRC as Stable Staff. Before starting at BTRC I worked for a stud and showing yard.
I have my own pony, a dales x cob called Beauty and I love spending time with her in my free time.
I live with my partner Martin in our own house, and we have chickens and Indian Runner ducks!
I enjoy working at the BTRC as every day is different and I enjoy looking after the horses, who each have their own personality. I also love seeing them progress and go onto loving homes.
Where was your first job?
In my local Chippy serving fish and chips on a Saturday!
What are the three items you’d take with you to a deserted island?
A boat, ice cream and a radio.
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?
Going to Wallings for ice cream with my boyfriend Martin! And spending time with my family
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Burning Love by Elvis Presley
If you could change something in the world, what would it be?
The price of riding leggings/jodhpurs
And finally… who is your favourite BTRC horse of all time?
Abs (Abbey Express) for sure, but Theo (Timeless Touch) is a very close second as he is so snuggly!
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