We welcome different groups and organisations to visit the Centre and learn more about our work. These can be arranged by contacting Lauren in the Office on 01524 812649.
We also host several Yard Visits and an annual Open Day as well as working with other recognised equine welfare charities such as the British Horse Society, recently joining forces to run a CPD day at the Centre for coaches and instructors.
Work Experience
The BTRC work alongside both UK and International schools, colleges and universities to offer students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience with Thoroughbreds. As the BTRC is involved in both the racing and equestrian sectors it provides the students with a unique chance to gain an insight into how Thoroughbreds are used in both industries.
It is for this reason that we find there is a huge amount of diversity in the students who apply for work experience with BTRC. Many come from an equestrian background and wish to gain experience at handling and working with Thoroughbreds before considering embarking on a career in racing, others are following veterinary or physiotherapy degrees, while others may wish to complete research or gather data and material for dissertations/research projects. Whatever the background and circumstances of the students we believe that work experience at the BTRC is very educational and rewarding. It can allow students to gain knowledge and important skills which provide a solid foundation in the area of Thoroughbred husbandry, retraining and rehabilitation which can be transferred to other equine sectors.
The BTRC can offer placements to students age 16 years upwards from the UK and overseas. Residential placements with on-site self-catering shared accommodation is also available. If you would like to come and join us for work experience please contact Lauren on 01524 812649 or email lauren@thetrc.co.uk. Please contact us well in advance as we often get booked up very quickly.
We have taken students from many different places including Reaseheath College, Warwickshire University, Myerscough College, Royal Veterinary College London, Liverpool University and many others. BTRC continues to receive great feedback from students who have been on placement, some of which you can read below or view our video testimonials here.
Testimonials
Ellie Palmer, Oxford Brookes University – 4 month placement
“Studying Equine Science and Thoroughbred Management BSC (Hons) at Oxford Brookes University my course requires a year in industry. I chose to spend 4 months at the BTRC to gain experience in the rehabilitation and retraining of thoroughbreds as well as better appreciate the issues that can develop from a life of racing.
While being at the BTRC I have worked with all of the horses and ridden many, allowing me to learn training methods and techniques that are used when retraining the horses, as well as improve my riding. My skills in general horse care have improved from working day to day on the busy yard. Time spent with the vet consultant, who does a monthly vet check, has been invaluable in learning about the injuries that can occur in and out of racing along with the treatments available.
Another part of my placement has been spent in the office allowing me to get a different view on the running of a yard and as the organisation as a whole, here I gained skills in events management, communications and marketing/branding. It has been a pleasure to spend time at the BTRC with friendly and welcoming staff who are always happy to give advice, share experience and answer questions. I’m confident my newly gained knowledge and improved skill set will be hugely beneficial to my final year of university and my future working within the industry.”
Isabel Macpherson, University of Glasgow – 2 week placement
“I am a second year student at the University of Glasgow studying Veterinary Medicine. I have always been interested in horses and have been riding from a young age, so hoped to find a specialised equine placement where I would be able to expand my knowledge. This is why I chose the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre, where I could learn about the racing and rehabilitation industry.
During my time at the British TRC, I learnt the best way to handle thoroughbreds and how to safely carry out husbandry tasks. I also learnt a lot about the racing industry and how these horses were retrained to enter into new disciplines. It was really interesting to learn why each horse was no longer racing and to see what stage of their retraining they were at.
My clinical knowledge benefited from spending time doing medical rounds which allowed me to learn about common injuries in thoroughbreds. As well as this, I got the opportunity to work alongside the farrier, physiotherapist and vet and enjoyed seeing how different professionals worked together to help in the retraining process.
I really enjoyed my time spent at the BTRC, and feel like my confidence increased. The staff made me feel very welcome, and were always on hand to answer any questions. I would highly recommend a placement at the British TRC to anyone who hopes to go into a career in the equine industry.”
Lucy Howson, Nottingham Trent University – 3 month placement
“I am currently in my final year at Nottingham Trent University where I am studying the BSc (Hons) Equestrian Psychology and Sports Science degree.
As part of this course it is recommended that we undergo a work placement so from June – September 2015 I completed my work experience at the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre. I chose the BTRC due to being interested in what happens to horses after their racing careers have ended and how they can go on to start a new life after racing. From my first day I was made to feel like part of the team as all the staff were friendly and welcoming, and I was also able to be involved in all aspects of the horse’s rehabilitation and retraining from initial horse assessments, riding, vet and physio visits, routine care from the farrier and dentist as well as the daily yard work, feeding and medical treatment.
My time here allowed me to increase my practical skills alongside building on the knowledge I have learnt during university which is valuable for my future career. I thoroughly enjoyed my summer spent at the BTRC and enjoy seeing horses that I have spent time with gaining the loan homes they deserve and regularly make visits to the Centre as often as possible for updates on horses progress and to also meet any new arrivals.”
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