News

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre will be the official charity of QIPCO British Champions Day 2016 on Saturday 15th October 2016.

John Sexton, Chairman of The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre, said: “It has been a remarkable 25 years for the Centre and what is really pleasing is the way the racing industry has responded by becoming far more aware of the potential of these beautiful animals in other equestrian disciplines.

“We have had several stars of the track come through our doors over the years, from the 1984 Grand National winner Hallo Dandy, who was our flagship horse in the early years, to more recent arrivals like Mount Athos and Brae Hill. However, the vast majority are horses who were not stars on the track, but have still contributed to the fabulous tapestry of British racing and deserve a chance of a fulfilling future when their racing days are done.

Continue reading “British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre named as official charity partner of QIPCO British Champions Day”

MORE THAN 100 riders took part in a unique opportunity to ride around the Chatsworth Estate, thanks to the BTRC Ride for Retraining campaign. Basking in sunshine, riders enjoyed a leisurely hack along rolling countryside, taking in the stunning scenery of the Chatsworth Estate whilst raising money for the charity.

Basking in sunshine, riders enjoyed a leisurely hack along rolling countryside, taking in the stunning scenery of the Chatsworth Estate whilst raising money for the charity.

“It was amazing to be able to hold a ‘Ride for Retraining’ in such a fantastic surroundings as Chatsworth and our thanks go to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire for welcoming us so warmly to their home. Everyone taking part seemed to have a wonderful day and helped contribute to our £100,000 target to double the size of our yard to 80 boxes,” said BTRC Chairman John Sexton.

Continue reading “A Breath-taking Ride Around the Chatsworth Estate”

A unique one-off chance to ride around the breath-taking Chatsworth Estate has been made possible thanks to The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre.

This fantastic opportunity takes place on Sunday, July 10 when you will be able to enjoy a leisurely hack alongside the magnificent cross country fences, explore the pathways and take in the stunning scenery of the Chatsworth Estate whilst raising money for charity.
Continue reading “Unique Chance to Ride Around the Breath-taking Chatsworth Estate”

New Partners Bedmax rcently held a Q&A with our Chief Executive, Gillian Carlisle. Read more below to find out all about Gillian and her career in the equestrian industry.
Continue reading “Q&A with BTRC Chief Executive, Gillian Carlisle”

Congratulations to one of BTRC’s Assistant Trainer’s Laura Brailsford, BSc Equine Science, for achieving a distinction in her recent BHS Stage 3 riding and stable management examinations. A distinction is only awarded to candidates of exceptional quality who succesfully pass all sections of the examination on their first attempt. Education and training is always at the core of BTRC’s daily work and we are extremely proud when one of our team is recognised for their dedication and skill within the equestrian industry.
Continue reading “TRC Staff Member Gains Distinction in BHS Stage 3”

MORE THAN sixty riders took part when a unique challenge to Britain’s equestrian community was launched in the beautiful Holker Hall Estate in the heart of the Lake District on April 24.
Continue reading “British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre Launches Challenge To Ride Round UK”

THE British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre celebrates its 25^th Anniversary in 2016 and is delighted to announce they have secured support from three of the industry’s leading names.

Market leaders BEDMAX and Albion Saddlemakers, join long term partner TopSpec who have supported the TRC for nearly 10 years.With these new partners supporting their work, the TRC can provide the very best care, rehabilitation and retraining for the ex-racehorses at the centre.

Well known for their range of feed balancers and other innovative horse feeds. TopSpec is committed to supporting ex-racehorse welfare and rehoming. Said Nicola Tyler of TopSpec: “We have been working with the TRC for nearly 10 years to provide each horse with a tailored feeding plan. Racehorses take some time to adapt to the high forage/low hard feed regime that suits them so well and prepares them for a healthy, relaxed life in a different sphere. We are very pleased to continue supporting the TRC as helping these wonderful thoroughbreds to enjoy an extended life is very rewarding.”

BEDMAX Shavings were the first dust free, tailor made bedding for horses to be produced in the UK and with three production plants and UK wide sales team, they are an industry market leader. Tim Smalley, Managing Director of BEDMAX Shavings said: “Our aim is to produce a bedding that will help performance horses achieve at the highest levels and the racing sector is an integral part of our business. Most racehorses spend long periods of time in their stables and dust is the biggest danger to their health. Eliminating dust and spores in the stable is our top priority. We’re delighted to be working with the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre in order to offer these horses the same health and welfare benefits throughout their retraining.”

Albion Saddlemakers a world class British manufacturer of competition saddles and accessories also join the TRC partnership in 2016. Marketing Manager Annie Belton said: “Albion takes great pleasure in supporting TRC in their retraining of racehorses.  Albion’s extensive knowledge of rehabilitation of horses from every discipline will give these horses the very best opportunity to change their careers in comfortable and well-fitting equipment.”

Added TRC Chief Executive, Gillian Carlisle: “To have the support of three premium brands that will play such an important role in the care and retraining of our horses is fantastic and we are thrilled to have them as part of the team.”

Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench has landed an important new role – as principal Patron of the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre.

Dame Judi, who co-owned the 2008 Lincoln Handicap winner Smokey Oakey, takes over as principal Patron from long-time supporter Sir Peter O’Sullevan, who died last year. She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be asked to become principal Patron of the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre in succession to Sir Peter. He will be a very hard act to follow.”

“The Centre does very important work finding homes and futures for retired racehorses and while my work takes me to many different places and countries, so that I can never be sure where I will be at any given time, I hope there will be opportunities for me to attend some of the events as the Centre celebrates its Silver Jubilee”.

John Sexton, the Chairman of the TRC, commented: “It is fantastic to have Dame Judi supporting our work. She is a much-loved and well respected actress with a love of the horse. We wondered how we could possibly follow Sir Peter, who was an amazing supporter of the Centre and the work done here, but I feel sure he would be delighted to have a successor like Dame Judi”.

As well as a new name and a new Patron, the Centre has also appointed 10 ambassadors: Rose Paterson, the Chair of Aintree Racecourse, actor Charlie Lawson, jockeys Frankie Dettori and John Reid, Newmarket trainer Mark Tompkins, British Horse Society director of Equine Policy Lee Hackett, owner the Marquess of Zetland, experienced thoroughbred vet Gordon Sidlow, Louise Owen, wife of owner Michael Owen and Dinah Nicholson, widow of former leading National Hunt trainer David ‘The Duke’ Nicholson.

A UNIQUE challenge has been launched to mark the 25^th Anniversary of The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre.

2016 is a very special year for the Centre and to celebrate this occasion a nationwide initiative – Ride for Retraining – is underway to raise a massive £100,000 by riding around the equivalent of the United Kingdom coastline! The scheme will see horse riders from the length and breadth of Britain taking part and joining forces to tally up the total mileage with a target of 7,723 miles – the distance around Britain’s mainland coast. All money raised will go to building a further 40 stables at the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre in Lancashire – doubling the size of the current facility with the aim of helping even more of the thousands of racehorses retired from the sport each year.

Said TRC Chief Executive, Gillian Carlisle: “Our 25^th Anniversary fundraising and celebrations are now underway and the Ride for Retraining campaign is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get involved in this great fund-raising appeal. All you have to do is ride as many miles as you can, on your own, with a friend or as part of a planned ride such as a pleasure ride or endurance activity. So that together and along with other events planned during our anniversary year we can reach our goal of raising the £100,000 for the new stable block. For those fundraisers really wanting to go for it there will also be the opportunity to have a stable named after their club or group to thank them for their valuable effort depending on the amount raised.”

To take part in Ride for Retraining simply sign up to ride and donate £10 here.  Everyone who registers will then receive a Ride for Retraining high visibility tabard to wear while out hacking or on a pleasure ride. Once they have completed the ride, they will be asked to log the distance covered on the TRC website and that will be added to the overall total. Everyone’s individual mileage will be added together so riders can follow not only the fundraising effort but also the distance achieved throughout the next eight months before the initiative ends on November 5.

It is hoped that as well as donating £10 to take part, as many riders as possible will use the opportunity to raise more money through getting themselves sponsored by  friends and family, but the TRC’s main aim is to get as many riders as possible.

For more information please call the office on (01524) 812649.

We hope you enjoy taking a look around the site and having a look at all the things we do here at TRC.

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