News

This year The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre have secured a Silver Bond charity place in the Virgin London Marathon to aid their fund raising.

Taking up the post of ‘Running for Retraining’ is BTRC supporter Tom Marks. Tom is a member of the Southdown Blood Hounds and runs as the quarry. His partner is a keen rider and he supports her in her equine interests. Tom said he is keen to run the marathon in support of a cause he is passionate about.

Tom’s aim is to raise £1,500 for the BTRC to help support the work the Centre do with retired racehorses.

Four former racehorses are showing their adaptability through a scheme to introduce more equestrian students to Thoroughbreds and encourage careers in the racing industry.

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre have loaned four retired and retrained Thoroughbreds to Reaseheath Equestrian College in Nantwich as part of a pilot scheme.

A number of equestrian students qualify from college each year but, because they have never had any experience working with, or riding Thoroughbreds, they are reluctant to consider working in the horseracing sector – a sector which has a number of exciting opportunities up and down the country – and this is something the BTRC is keen to rectify through this scheme.

Continue reading “Former Racehorses Help Broaden Career Opportunities for Equestrian Students”

A charity isn’t complete until they have their own mascot and it’s no different for The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre! As a new year dawns, BTRC welcome in 2017 with their new mascot – BTRC Enygma.

Enygma, or Wash Bear as she is known at the centre, is on loan from World Horse Welfare Penny Farm. BTRC are delighted to be able to work with and support World Horse Welfare, whose mission is to work with horses, horse owners, communities, organisations and governments to help improve welfare standards and stamp out horse suffering in the UK and worldwide.

Continue reading “BTRC Acquire New Mascot!”

We are once again looking forward to attending The Equestrian.Com Liverpool International Horse Show – an exciting and spectacular new entry on the British sporting calendar that  will return to The Echo Arena in Liverpool from 31 December 2016 – 2 January 2017.

Continue reading “BTRC at The Liverpool International Horse Show”

Following a recent restructure the BTRC is looking for a permanent Head of Retraining to lead the daily operations of a 40 stable, 200-acre equestrian centre. The main focus lies in the development of retired racehorses for varied equestrian purposes.

Other duties include overseeing the rehoming process, liaison with potential and existing loanees and directing staff development whilst working closely with vets, farriers and other service providers to provide excellent all round equine care.

Continue reading “Job Vacancy: Head of Retraining”

With the aim of promoting the work of The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (BTRC) during its 25th Anniversary year the charity enjoyed a successful day at Aintree Racecourse for the Betfred BTRC Day.

Thanks to the generosity of race goers, The BTRC raised more than £4,000 through the sale of the sweepstake tickets. Donations, sales of merchandise, wheel of fortune and a delicious lunch in the Sefton Room hosted by BTRC Chairman also raised money on the day.

The world’s biggest independent bookmaker, Betfred kindly offered the day to The BTRC to assist them with their on-going fundraising to build new stables at the centre in Lancashire. Caroline Davis, Betfred Sponsorship Executive said: “Betfred BTRC Day was a great success. We were delighted to collaborate with the BTRC on our race day and help raise awareness and money. Between our on-course competition for which every entry received we donated £1, combined with the Betfred Wheel Of Fortune we’re pleased to say we raised £500 for this fantastic charity.”

Continue reading “Betfred BTRC Race Day a Great Success”

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (BTRC) is delighted to announce the world’s biggest independent bookmaker, Betfred is kindly supporting a BTRC charity race day. Held on Saturday, November 5, at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, the ‘Betfred BTRC Day’ promises to be a spectacular day out.

Caroline Davis, Betfred Sponsorship Executive said: “We are thrilled to be working with the BTRC. We already have a fantastic relationship with Aintree Racecourse and to combine one of our great race days with such an important cause is very exciting.
“We love horse racing and we are proud to be supporting the BTRC and all the important work they do for the welfare, rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming of retired racehorses.”

Continue reading “Betfred Supports ‘The BTRC Race Day’ at Aintree Racecourse”

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre Open Day was a huge success with a fantastic turnout, including founder Carrie Humble MBE, as part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations.

The Open Day was held at the centre, Whinney Hill, Lancashire and despite some rather wet weather, rain failed to stop play with visitors in good spirits after meeting all the BTRC horses and learning more about what the charity does.

With so much going on there was something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors were treated to an action packed schedule of events including an amazing Lionheart Entertainments jousting tournament, the Vale of Lune hounds, the Oxenholme Pony Club Pony Games Challenge and Horus Birds of Prey with their beautiful feathered friends.

Charlotte Bowery and her BTRC loaned horse Rocky displayed their talent and skills in an impressive Dressage to Music display.

Continue reading “The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre Open Day a Huge Success”

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”