News

Join the BTRC Volunteer Register

Can you help us by joining the BTRC Volunteer Register?
We are looking to establish a pool of volunteers who we can call upon for different events throughout the year, at various locations around the UK, to help us with fundraising and support at events.
📩Once you have signed up to the register details of events will be emailed out and if you are available to help you can let us know – there is no obligation to volunteer just because you are part of the register. 🫶

CLA Host First Ever Event at BTRC

The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) invites members and their guests to a talk and tour at the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre at Whinney Hill (LA2 6PQ) on 13 June from 10.30am to 2pm. The event will conclude with lunch at the Longlands Hotel (12.30pm).

The event is hosted by the CLA’s Women’s Network which recognises and celebrates the work and leadership of women in the countryside. The visit is open to men too, and anyone interested in the welfare of horses, their retraining after retiring from the racecourse, re-homing and alternative careers as companion or equine horses.

On the day, members and guests will be welcomed to the Centre on the outskirts of Lancaster. The day will include a talk by the Centre’s Chief Executive Officer Gillian Carlisle and her team, followed by a tour of the facility and stables. The event will conclude with a lunch at the Longlands Hotel.

CLA Director North, Lucinda Douglas, said: “This event represents a unique opportunity to see the sterling work undertaken by the UK’s first charity committed to the welfare of retired racehorses. We welcome women and men to this event which showcases the leading role women play in the rural sector.”

Register to attend this ticketed (£29 incl. VAT) event via www.bit.ly/3NLWJDU. Those wanting to attend requiring assistance with their booking can contact Rachael Clayton by emailing rachael.clayton@cla.org.uk or telephoning 01748 907070. Early registration is encouraged as places are limited.

Passionate Racehorse Owners Raise Funds for BTRC

On Saturday 22nd April we had the pleasure of welcoming members from the Facebook group ‘Owners Group Horses and Community’ who are all part of different racehorse syndicates. These responsible owners raise money through their group and donate the proceeds to Charity, this time choosing BTRC to receive a whopping £1,000!!!!
Organising member Sue said “What a fabulous and precious facility, an informative, honest and transparent tour by Lauren. We were so taken with Lauren’s commentary I think all in attendance were all so interested in what she had to say, we didn’t take the amount of photos we usually might have done!! THE most fabulous horses in their care, rehoming procedures are extensive and huge amounts of work go into finding the right loaner for the horse, not necessarily the right horse for the loaner… huge difference!”
BTRC Communications Manager Lauren said “It is always great to engage with responsible owners who not only love the sport but truly care about their horses. Sue is admin for an online community of syndicate members and their choice to donate the monies raised to BTRC shows their support for aftercare organisations. It was wonderful to spend the morning with like minded individuals who are just as passionate about the horses as we are here at BTRC. Thank you to all who helped make this happen.”
Thank you to all in the group from everyone at BTRC for your support and donations, they will really help towards our work with vulnerable thoroughbreds.

BTRC’s First Ever Fun & Educational Course for Young People

 

This course is aimed at beginners (aged 8 – 13) who will enjoy learning about horses whilst having fun in the outdoors! The course will be interactive and interesting – no two days will be the same! Please note there will be no riding on the course.

  • You can book for all four days or single days.
  • The cost is £50 for a single day and £180 if booking all four days. This will include light refreshments, however all children must bring their own pack lunch daily.
  • Children must wear appropriate outdoor clothing such as comfortable shoes and a warm/waterproof coat.
  • BTRC staff are trained in safeguarding and are covered by enhanced DBS.
  • All attendees will receive a BTRC certificate to confirm their learning.
  • The course takes place at BTRC, Whinney Hill, Aughton Road, Halton, Lancaster LA2 6PQ.
  • Arrival 9am and collection 3pm. Please note BTRC is not accessible by public transport.
To register, please click here to complete the registration form.

The Country Land and Business Association Visit BTRC

On Wednesday 22nd February BTRC welcomed Henk Geertsema, PR & Communications Manager at The CLA to Whinney Hill to learn more about the work rehabilitating, retraining and rehoming thoroughbreds.

Henk interviewed BTRC CEO Gillian Carlisle ahead of writing a feature article for the CLA Land and Business Magazine. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is the membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England and Wales. The CLA exists to champion, protect and enhance the rural economy, environment and way of life. They aspire to unlock the potential of the rural economy by promoting innovative ideas to a national audience and providing practical support to members. BTRC are a long-standing member of the CLA.

Henk said of his visit “It was such a privilege to meet the super team at The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre – doing such worthy work is much respected. Super impressed by the team’s passion, friendliness and hard work. Now, I’ll have a massive challenge in writing a feature to do the Centre’s work justice!”

The feature is set to be published in the May edition of the magazine.

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre Set to Become English Partner Venue for Scottish Racing Academy

A new partnership between the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (BTRC) and the Scottish Racing Academy (SRA) will see the SRA delivering their education programme in England.

The Scottish Racing Academy already collaborates with multiple partners in Scotland to deliver qualifications and now, through the new partnership with BTRC, based in Lancashire, will be expanding to offer Scottish qualifications in England. The SRA was developed to assist with addressing the well-reported challenges associated with the attraction, recruitment and training of potential stable staff. The SRA are committed to providing inclusive opportunities, including entry level accredited learning and provide learner-centred training for those wishing to pursue a career in racing, as well as supporting people already working in the industry who wish to upskill their knowledge and expertise.

Continue reading “The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre Set to Become English Partner Venue for Scottish Racing Academy”

BTRC Shortlisted for Harry Hall Charity Partner

The nominations are in and BTRC have been shortlisted to become a Harry Hall Charity Partner in 2023. Please see below how to vote for us!

With over 5,000 nominations, the shortlist of 10 is revealed in the Harry Hall Charity partner campaign. In the last 2 weeks Harry Hall received thousands of nominations for charities big and small across the UK.Today the company announced the final 10 for the public vote. The three winners will be announced on the 23rd December and each will receive support for the duration of 2023.The 2023 Harry Hall Charity Partner Shortlist announcement

  • Save Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land
  • Hope Pastures
  • SAFE – Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing Equines
  • British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre
  • Brooke Action for Working Horses & Donkeys
  • The Riding for the Disabled Association
  • Bleak Holt Animal Sanctuary
  • Prince Fluffy Kareem
  • Here4Horses
  • Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust

Harry Hall is now asking equestrians and horse lovers to vote for the charity they would like to receive support in 2023.

To cast your vote simply visit https://harryhall.com/charity-partnership-donations or place your vote via the Facebook page – search for @harryhallriding.

Voting closes on 22nd December and the 3 winners will be announced on the 23rd December.

“This year the nominations have come flooding in with over 5000 nominations received.  The equestrian community continues to humble us with their passion to help others said CEO Liz Hopper.

In December 2021, Hope Pastures, The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust and World Horse Welfare were voted to be the Harry Hall charity partners for 2022.  In a little over 2 years Harry Hall has donated over £30,000 to charity.

Harry Hall’s support pledge:

Anyone joining the Harry Hall One Club, taking out insurance or going shopping, either online or on the Harry Hall Riding App, will trigger a donation.

  • On every shopping order, new membership and new insurance placed * Harry Hall will donate 5p to the charity fund.
  • There will also be the option to donate at the checkout.
  • Harry Hall will donate unsold clothing, horse equipment and supplements ** to the chosen charities.
  • Twice during 2023 Harry Hall will double one month’s donation value.
  • Chosen charities will be featured in the HH1C magazine and they will be supported on social media and on the website.

Harry Hall is committed to helping others less fortunate than themselves and to supporting the causes that are important to Harry Hall One Club members, customers and the employees.

Christmas Office Hours 2022

Please note our office hours will be slightly different over the Christmas period, please see below. However we are still available 24/7 with our Vulnerable Horse Helpline for any Thoroughbred in need of help. Should you require this, please call 01524 812649 and await the voicemail.

Christmas Eve: Closed
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Closed
Tuesday 27th: Closed
Wednesday 28th: Closed
Thursday 29th: Open 8am – 5pm
Friday 30th: Open 8am – 5pm
New Years Eve: Closed
New Years Day: Closed
Monday 2nd: Closed
Tuesday 3rd: Open normal hours onwards