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BTRC are thrilled to announce local company, Lune Valley Pods Ltd have pledged their support to former racehorses by selecting BTRC as one of their chosen charities to receive donations from the sales of their luxury, glamping pods.

Lune Valley Pods, established in 2003 evolved from a timber building manufacturer, based just around the corner from BTRC, to the premier camping pod producer in the UK, who today employ over 30 people at their base in Heysham.

This exciting partnership came about when BTRC began Whinney Hill Farm C.I.C (WHF) as part of their diversification strategy in early 2023. As a new member of the Greener Camping Club, WHF needed sustainable, eco-friendly toilets and showers for their new camp site but at a competitive price.
Gillian and Lauren visited the local company to discuss requirements and from the first visit to delivery of the new facilities; Sam, Carly and the whole team at LVP have been supportive of BTRC’s new venture and provided professional advice and friendly support along the way.

Continue reading “BTRC are Charity of the Year for Lune Valley Pods”

We were thrilled to be a part of the Dalkeith Show on Saturday 8^th July in what was a ‘first ever’ for BTRC. Lisa, a generous supporter, kindly sponsored BTRC to hold our first ever ‘Retrained Racehorse’ classes at the show.

The sun was shining as Gillian, Lauren and Molly made their way up North to the beautiful Dalkeith Country Park for the In Hand Retrained Racehorse Class and the Ridden Retrained Racehorse Class, followed by the Retrained Racehorse Championship.

These classes were open to all registered Thoroughbreds that have a Weatherbys passport and that had been in training for minimum of 6 months. ‘Blemishes’ were ignored as BTRC believes a retrained racehorse should not be marked down for these, it’s all about the retrained horse and many Thoroughbreds are able and proud to continue their new careers with blemishes from racing. Barefoot horses were also welcome along with those only shod up front and those wearing properly fitted hoof boots.

Judging was based not only on the horse but also the partnership between horse and handler/rider and BTRC encouraged grass roots entrants to these classes.

The sun was shining and it was around 25 degrees, with a brief thunderstorm at the beginning of the in-hand class, starting just as quickly as it ended! The sun returned for a wonderful class full of variety and great partnerships. The class had 9 entrants, including 1 BTRC horse, Malingering. The results were as follows:

1^st : Laura Mcleod – Uncovered

2^nd : Jenna Mays – Motamarred

3^rd : Susan Laidlaw – Get Help

4^th : Caroline Pennycook – Maureen’s Lass

The ridden class had 9 entries and again was full of great partnerships, some of whom it was their first ever show! Following an individual show and stripping, BTRC CEO Gillian concluded the class with the following results:

1^st : Karen White – Sudski Star

2^nd : Fiona Perry – Try It You

3^rd : Jeremy Smith – Oski

4^th : Lorna Mcelhaney – Carrickcross Boye

One of the competitors said “I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Judges at Dalkieth Show. It was my first show in 30 odd years and the judge was so kind and nice to us, I felt more at ease despite being so nervous.”

This was a fantastic day out for BTRC and a great opportunity to spread the word about our work and support those with retrained racehorses who put their time and effort into caring for thoroughbreds following their racing careers.

If you would be interested in having BTRC classes at your event/show please get in touch with Lauren on lauren@thetrc.co.uk

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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.

To find out more please click here

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.

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.

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”