News

We are delighted to announce the arrival of our new BTRC Horse Lorry. After receiving a generous grant from The Racing Foundation, we were able to secure a new horse lorry that would assist with the transportation of our BTRC horses. Whether that be; an emergency trip to the vets, collecting vulnerable horses in need of our help, a day out to the Races to promote our work, or visits to local training shows to assist with our retraining programme. The new horse lorry can carry up to 4 horses and has plenty of storage space for tack etc..

Continue reading “Racing Foundation Fund New BTRC Horse Lorry”

For the third year running, The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre are holding the popular Holker Hall Pleasure Hack again. This year it will take place on Saturday 7th April 2018.

This unique hacking opportunity allows you to ride from Cartmel Racecourse and around Holker Hall whilst taking in some of Cumbria’s most idyllic countryside. This fantastic opportunity is to help The BTRC raise funds towards their work with retired racehorses.

Continue reading “Holker Hall Pleasure Hack is Back!”

A new site designed to help horseracing charities and other organisations in the sport recruit volunteers has been launched with the support of The Racing Foundation. – https://horseracing.do-it.org/

This facility is designed to be a one-stop shop to encourage and distribute support for all of horseracing’s volunteer activity, and sits within the Racing Together website.

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre feature on the website and have different opportunities available to passionate volunteers.

Continue reading “Volunteering Made Easy with the New ‘Do-It for Horse Racing’ Website”

We are absolutely thrilled to be able to share the fantastic news that BTRC Right You Are has made it down to the final three in the running to become ROR Horse of the Year 2017.

The ROR awards acknowledge and celebrate the versatility of former racehorses across a range of disciplines, with prizes awarded to the RoR elite winners in dressage, polo, eventing, endurance and showing. The final award on the night is the prestigious RoR Horse of the Year, sponsored by The Jockey Club, and won in 2016 by Monet’s Garden.

BTRC staff member Charlotte Bowery has had Righty on loan since 2012 and has put so much hard work into producing him. Right You Are was retired from racing in 2010 due to injury and has since overcome significant adversity, undertaking the journey from being a vulnerable horse who’s welfare was at risk to one that competes successfully in British Dressage classes.

Continue reading “BTRC Right You Are Shortlisted in Final Three for ROR Horse of the Year 2017”

For the first time since the welfare of retired racehorses was thrust into the spotlight in 1991, an approval system is to be introduced for retraining centres in order to promote best practice.

The British Horse Society (BHS), who have been working in collaboration with the Lancaster-based British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre, will now include retraining centres in their BHS Approved Centre Scheme. This initiative is supported by the British Horseracing Authority-backed Retraining of Racehorses.

Whilst racehorse trainers and riding schools must have a licence to operate anyone, skilled or not, can set up a Retraining Centre.

Continue reading “BTRC first to be approved in new BHS Approval Scheme for Retraining Centres”

At The Races (“ATR”), in partnership with Racing Post and The Irish Field, have announced the launch of the inaugural ‘Voice Of Racing’ project, a fundraising initiative which will allow those who love horseracing to give something back to three of the sport’s most important charities – The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust and the UK and Irish Injured Jockeys Funds.

‘Voice Of Racing’ is a clear reference to Peter himself but also an invitation to the sport to come together and put something back for those participants, human and equine, who need it most.

Continue reading “At The Races Launches ‘Voice Of Racing’ Project To Support Sir Peter O’sullevan Charitable Trust And Injured Jockeys”

MORE THAN 100 riders took part in a unique opportunity to ride from the famous Cartmel Racecourse to Holker Hall thanks to the BTRC Ride for Retraining campaign. The sun was shining as riders enjoyed a leisurely hack through woodland trails, pristine parkland and rolling hills, taking in the stunning scenery of Cumbria’s coastline whilst raising money for the charity.

In only its second year, the event offered a new longer route for riders to enjoy. The new route ran through private parts of Holker Hall that are usually unseen to the public. It proved very popular with 70% of riders choosing to enjoy the hack for as long as possible by taking the longer route!

Ailsa Gibson said of the event ‘Thank you for a great ride today, so well organised and marshalled, and a lovely area. Was great to ride on Holker Hall land for once.’

Continue reading “Sun Shines for Holker Hall Pleasure Hack”

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

Tom Marks was the lucky representative who had the hard job of ‘Running for Retraining’ the whole 26.2 miles. 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 managed to raise over £1,000 for BTRC and says ‘It was extremely hard but of course well worth it. I’d like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to run for you guys (BTRC)’. Tom’s fundraising page is still open should you wish to donate to say well done and in turn help give retired racehorses a long and enjoyable life – please click here.

The BTRC are now in the process of looking for a supporter to run on their behalf in the 2018 London Marathon. If you are interested, please email lauren@thetrc.co.uk

Following on from huge success last year, The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre are holding the Holker Hall Pleasure Hack again for the second year running.

This unique hacking opportunity allows you to ride from Cartmel Racecourse and around Holker Hall whilst taking in some of Cumbria’s most idyllic countryside. This fantastic opportunity is to help The BTRC raise funds towards their work with retired racehorses.

The walk and trot only ride is approximately 8 miles (shorter route available) and consists of woodland trails, country lanes and park land riding with  stunning views of the coast. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult walking or riding. Adults cost £20 and children £10, the cost of entry includes first aid for all riders.

Continue reading “Unique Holker Hall Pleasure Hack 2017”