News

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”

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”