Racehorse Rehabilitation on Display

Two of Britain's top centres for racehorse rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming are inviting the public to visit this summer.

The Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre, at Whinney Hill, Halton, near Lancaster, used to hold annual Open Days, but this year is offering a series of eight Open half-Days. The first ones are this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 17th and 18th May, 10.30am - 1.00pm. Further dates are June 14th-15th, September 13th-14th, and October 18th-19th. The tours will be hosted by TRC Director Julie Robinson, and Founder, Carrie Humble. Tickets cost £10, including refreshments, but each day is limited to 50 visitors, who must book in advance. TRC feel that this system will allow more people to visit overall, whilst reducing the stress and upheaval to the horses of one hugely busy event.

To book tickets telephone 01524 812649,

or get further information online at www.thoroughbredrehabilitationcentre.co.uk

Meanwhile, at the other end of the country in Marlborough, Wiltshire, the retraining and rehoming centre Greatwood is planning an Open Day for Friends of Greatwood on 28th June. Friends of Greatwood have been pioneering a programme called Horse Power for children with special educational needs, who develop their learning and communication skills through interaction with the horses.

Peter Deal, Chairman of the BHA-backed Retraining of Racehorses organisation, was very impressed by his recent visit to see Horse Power in action. "I, and my colleagues, fully endorse Greatwood's innovative work with racehorses and special needs children, " he says, "and would encourage others to lend their support to this worthwhile cause."

Joining Friends of Greatwood costs just £5 per month. For details,

telephone 01672 514535

or for more information go online at www.racehorsesgreatwood.org

Greatood's founders. Helen and Michael Yeadon, are seeking to promote Horse Power nationally, and they have taken on Claudia Fisher ( former head of fundraising at Racing Welfare, and now running her own consultancy) to help. Initiatives such as this open up whole new life possibilities for ex-racehorses. As Greatwood's motto says, "The Finishing Line is Only the Beginning."