Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Charlotte Bowery
Have you ever thought about loaning a retrained ex-racehorse?
"I would recommend loaning a BTRC horse, because all the horses have already been assessed and the team at the centre try to match the rider's ability and expectations for the horse."
We talk to Charlotte Bowery about her experience after loaning Leopard Rock and Right You Right from the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (BTRC) and the huge enjoyment they have had together.
With a keen interest in dressage and showing, Charlotte Bowery stumbled upon two hidden treasures, Leopard Rock and Right You Are whilst helping at the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre.
Based in Lancaster, Charlotte's mum introduced her to horses at young age, she had a couple of lessons at a local riding school, then had her first pony at six-years-old, riding all through childhood and then going on to work with horses as an adult.
Said Charlotte: "I first became involved with the BRTC when I was asked to cover for one of the staff members, who had broken their arm. I keep my horses only a mile away from the centre, so have always had an interest in the work that they do. After three months, they offered me a full time job.
"I started loaning Leopard Rock, known as Rocky in June 2011, he was 16-years-old at the time but I looked at him and thought he could be quite successful in showing classes.
"The following January I also took on Right You Are, known as Righty. He had been one of the most difficult cases they had come across at the centre. There was even uncertainty whether he would ever be ridden again, due to physical and psychological issues.
"Rocky is now 21-years-old, stands 16hh, is by Be my Native, and was trained by Ben de Hann. During his racing career he had three wins and two seconds over hurdles before retiring in April 2002 due to rupturing an artery while racing. Then to add further complications he managed to blow a tendon whilst on box rest before he was gifted to the centre.
"During my time competing him he was fairly successful in the RoR showing series, having several wins in those classes and qualifying for the final of the Tattersall Show Series at Hickstead twice and the Scottish series also twice where he finished eighth in the final much to our delight.
"Righty is now 16, stands 17hh and is by Right Win. He was fairly unsuccessful in his racing career with only one win in a point to point before he was retired due to a tendon injury. He was bought by a lady who was very concerned for his future but she found him difficult to handle and un-ridable so she gifted him to the BTRC.
"Righty has presented me with many different challenges and difficulties. However we have created a strong bond and partnership and found a passion we can both share.
"Last year Righty qualified and competed in both Affiliated British Dressage and the RoR dressage final. He qualified for the Area Festivals at Prelim and the Sheepgate under 25's at Prelim, he was twelfth out of 52 in one of the classes and eighth in his section. At the RoR dressage final he won the Intro Championship with 75% which was just a massive achievement.
"This year we have qualified for the Area Festivals at Prelim and Novice. We have also qualified for the Veteran Dressage championship at Prelim and Novice. He has qualified for the RoR Dressage championship and will be competing at the RoR National Championship in August which I am really looking forward to.
"I would recommend loaning a BTRC horse, because all the horses have already been assessed and the team at the centre try to match the rider's ability and expectations for the horse. Another great advantage is they offer ongoing support right through the journey you undertake with them.
"If I could offer some advice to anyone thinking about taking on a retired racehorse it would be to treat each horse as an individual, work out their strengths and weaknesses and find a discipline that suits them. Be patient and know your limitations while taking advantage of all the support and training clinics that the RoR offers, there is plenty to get involved with."
To celebrate the TRC's 25th anniversary, the charity has launched a unique nationwide initiative – Ride for Retraining. The campaign is underway to raise a massive £100,000 by riding around the equivalent of the United Kingdom coastline!
The scheme will see horse riders from the length and breadth of Britain taking part and joining forces to tally up the total mileage with a target of 7,723 miles – the distance around Britain's mainland coast.
All money raised will go to building a further 40 stables at the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre in Lancashire – doubling the size of the current facility with the aim of helping even more of the thousands of racehorses retired from the sport each year.
For further information contact BTRC on (01524) 812649 or please visit www.britishtrc.co.uk