The Thoroughbred Loan Scheme

The TRC rehabilitates thoroughbred ex-racehorses with the aim of re-homing them to loan homes for the rest of their lives. The TRC is a registered charity and never buys or sells horses. We take great care that any horse loaned out by us is in good health, has been immunized against tetanus, has had its feet and teeth attended to and is up to the work required of it. We inform the loaner of any health or behaviour traits of the particular horse.

By the time the animal is fit to go to a loan home a considerable amount of time and money has been invested in it and in line with other welfare charities we ask loaners to pay a non-refundable re-homing fee when the horse is taken from the TRC. From 1 April 2008 this is £470 (£400 plus VAT). Should the loan not work out and another horse is subsequently taken from the TRC no further fee is required but in no circumstances is the money refunded.

We believe that all horses are happier doing a job of work within their capabilities – our objective is to provide them with useful and happy lives and we are very grateful to the people who are prepared to help us to do this.

The application procedure is as follows:

  • Everyone interested in loaning a horse from the TRC completes the application form. This allows us to make a preliminary assessment of applicants in trying to match them to one of our horses. Our priority is to find the right person for each of our horses rather than to find a horse for each applicant. This process can take some time.
  • We do not normally re-home to anyone under the age of 18 years.
  • When we feel that we have a possible match, we talk to the applicant over the phone about the horse and its characteristics. If the applicant is interested we arrange a visit to the yard during the week; weekend visits are not possible.
  • The first part of the process is for the applicant to ride our schoolmaster so that we can see the style and level of riding. If this is satisfactory, the applicant is introduced to the horse that we have in mind and the applicant observes this horse being ridden. The applicant is then invited to ride the horse, either in the outdoor or indoor school. If this is satisfactory this is followed by a short hack accompanied by the groom who has been looking after the horse and who can talk in detail about the horse.
  • Before the applicant leaves the yard we will inform them whether or not we are happy to proceed to the next stage. However, we ask that the applicant takes 24 hours to think about whether they want to go ahead with the loan.
  • If we all decide to proceed with the loan arrangement we will contact the applicants referees. If these are satisfactory we will arrange a field visit to the premises where the horse will be kept. The TRC does not re home to yards that employ wire and / or sheep netting fencing. The TRC appreciates that some livery yards do use wire fencing and in the event that the yard owner is willing for the loaner to use electric tape and posts approx. 1 meter in from the wire fencing, then the TRC will consider the situation. The TRC does not re home to yards that do not give access to year round grazing. This is an important part of the process and is by no means simply a rubber stamp.
  • The TRC and the loaner sign a legally binding contract laying down the terms and conditions of the loan. This is devised to safeguard all concerned, primarily the welfare of the horse. The horse remains the property of the TRC.
  • Once the contract has been exchanged and the re-homing fee received by the TRC the loaner can make the arrangements for transporting the horse. The loaner is responsible for the cost of transport and for all the costs of keeping the horse thereafter.
  • In the event of the horse being returned by the loaner for any reason, the TRC requires one month’s notice and the loaner is responsible for the cost of the return transport.

Please don't expect the right horse to be available immediately.

If you require an acknowledgement of your application please enclose an SAE.

Please phone 01524 812649 to find out more about loaning a horse from the TRC. To be considered for a loan please print and return our loan form.

Loan Scheme

The TRC rehabilitates thoroughbred ex-racehorses with the aim of re-homing them to loan homes for the rest of their lives.

Official Merchandise

Help support the good work of The Rehabilitation Centre by visiting our on-line store.

Rehabilitation Gallery

A selection of photos from inside and around The Centre.

Contact Us

To get in touch please phone 01524 812649, or alternatively contact us by email using the email address below
enquiries@thoroughbredrehabilitationcentre.co.uk.