In their own words

Racehorse Rescue Testimonials

Experiences shared by volunteers, veterinary students, community partners and visitors to the Centre.

Racehorse Rescue Centre horses, riders and volunteers

These racehorse rescue testimonials share the experiences of volunteers, students, community partners and visitors. Their words describe practical placements, time spent with the horses and the support they received from the charity’s volunteer team. The comments below are presented as personal experiences and may differ from one person to another.

Racehorse rescue testimonials from our community

Our racehorse rescue testimonials include reflections on volunteering, student placements, learning about horse care and visiting the Centre. If their experiences inspire you, read about volunteering with RRC or explore how rescued horses can support learning and community activities.

These racehorse rescue testimonials sit alongside independent recognition of the charity’s community work, including the Points of Light award. To learn more about the organisation itself, visit About us.

Rhianna Johnston (Volunteer)

Off to Uni tomorrow and just wanted to thank the RRC for the amazing opportunity they have given me this past year whilst volunteering, particularly with letting me do so much with Peak, going to miss this horse so much and have learned so much from working with him, one of the most willing and honest horses I’ve come across and I put so much trust in him. Really enjoyed being able to see him everyday throughout the summer, been a dream come true and wouldn’t have been possible without this amazing charity. Will definitely be back when I’m on holiday.

UK Prime Minister

“The innovative programmes you offer at the ‘Racehorse Rescue Centre’ are providing unique opportunities for those who would not otherwise have access to these experiences. Your Centre is changing the lives of vulnerable people across the country, while providing a safe and secure environment for rescued horses.”

Becca Murchie (Volunteer)

Literally miss volunteering at the Racehorse Rescue Centre so much I wouldn’t become the rider I am today without these horses by getting my confidence back up after a tragic accident last year and now I am on the gallops on the hardest horses like nothing never happened. Thank you for all the support that have been giving to me when I lost my mare a lot happened so quickly in the last couple of years and I always find away to get through the tough times even tho I feel like it killing me inside.
Thanks
Becca Murchie
Northern Racing College

Mark Gibbs
Arts Coordinator

Carlisle Youth Zone

Thanks so much for hosting the visit yesterday evening, it was a great success and our members really enjoyed it. You’ve got a great set up. As I hoped the horses had a real wow factor with the kids, making it an experience they’ll remember. I also noticed that being with the animals, even for a short time had a calming effect, especially on some our members who get agitated easily. This is really interesting and particularly valuable. Of course the horses are the main attraction, but the games worked well too. So it was a great success. Best wishes Mark

Emma and Agata

Lancaster Uni

Our time at the Racehorse Rescue Centre was an experience we’ll never forget. Over the week, we had the pleasure of working closely alongside fellow volunteers, Mark and Kate, who made us feel so welcome.

Mark was an excellent teacher and was so knowledgeable, and always happy to share his experience. We learnt lots in such a short space of time. One of the highlights was watching him demonstrate ‘join-up’ with Buddy and seeing the trust between horse and handler develop.

We also had the opportunity to ride chunks, which for Emma was her first experience on horseback. Definitely, a moment to remember! Mark also set up an in-hand obstacle course for Emma, Agata and Kate, which of course quickly turned into a fun competition.

A huge thank you to everyone at the rescue centre, especially Mark and Kate, for making our placement such an enjoyable experience. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our time with you all and we will miss the coffee machine!

Christina and Bhageshri

Edinburgh Uni

Our week at the Racehorse Rescue Centre was a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in horse care and handling.

Throughout the placement, we were involved in a range of daily yard tasks, including mucking out, feeding, grooming and turning horses in and out, which helped to develop our confidence working around horses. It was also interesting to learn more about the rehabilitation of ex-racehorses and the day-to-day running of an equine rescue centre.

Thank you to the staff and volunteers for taking the time to share their knowledge and for allowing us to take part in the placement. We appreciate the opportunity and wish the team continued success in their work.

Christina and Bhageshri

Emily

Edinburgh Uni

I have just completed a week of placement at the Racehorse Rescue Centre and loved every second of it. The owners and volunteers were all really kind and taught me a lot about horse behaviour and general handling. I was able to participate in grooming the horses, mucking out their stables, feeding them and leading them outside. All of this was really valuable experience for my non-clinical veterinary learning as it helped me to gain confidence in working with and around horses.

Also watching one of the volunteers, Mark, do ‘join up’ with the horses was fascinating!

I was even given the opportunity to practice applying a poultice and to listen to some of the horse’s heart beats, which I am very grateful for.

Its amazing to see the incredible work that the Rescue does, saving and rehabilitating horses, and I am so happy that I got to be a part of that, even if it was only for a week.

Emily

Ben

Queen Mary’s Grammar School Walsall

During my week long Work Experience placement at the Racehorse Rescue Centre, I have learnt so much about these horses, from daily chores such as mucking out and grooming the horses, (specifically Rammy) to witnessing ‘join up’ with Prince and have enjoyed every day more than the last. I especially enjoyed being able to clean out the hooves of some of the horses myself, something I thought only farriers were allowed to do.

Living a 3 hour drive away from the Centre meant I wouldn’t have been able to experience this, if it wasn’t for the free accommodation on site, which was amazing!

Finally, I’d like to thank everyone here for being so supportive during my stay, especially Mark and Nigel for helping with day to day instruction.

Ben

International Students

Three international students joined us for two weeks to gain experience in handling horses.

From left, Lisa from France, Julia from Brazil and Miranda from California USA.

The weather was great for a change and we even had chance to enjoy a BBQ. The students were very helpful and the horses and volunteers really enjoyed their company and wish them all the success in passing their exams to becoming Vets.

Emily, first year student at Nottingham Vet University

I spent two weeks volunteering at the Racehorse Rescue Centre as part of Extra Mural Study for my first year of vet school. Volunteering here gave me a unique opportunity to learn more about the racing industry and the rehabilitation of horses once they are retired from racing.
It was amazing to hear about the transformation of the some of the horses since they had arrived at the Rescue Centre and observe the individual care tailored to each horse.
Having spent a lot of time with horses the opportunity to ride some of the horses now used for therapy was also a great experience.
I really enjoyed my time here and hope to volunteer again soon!
Emily B

Anna, EMS student from Edinburgh Veterinary Uni

I volunteered at The Racehorse Rescue Centre for a week in summer as part of my veterinary Extra Mural Studies and I could not recommend this placement highly enough. I learnt so much about the care and training of their horses who have come from a range of different backgrounds. It was a rewarding experience working with the horses on their ground and ridden work and hearing about the success stories of horses in their care. I would recommend volunteering at RRC to anyone looking to gain hands on experience in horse rehabilitation or wanting to help out with a worthwhile charity.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the placement and I was made to feel very welcome by all at the centre. I hope to volunteer there again soon.

Anna, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Hannah Marrow first year vet student at the University of Glasgow

The RRC is a fantastic EMS placement as it is so hands-on with the care of the horses. The horses resident at the RRC are very different in personality and temperament to those found on the majority of stables however this is extremely useful as it allowed development of my equine handling skills.

The yard is extremely friendly and welcoming. All the volunteers are lovely and very knowledgeable about both equine care and the racing industry. There was ample opportunity to discuss the welfare and ethics of racing and improve my understanding of the industry.

I really enjoyed this placement and will definitely volunteer with the RRC again!

Tilly (Volunteer)

Had the best time on our hack. want to say a massive thank you to the Racehorse Rescue Centre for allowing us to go and do fun things like this and taking the charity horses on a nice day out! Bring on the beech ride!!

Joes mum

Volunteering at the centre has given Joe a real sense of self worth, something that is incredibly important to someone who finds it so hard to interact with his peers and to stay focused on single tasks.

I can not express how grateful I am to you and the centre for all you’ve done for Joe. Not only for the new skills he has learnt but the positive effect on his mental health and wellbeing.

Thank you

Angela