Molly Wilson, Operations Manager at the British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre, talks about inspiring young people through a new partnership with Active Madrassah as part of National Racehorse Week

I’m Molly Wilson, Operations Manager at The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (BTRC). I’ve been part of the team for five years, initially joining as part of the stable staff team, before moving into the office in 2022 and stepping up into my current role earlier this year. My work is wonderfully varied, and I love that no two days are ever the same.

A new partnership with Active Madrassah

This was our first collaboration with the Active Madrassah group, organised as part of National Racehorse Week. Our aim this year was to run as many events and visits as possible – not only to celebrate former racehorses but also to open the centre to new audiences. Great British Racing connected us with the group, who have strong links with the Pony Club, to arrange the visit. Active Madrassah, in partnership with Active Lancashire, works with Madrassah leaders to embed physical activity into their settings, helping to boost the activity levels and overall wellbeing of children and young people.

Why experiences like this matter

Providing opportunities like this is so important because many young people don’t always have access to sport, horses, or outdoor activities. Experiences like visiting the BTRC not only give them the chance to connect with animals and nature, but also help build confidence, teamwork, and wellbeing. For some, it may spark a completely new interest or passion they might not otherwise discover. By opening our doors to groups like Active Madrassah, we can make sure more young people feel included, inspired, and able to enjoy the benefits that horses and the outdoors can bring.

BTRC was the UK’s first charity dedicated to former racehorse welfare. The BTRC has grown into a centre of excellence, rehabilitating, retraining and rehoming hundreds of Thoroughbreds while promoting best practice across the industry. Every year, thousands of Thoroughbreds leave racing due to age, injury, or lack of ability. At BTRC, we give them the chance of a new life through our lifetime loan programme, which ensures they always remain under our care. Many go on to enjoy happy careers in leisure riding, hacking, or competition.

The Power of Former Racehorses to Inspire

Former racehorses have an incredible way of inspiring and connecting with young people. Their stories of resilience and versatility show that there’s always life beyond challenges, which is a powerful message for any generation. Spending time with these horses also teaches practical skills like care, patience, and responsibility, while giving young people the chance to experience something completely new. For those from diverse backgrounds who may not usually have access to horses, the experience can be eye-opening — breaking down barriers and showing that the equestrian world is open to everyone. Horses don’t just educate; they bring people together and create lasting memories that can spark new passions and opportunities.

Education at the centre

This visit for National Racehorse Week supported our mission at BTRC by giving young people a hands-on opportunity to learn about racehorses. Education is at the heart of what we do, and welcoming groups like this helps us share knowledge about horse welfare, responsibility, and the rewards of working with animals. We hope the group gained an understanding of the journey Thoroughbreds have after leaving the track, appreciated the dedication involved in giving them a second chance, and felt inspired, confident, and connected — both with the horses and the wider world of opportunities animals can bring.

Looking to the future

We’d love to see this partnership continue to grow and have invited the Active Madrassah to bring more children to the centre. We also offer fully funded visits for schools, allowing children from all backgrounds to experience the BTRC first-hand. Our hope is to educate young people from an early age about our work, inspiring the next generation to value animal welfare and the rewards of working with horses.