New pastures sought for former racehorses

Greatwood is on the site of a former diary farm

A home for retired racehorses is looking for new homes for nine of its residents.

The Greatwood Rehabilitation Centre near Marlborough wants to make room for more ex-racehorses.

They are looking for anyone who could use the former champions for general riding purposes, eventing and dressage, for example.

Set in 87 acres of countryside at a former diary farm, Greatwood is one of only three affiliated centres in the UK that rehabilitates ex-racehorses.

The Centre was set up by Helen Yeardon as a charity

Helen Yeardon, centre founder, said: "We have a number of horses here that we are really keen to find people to take on.

"Amongst them are two five-year-olds, a six-year-old and a nine-year-old who would be fantastic at showjumping."

Greatwood is a charity and the horses given to them from racehorse trainers and owners are gifts.

When the re-schooled horses are loaned out, they remain under the ownership of Greatwood.

For an agreement fee of £500 the horses go to their new home fully "serviced" - they are safe to ride on roads, and their teeth, backs and legs are fit and healthy.