York Racecourse has taken a heartwarming step just before its iconic Sky Bet Ebor Festival by arranging a visit from its equine ambassador, Remy, to the Brainkind Neurological Centre. This initiative is part of a longstanding collaboration with the local charity,
New Beginnings, which specialises in retraining retired racehorses for therapeutic roles. Remy, accompanied by Poppy the pony, brought smiles, laughter, and much-needed comfort to individuals living with acquired brain injuries and other neurological conditions.
A partnership with purpose: York Racecourse and Brainkind
Brainkind, formerly known as The Disabilities Trust, is a leading UK charity dedicated to supporting individuals with brain injuries, helping them regain lost skills and achieve their fullest potential. Their recent partnership with York Racecourse underscores their commitment to offering holistic care, which now includes the emotional and psychological benefits of interacting with therapy animals like Remy.
The visit to Brainkind Neurological Centre, which is conveniently located near the racecourse, was more than just a meet-and-greet. It was an opportunity for the residents, their families, and staff to engage with the horses in a meaningful way. According to Karl Wane, a resident at the centre,
“They were very nice horses. I wish I could sit on them! I liked stroking them and I’d like them to visit us again.”
The therapeutic power of horses
The therapeutic value of horses is well-documented, especially for people with neurological conditions. The calming presence of these animals can help reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a unique form of emotional support. Hayley Wild, a Speech and Language Therapist at Brainkind, remarked on the event’s success:
“There was a real buzz yesterday at Brainkind Neurological Centre York as lots of the people we support met and had fun with Remy and Poppy. We laughed and even went nose to nose with the horses. All the staff enjoyed themselves too, and we were discussing the therapeutic benefits that being with horses can bring to people with an acquired brain injury.”
Remy’s role as an equine ambassador
Remy’s visit was not just about providing therapy; it also served to strengthen the bond between York Racecourse and its community partners. Amy Swales, Head of Digital and Community Engagement at York Racecourse, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“Brainkind is one of our Community Partners and it has been a pleasure to be able to bring Remy and Poppy to meet our new neighbours today. Remy is a wonderful character who is very calm and loves meeting people. Working with Remy, our Equine Ambassador, and Poppy the pony means people can experience and learn what horses do for people, and people for horses. We look forward to working with Brainkind on lots more projects during the coming year.”
New beginnings: Giving racehorses a second chance
New Beginnings, the charity behind Remy’s retraining, is dedicated to providing retired racehorses with new careers as therapy animals. This not only gives the horses a fulfilling second career but also allows them to give back to the community in a profound way. The charity’s work ensures that these majestic animals continue to be cared for and valued long after their racing days are over.
Join the cause
York Racecourse’s partnership with Brainkind is a shining example of how community collaboration can lead to positive outcomes for everyone involved. The visit by Remy and Poppy highlighted the therapeutic potential of animal-assisted therapy for individuals with neurological conditions. Tracy Calcraft, Head of Fundraising at Brainkind, extended an invitation for further support:
“We are grateful for the support of York Racecourse. It provides opportunities for a breadth of partnerships from directly raising funds to experiencing the wellbeing benefits of meeting horses. If you or your organisation would like to support Brainkind, please get in touch with me.”
About Brainkind
Brainkind, formerly known as The Disabilities Trust, is a UK-based charity with over 40 years of experience in neurorehabilitation. The organisation is dedicated to helping individuals with brain injuries and other neurological conditions regain their skills and achieve their full potential. With a range of services including physical and cognitive rehabilitation, Brainkind provides compassionate, personalised care led by expert clinicians.
For more information about Brainkind and its services, visit Brainkind Neurological Centre York.
About York racecourse
York Racecourse is one of the most prestigious racecourses in the UK, hosting events like the Sky Bet Ebor Festival. The racecourse is committed to community engagement and regularly partners with local organisations to bring joy and support to the community.
For more information, visit York Racecourse.
About new beginnings
New Beginnings is a charity that retrains retired racehorses, giving them new roles as therapy animals. This initiative not only provides these horses with a second career but also helps communities by offering therapeutic experiences with these gentle creatures.
Learn more about New Beginnings at New Beginnings Horses.