THE STABLE doors are set to open at a Wyre sanctuary for ex-racehorses in a bid to educate people on the 'do's' and definite 'don'ts' of owning a thoroughbred.

Despite playing host to some of the racing worlds most illustrious names such as Hello Dandee, Leopard Rock and Dr Spock, the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre (TRC), in Nateby, deals with the after-effects of the starry-eyed racing world.

Unfortunately, not all thoroughbreds manage to leave the circuit unscathed and many need months of re-training to be able to settle into a new home and environment with new owners.

The centre's founder and director, Carrie Humble said: "Our main concern is the welfare of the animals we look after. They can stay with us as long as they need and that can be anything from six months up to a year. But we also need to educate people because many don't realise what they are taking home when they buy a thoroughbred racehorse.

"It's like going from riding a normal horse to a thoroughbred is like the difference between driving a Ford and a Ferrari. Many people underestimate the power of the horse or, more dangerously, overestimate their ability as a rider and this leads to frustration and aggression towards the animal.

"There are roughly 3,000 horses leaving the racing circuit each year and many of these end up in unsuitable homes with people who are ill-equipped to look after them.

"In the ten years we've been operating we have seen some heartbreaking examples of thoroughbreds being brought in suffering from serious physical and mental abuse. It's not that people purposely mistreat the thoroughbred, they are just badly advised in the first place or get stuck in the mentality that a wallop will help cure the horse of its ways or break it in. But this is totally wrong. Thoroughbreds are just highly bred, not temperamental, and will only respond to a certain personality or treatment."

So far the TRC -- which was the first centre of its kind in Europe -- has managed to successfully re-house around 100 ex-racehorses and has 25 horses living in residence at any one time, with an additional 22 waiting for places.

The centre needs around £260,000 each year to keep the operation running, most of which is raised by the TRC's own fund raising efforts. But in a bid to raise awareness of the plight of ex-racehorses, the TRC are inviting members of the public to its annual open day on Sunday, June 22.

Patrons of the centre include race horse commentator Sir Peter O'Sullivan, Lord Oaksey, The Marquess of Zetland and former jockey, Frankie Dettori.

Open day visitors will be able to talk to Carrie, TRC chief trainer, Julie Robinson, and actor Charlie Lawson, who played Jim McDonald in Coronation Street. For details call Penny McPhillips, on 01995 605007.