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MEET THE TEAM
Alex Jackson and Monique Lyle (Owners and Directors of BTA and ITA)
Alex Jackson and Monique Lyle (Owners and Directors of BTA and ITA)
Alex Jackson and Monique Lyle (Owners and Directors of BTA and ITA)
Suzy Barkley (Director of ITA)
Alex Jackson and Monique Lyle (Owners and Directors of BTA and ITA)
Alex Jackson and Monique Lyle (Owners and Directors of BTA and ITA)
Anna Curran (Yard Manager and Head Rider)
Anna Curran (Yard Manager and Head Rider)
Anna Curran (Yard Manager and Head Rider)
Jo-Marie Liebenburg (Office Manager)
Anna Curran (Yard Manager and Head Rider)
Anna Curran (Yard Manager and Head Rider)
NEWS
OUR AMBASSADORS
Henry de Bromhead
Sneezy 'Denise' Foster
Henry de Bromhead
Henry de Bromhead is an Irish horse trainer who specializes in training horses for National Hunt racing. He trained Sizing Europe and is based at stables in Knockeen, County Waterford.
He commenced racehorse training in 2000, having taken over the family stable from his father, Harry. De Bromhead spent time learning training with Robert and Sally Alner and Sir Mark Prescott, and worked at Coolmore Stud.
He won his first Grade One race as a trainer in 2008 when Sizing Europe won the Irish Champion Hurdle and since then has gone on to have success in Ireland and the UK.
His major successes include three Queen Mother Champion Chase wins, with Sizing Europe in 2011, Special Tiara in 2017 and Put The Kettle On in 2021. His current stable jockey is Rachael Blackmore.
A stellar 2016/2017 season confirmed his profile in no uncertain fashion. Henry sent out 75 individual winners, five at Grade One level. Among those Grade One was Special Tiara, who gave Henry his fourth Cheltenham Festival winner when winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase. In 2018 the yard celebrated winning the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham with Balko des Flos and have had continued success.
"We've had a great few years and I'm delighted with where we're at. You are always tweaking things and you always need to improve, but we have a great team of staff here and the support of some brilliant owners, so you'd like to think we can keep competing”.
Immy Kennedy
Sneezy 'Denise' Foster
Henry de Bromhead
Immy Kennedy is 17 and is currently studying Equine Management. Having ridden for as long as she can remember she has competed in many disciplines from Showing and County Level Workers to affiliated Eventing, Show Jumping, and even a season of Pony Racing.
Immy was a familiar face on the junior BS circuit initially with Vicky Clarks super speedy ex 133cm race pony Mr Tangeroo and then with Coral McShanes 142cm coloured pony Gwyndyucha Ko-Ko. She had numerous wins as a junior show jumper, leading the BS Northern league on several occasions, named Cheshire Junior Champion and representing England North numerous times and was part of the (winning) BS Northern team at Stoneleigh.
She is the reigning Pony Club Open Showjumping Champion with Ko-Ko, the only pony to have ever won it!
2020 found her pony years sadly at an end and with new rides biased towards eventing she ‘reluctantly’ found her dressage mojo with BE U18 teams in mind. Although opportunities to compete were minimal due to Covid it did mean that school was closed giving her the opportunity to ride out for local trainer Lisa Williamson, gaining as much experience as possible in all aspects of a race yard, leading up her first winner and reminding her that nothing beats speed when it comes to having fun on a horse!
It was love at first lot for the racehorses, the athleticism and intelligence of Thoroughbreds mean they are very easy to fall in love with! Immy currently rides out for Lisa when she is not in college and has also fit some working holidays in at Newmarket Pre-training under Alan McCabe.
She finds both starting their education and re-training those retiring from the track incredibly rewarding.
Immy plans to join The British Racing School later in 2021 with the aim of becoming a flat jockey one day
Sneezy 'Denise' Foster
Sneezy 'Denise' Foster
Sneezy 'Denise' Foster
The hugely popular Denise Foster, known universally by her childhood nickname ‘Sneezy’, has been training a small string at Possextown Farm in Enfield, not far from Cullentra, for more than 20 years, saddling in excess of 40 winners over both codes on the track since 1998.
Among her most significant triumphs was that of Lily’s Rainbow in the Listed Heritage Stakes at Navan in 2016, with Billy Lee doing the steering, and the success of the Andy Duff-piloted My Cool Lady in a valuable Premier Bumper at the Punchestown festival six years earlier.
She took over the licence in very sad circumstances, after her husband David, a renowned three-day eventer who had represented Ireland at four Olympic Games, was killed in a fall at a local event in Rathmolyon at the age of 43 in 1998.
Further tragedy was to visit the family when her 27-year-old daughter Lucy, married to trainer Fozzy Stack, passed away in 2014.
In the wake of her husband’s death, Foster set up the David Foster Injured Riders’ Fund, which has paid out more than €200,000 to riders injured while eventing.
A qualified riding instructor, Foster worked initially in showjumping in Ireland and Belgium.
While working for the legendary Eddie Macken at Ferrans Stud in the remarkable Boomerang era, she met her future husband, a member of the Army Equitation School who would rise to the rank of Captain.
Together, they established Possextown for the production and education of eventers but David, who had ridden in point-to-points and hunter chases, had a passionate interest in racing and took out a licence to train.
Foster took up the baton and Twisted Logic was her first winner, in a point-to-point, within days of doing so.
Her first victory on the track came courtesy of Supreme Touch at Naas in 2001.
ABOUT US
How we work
TEAM BTA AND TEAM ITA ( TEAM TBAITA )
How the British Thoroughbred Agency and the Irish Thoroughbred Agency (Ireland Division) works and a beginner’s guide to purchasing a OTTB.
The owner and director of Team TBAITA
Monique Lyle
BHS Qualified
Fully insured and registered
BHS Gold Member (British Horse Society)
AOFA level 3 Qualified
DBS Certified
Currently enrolled with the BHS and doing all BHSQ Qualifications up to BHSI to be an established coach across all three Olympic disciplines.
Based in Fairford, Gloucestershire.
The British Thoroughbred Agency is the British division and head office for all OTTB rehoming within Great Britain that fall under our trusted trainers and supporters listings. Our Irish Thoroughbred Agency is the Ireland division of our company which is our main retraining, rehoming and racing yard based in Donaghcloney, Craigavon, Northern Ireland and owned by Suzy Barkley Racing. Both thoroughbred agencies are fully insured and registered business's owned by Monique Lyle and Alex Jackson.
The British Thoroughbred Agency and the Irish Thoroughbred Agency get weekly notifications straight from the studs and trainers across the UK and Ireland of horses retiring from the racing circuit to include horses retiring from our racing yard in Donaghcloney.
Thoroughbreds are retired for many reasons and mainly because they are to slow for racing.
The British Thoroughbred Agency and the Irish Thoroughbred Agency get sent all their documentation which includes photos, videos and medical histories on each horse.
Team ITA then collect the horses that are available in Ireland and transports them to our main stable yard in Donaghcloney where they are assessed further and start their new schooling programme whilst Team BTA in the UK rehomes horses directly from our trusted trainers and racing yards across Great Britain.
All horses are open to viewings and vetting's, and horses are rehomed accordingly to training, breeding, conformation and temperament. Please note that all the horses available for rehoming in Ireland are all with Team ITA in our main stable yard at Bluestone Lodge in Donaghcloney Graigavon Northern Ireland, owned and run by Suzy Barkley unless advertised otherwise.
The British Thoroughbred Agency and the Irish Thoroughbred Agency (Ireland Division) handles all enquires, viewings and vetting's.
If you are new to Team TBAITA we take exceptional care in making sure the right horses go to the right homes, we like to keep updated on all the horses and how they are settling into their second careers.
Remember to like our Facebook page and download our app to get notifications of all our horses available for rehoming as they come off the track!
The Beginner’s Guide to rehoming an OTTB
Don’t expect the horse to be given away — If it is likely to have a chance at succeeding in any kind of career, it is worth a price, like any horse. Trainers and owners have recognised that, if they put a value on a horse, it has more chance of ending up in a suitable home.
Thoroughbreds off the track have seen it all. The thoroughbred racehorse is often broken to saddle at two years old, educated to work on the track, walk into and jump out of barriers, travel on trucks, stand all day in the stalls, burst into a gallop then meander back home, and they see all kinds of crazy things on their way.
If you have the time and patience to ease them into their new life, you will find you have a pretty well rounded horse on your hands. The idea of nasty track vices like wind sucking and weaving often turn people off, but they are not as prevalent as you might think. Even less so once a horse gets the freedom of a paddock. Once a thoroughbred knows where they are and what is expected of them, loud noises, flappy things, and crowds are no biggie while the boutique breeds may not be so wise.
First of all – what exactly is an OTTB? An “off-the-track Thoroughbred” is a Jockey Club-registered Thoroughbred horse that was previously racing or in training to race, and has since been retired. Injury, lack of talent, and old age are examples of reasons that can result in a horse being retired from the track.
What does an OTTB do once he/she is retired? Well, that’s where Team BTA and Team ITA come in. OTTBs have been known to transition into successful show horses in hunter/jumper, dressage, eventing and other styles. They can also be trained as lesson horses, companion animals, or even for therapeutic riding programs. Like people, horses have their own individual personalities, and some are better suited to a certain job than others are.
You’ll laugh every day with your OTTB!
Horses emerge from the racing industry with all sorts of quirks. Yes, some of them aren’t totally desirable, but mostly they just make you laugh. You’ll laugh when they taste their first apple, and drool all over you with a look of “Where has this been all my life?!” You’ll laugh when you say “no” and they confusedly come back for more. Off the track thoroughbreds are discovering a whole new world of treats, paddocks, friends, shows and so much more. Sometimes you will want to cry, but mostly you will laugh along as your OTTB fumbles his way to a new career.
You’ve decided you want to purchase an off-the-track Thoroughbred. Here’s your beginner’s guide:
1) Research the breed – the most important thing is to know what you’ll be working with. Thoroughbreds are selectively bred for speed, stamina, and a variety of other factors that make them formidable on the racetrack, and they are not usually suitable for beginning riders. Thoroughbreds are often thought of as “hot” and hard to handle, but this is a myth (although there are always some outliers. We all have that one friend … ). Extremely intelligent and willing to please, OTTBs are perfect for your next project.
2) Make your plan of attack – Many of our OTTBs do not cost a lot but of course, taking care of a horse for the rest of its life is where things do get pricey. Once you find your dream horse, what are you going to do with him or her? Most racehorses know how to run and turn left. I recommend that when you get them off the track, you start by going right . From there, it’s up to you. Jumping, dressage, eventing, therapeutic riding programs, or your new moneymaking lesson horse – your OTTB will be the best investment you ever made.
3) Pay it forward – Thoroughbreds are beautiful, smart, talented animals, and it’s important to make sure that they’re taken care of once their racing days are over, regardless of how much money they made on the track. Sharing OTTB stories and links, or supporting organisations such as us makes it possible for us to do what we do.
4) They may not be used to conventional riding techniques - A racehorse will be unfamiliar with long stirrups and a heavier saddle and is unlikely to understand seat and leg aids until they are retrained. Jockeys are often given a leg up while the horse is walking so a former racehorse is unlikely to stand still for you while you mount from a block.
OTTBs will not be used to being exercised alone and will associate riding out in company with its former life on the gallops. They are unlikely to have travelled in a trailer before as they travel in trucks to the races. All day turnout will be a new experience that should be introduced gradually. They will be used to being in a busy yard and might be overwhelmed by your individual attention.
5) Buying an off the track Thoroughbred (OTTB) fresh off the track can be an excellent bargain - but it takes some imagination to see what “could be” when faced with a scrawny three-year-old. Many riders, accustomed to seeing well-fleshed animals, find it difficult to see beyond the ribby skeleton and improper muscling that is common in a race-fit Thoroughbred. “His neck looks awkward. His back seems weak. He’s so narrow!” is a typical response from inexperienced buyers.
Always be aware that horse's are simple animals and a change of environment, feed regime and different relationships with the rider/owner can all greatly influence the horses behaviour particularly in the period immediately following purchase.
We hope this article has helped you in your decision.
HAPPY RIDING !! 😃
TEAM TBAITA
The British And Irish Thoroughbred Agency
Learn More
SOME OF OUR TESTIMONIALS
Emily Taylor
Alana Richardson
Emily Taylor
"As soon as I saw Annie on the ITA and BTA website I knew she was the horse for me. I cannot express enough how helpful Suzy and Monique have been in helping me to find the perfect horse.
Every question I asked was answered promptly and honestly. The team at their rehoming yard in Ireland with Suzy Barkley were really happy to send loads of pictures and videos at my request. The whole process from start to finish was smooth and easy.
Organising transport was simple and Annie arrived early in the morning in beautiful condition. She has settled really quickly and isn’t phased by my cheeky gelding. She’s had a couple of days to relax and acclimatise to her new life and has truly found her forever home.
I would like to thank Suzy and Monique for keeping in touch through this period and for always helping and guiding me especially when buying an unseen horse. I’m really looking forward to mine and Annie’s future as we start her retraining and discover her potential.
I would 100% recommend using Suzy and Monique to rehome a retired racehorse."
Tessa Down
Alana Richardson
Emily Taylor
“When looking for a horse I am always worried about buying unseen and I have never done it due to this worry, however, when my horse was unable to jump anymore I thought about getting an ex-racehorse. I was looking for months until I came across an ad about a 17hh chestnut named Teddy. I messaged ITA and BTA and got a message straight back with a link to other horses.
Suzy and Monique where so patient with me throughout the process and sent me through all the videos and pictures I asked for. Once I had decided to go for it the process was stress free and easy.
Getting him over to England was the hard part as it was Covid and Brexit but Monique and Suzy were completely understanding and was happy to keep him until I could organise transport.
They put me in touch with different transport companies and remained in contact with me throughout. Photos of my gorgeous boy were sent when he started his journey and a note sent with his passport.
I honestly never thought I would buy unseen but I definitely will be from these guys. Teddy has settled in well and is an incredible horse and I cant wait to see were we go.
Thank you to Monique and Suzy for all the help and support. I will definitely be a returning customer and recommending these guys xx”
Alana Richardson
Alana Richardson
Alana Richardson
“I would recommend the Ireland and British thoroughbred agencies to anyone looking for a new horse to love. I can’t believe I’ve had Rocky 3 months now, he’s such a dream he’s such an easy 3 year old I’m always getting compliments on how good he is for his age!
The whole process of buying him and transporting him over from Ireland was so easy and would definitely do it again☺️”
Hannah Longmore
Melissa and Jill Lomax
Alana Richardson
“I had been looking for a new horse for a couple of months and was wanting an ex racer, soon as I saw Chad on ITA and BTA for rehoming I loved him.
ITA and the BTA where very honest with Chad, and answered all they questions I asked!
The whole experience was great!
I have had Chad since 18th December 2020 and he’s settled in great! We are taking things steady but he’s done everything I’ve asked of him! I can’t wait for our future together!”
Melissa and Jill Lomax
Melissa and Jill Lomax
Melissa and Jill Lomax
“Well what can I say, I have been incredibly lucky to find such a kind, honest and beautiful horse through the ITA and the BTA with the help of the wonderful Suzy and Monique.
Suzy and Monique where absolutely fantastic, sending us every picture and video you could possibly need and giving us all of the answers to our questions.
I was extremely nervous about buying a horse from overseas and without viewing! but I cannot believe how easy and stress-free the whole process went. We knew every quirk that Nessy had before purchasing and it was an extremely honest sale.
Nessy arrived and we all fell in love with him instantly! Such a well mannered boy, a dream to handle, hacks out on his own and is super with traffic. Nothing phases him. A true gem and super safe!
I would highly recommend purchasing with the ITA and the BTA. I found a dream of a horse and it was the best decision I made! I look forward to our journey with this big beauty!
When my daughter Melissa finally came to her senses and decided she wanted to join her mum back on horse adventures never would I have thought we'd have found her soul mate on Facebook. The ITA and BTA put up a wonderful video of a horse in Ireland and without a shadow of a doubt I thought....that's the one. After a night of a few gins and a bit of encouragement Melissa agreed and made the purchase.
After a long journey Nessie arrived a little bemused and tired but still had to walk 1/2 a mile to his new, more rustic home. First impressions were wow! Well you're taller than expected but that was a good thing. Since that day he's never put a hoof wrong. At 17.1 he matched my girl just fine. The scars for which he had passed over by many simply faded into non existence by his pure soul, kind heart and acceptances of his new world. In simple words ...he's better in person and a complete angel.
The service and communication from Suzy and Monique and her team have been second to non in my extensive experience of buying horses. They are approachable, professional and always on hand to discuss issues and...share a giggle 🤣.
I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to purchase unseen from her team again. Maintains responsibility for horses who, for no fault on her behalf, have been sold who needs to be resold. Sometimes buyers need to really address what these type of horses need.
As for Nessie aka Nev, he is perfect. Melissa had her first lesson on him a few weeks ago and my very reputable trainer just.... gushed and couldn't believe my eye for a great horse still existed and what a buy we had acquired. Both he and my daughter will have such fun in the summer.”
Deborah Birkitt
Melissa and Jill Lomax
Melissa and Jill Lomax
“I feel so lucky to have found my beautiful Rocky! After a week of studying his photos and videos, something told me he was the one and I just knew he would have to be coming to live with me.
I was never worried about buying him unseen as a very trusted friend had recommended the Ireland and British Thoroughbred Agencies to me after buying her lovely boy from them a few weeks before.
Monique and Suzy are such lovely people and so very helpful in making the process easy. Nothing is too much trouble.
I didn’t have a clue about arranging the transport over from Ireland, but Suzy and Monique made sure it went as smoothly as it could be.
From start to finish the whole experience was stress-free and straightforward.
Rocky is a dream! I feel so privileged to have had the chance of owing such a lovely horse. He is such a beautiful soul and exactly what they described him to be like. ‘All he wants is fuss and love’ and he gets it in bucketloads every single day, by the whole family.
He has settled right in to his new home and is an absolute pleasure to own. He is polite, responsive and respectful...obviously due to the high standard of education been given by Team ITA and Team BTA prior to rehoming.
I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and my new lifelong best friend.
Thank you so very much Monique and Suzy.... you have played a huge part in helping a lady going through a pretty rough time in her life, have something to smile for again!”