About Us

  About Us

New Beginnings became a charity in January 2016 (Registered Charity number 1165357) having been a Community Interest Company for six years.

The ‘passion’ behind New Beginnings is to provide a safe supportive environment for former racehorses to adapt and learn new skills after they have finished their first career in racing. They are offered a “Life past the Post’’.

Since its inception the priority for New Beginnings has been, and always will be, the welfare of our horses and those horses that are looking for a safe and secure home.

The aim of New Beginnings is not to be a sanctuary, we look to re-train and re-home as many suitable former racehorses as possible. Horses are ‘loaned’ to long term forever homes but will always return to New Beginnings if circumstances change, guaranteeing a secure future for these horses as they will never be sold.

All horses that come to New Beginnings are assessed and a training program is planned, which includes rehabilitation if required. Initially, horses are generally turned away and introduced to groups to allow them to relax, settle and enjoy equine company and often learn social skills through becoming part of a small herd. This helps them to adjust to their lifestyle change and, once the horse is relaxed and happy, then their re-training program will commence.

New Beginnings Team

Pam and Kevin Atkinson

Pam and Kevin do not come from a racing background but they both share a united passion for thoroughbred horses and understand their needs and impressive scope and ability to adapt to a wide spectrun of equestrian disciplines

Pam and Kevin share the responsibility for running the charity in the same way that they share the running of the yard. They started New Beginnings in 2010, from a small yard near Pocklington, which they soon outgrew and moved up the hill to Low House Stud at Hanging Grimston, a much larger yard rented to them from Halifax Estates. This allowed them to grow, take on more horses to re-train and re-school them in a safer environment. In 2016 they made the decision to change the structure of the business from a CIC (Community Interest Company) to a registered Charity. In 2017 with the help of Lord and Lady Halifax they moved to The Grange at Bishop Wilton, where with the help of many beneficiaries they have developed the yard into a purpose-built equestrian centre to provide a safe environment with the facilities they need, to re-train and re-home former racehorses.

Mark Holmes

Mark joined New Beginnings in 2015 on a part time basis. He loves riding and schooling horses so was the ideal person to join the team. Mark appreciates the true versatility of these fantastic horses and joined full time in 2016.

Holly Harrison

Holly joined New Beginnings in February 2020 and truly understands the needs of former racehorses. Holly has worked in racing and for Team Thoroughbred New South Wales in Australia retraining and rehoming former racehorses.

 

 

Mission and objectives...

The mission of New Beginnings is to provide a safe and secure environment where former racehorses can adjust and be re-trained for their second career following racing.

Our mission is supported by our objectives:

  • To support racehorses leaving the racing industry, or those that have already left but need support, providing a safe and secure environment in which they can adjust to become ideal riding partners and enjoy a new beginning
  • To promote humane behaviour towards racehorses by providing appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for racehorses that are in need of care and attention by reason of sickness or poor circumstances and to educate the public in matters pertaining to animal welfare in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among animals
  • To promote the versatility of the Thoroughbred and be an established provider in support of the racing industry as part of a network of centres of excellence that deliver the best possible chance of success for former racehorses in multiple equestrian disciplines

Please contact us by email on 01759 369810 for more information.

Accreditation

Pam and Kevin Atkinson

The Grange on the Halifax Estate
offers us superb facilities
 

Facilities

Countess of Halifax – Patron

"As a breeder of thoroughbreds and an owner of racehorses I am proud to show my commitment and support by being a Patron of New Beginnings.

"As a horsewoman myself, I can fully endorse the care and empathy show to these magnificent horses, who deserve the chance of a secure and fulfilling life following racing. I acknowledge the dedication, passion and commitment shown by Pam and Kevin to the welfare of all the horses in their care and their support for the racing industry."

Michael Shinners – Trustee

"In my many years of working within the industry, most recently as Horse Racing PR Manager for Sky Bet I have become acutely aware of the need to make provisions for horses in their retirement. 

"I was fortunate to visit New Beginnings four years ago and was immediately impressed by the work they do.  They prepare horses for the next stages of their lives in a friendly and professional manner. I’m proud to be associated with them as a trustee of the charity as they continue their invaluable work and service to the sport."

Graham Orange – Trustee

"As a proud Yorkshireman, I'm honoured to be a trustee of New Beginnings. I worked in a professional capacity for Yorkshire racecourses for over 32 years, so I know how important racing is to the county and how the county is important to its racing!

"As a trustee of New Beginnings, I'm continuing my association with racehorses, albeit in a different capacity. These are exciting times for New Beginnings, and I'm delighted to be part of a great team. It's a wonderful charity which represents a very important aspect of the racing industry, something that appeals to both racegoers and the public as a whole."