A racehorse training yard in Melrose will open its doors to the public to show what life as a racehorse is really like.

People are invited to Jackie Stephen's Firth Farm training yard on September 14 with free tickets available at nationalracehorseweek.uk. 

The event, part of the National Racehorse Week, will run from 10am until 12.30pm.

Visitors will be able to meet the horses, speak with the trainers, and ask the staff questions.

Ms Stephen said: "We take a very hands-on approach, working with each horse individually over a period.

(Image: Performance Communications)

"Learning to understand its temperament, how to get the best response from each one and to gain its confidence and trust to get the best out of them, while keeping them fit, healthy in body and happy in mind."

She has been working with horses all her life.

After years of caring for thoroughbreds for other yards, she took out a full licence in 2015.

Since then, she has been successfully training racehorses from the Scottish Borders.

She continues to ride out every day and is very hands-on, planning a programme for each horse for every day of the week.

(Image: Performance Communications)

TV personality Chris Hughes, a racehorse owner and ambassador for National Racehorse Week, said: “The impact of getting up close to a horse cannot be underestimated. 

“And racing has created a unique opportunity through National Racehorse Week to help people meet these incredible animals, experience the life of a thoroughbred and talk to the dedicated teams who care for them 365 days a year. 

“There is nothing quite like this in any other sport. 

“It is fantastic that the events are free to attend with everyone welcome to join.”