SEAN Dyche is used to taking the reins when it comes to the Clarets’ push to get back into the Premier League — and now he is helping East Lancashire’s equine charity canter to success.

The Burnley FC manager was guest of honour at Shore Hey Farm in Briercliffe to look around the Horse & Pony Protection Association’s refurbished facilities.

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There he met handsome horse Trinket, who was suitably decked out in claret and blue, and became her first sponsor in the sanctuary’s Second Chance scheme.

Equine manager Sarah Arthur said: “All the things we do with the horses here are similar to what Sean does with his players in training.

“There is cardiovascular exercise and physio sessions. Our equine care staff work very hard to get them match-fit. Trinket was wearing the claret and blue with pride. She is definitely a Burnley fan.”

The horse was among a group of 33 animals taken in by Happa before Christ- mas.

This was one of the centre’s biggest rescues.

Trinket was underweight and suffering from mud fever, a skin condition which affects a horse’s limbs.

Ms Arthur said: “The group were all athletic breeds, such as former racehorses, and the person who had owned them could not look after their welfare any more.

“They were starting to suffer and looked in a sorry state.”

Thankfully, Trinket is now well on the road to recovery and, as with all the horses under Happa’s care, will be rehomed with a new owner.

The Shore Hey Farm compound welcomed hundreds of visitors as it officially unveiled its refurbished facilities over the weekend.

They were treated to a tour of the centre, and dressage and parelli displays in the main indoor arena.

The Second Chance sponsorship scheme, which costs less than £1 per week, helps rehabilitate every animal admitted to the centre and eventually find them a new home.

Visit happa.org.uk/sponsor for more details.