What is Pony Racing?
Pony Racing mirrors the Horse Racing you see on the television. Held on racecourses across the UK (such as Ascot and Cheltenham), pony racing allows Pony Club Members to experience the thrill and experience of racing – but on ponies!
Members wishing to give pony racing a go must be aged 9 years old (on the day of the race) and can race up until the day of their 17th birthday. The ponies taking part must be aged between 5 and 20 years old and be fit and sound to race. They must also measure no more than 148cm.
The Pony Club works closely with The Pony Racing Authority (PRA), pony racing’s governing body, to provide young people with opportunities to race in point-to-point and the Racecourse Series.
How Do I Get Involved?
Your first point of contact if you want to have a go at Pony Racing is your Branch or Centre. Ask them about getting involved with a taster session which will include mounted and unmounted activities to help give you the feel of what racing is like.
There are many different types of sessions that can be run to give Members a taste of racing:
- Balance and fitness exercises
These are aimed to test your balance and fitness and build muscle needed for racing - Equicisor
This is a mechanical horse that gives you the chance to practice and perfect your racing position safely before getting on your pony. - Cantering in an enclosed space
Usually an arena session where you can work on bridging your reins and your racing position on your pony before getting out on the course. - Gallops and field practise in a safe environment
This is where both rider and pony can practice travelling at speed to prepare for what it would be like to race. - PC/PRA Training days
Training days where you can receive a full range of support from using an Equicisor, speaking to racing coaches and gallop on your pony in a group. These days also count as an eligibility qualification for a Race Day. - Race Days
A chance to get competitive on racecourses such as Cheltenham and Ascot! Check the Pony Club website to see if there are any race days being held near you.
How Do I Progress Further?
If you decide you want to enter a Race Day, the combination must meet certain eligibility criteria and must have completed since 1st July in the previous year:
• A minimum of two ridden group rallies of one hour in duration. The ridden activity to take place in a wide open space; or
• A minimum of one (passed) PRA/PC Training Day; or
• Attended and completed a British Racing School or National Racing College or Scottish Racing Academy Level 3 training day (Passed)
DCs or Centre Proprietors will be contacted to confirm that the combination have completed the requirements above, and to confirm that they are a current member of their Branch/Centre.
Key Competitions & Events
Pony Race Days
Race Days are an opportunity for members to take part in competitive racing mainly on a licenced racecourse such as Ascot, Wincanton and Cheltenham. An unmatched experience by getting to ride at some of the UK’s most prestigious racecourses. Riders take part in weighing in, weighing out, parading, and heading down to the start, just like a professional race!
Taster Days
Not ready to go racing just yet? Taster sessions are run by the PRA and are held at all Pony Club Race Days. They are held before the main racing takes place, so they’re the perfect opportunity to come along, find out more about Pony Racing, have a go at some fun activities and then enjoy an afternoon of racing. Many members who are racing now started by attending a Taster Day first! Attendance is only £5 and spaces are limited, so make sure you register via the PRA website to avoid disappointment.
SEE ALL 2026 FIXTURES: CLICK HERE
Pony Racing Points Series
The RaceTech Pony Racing Points Series runs throughout the Racing Season and allows all members participating at Pony Club Race days to gain points based on placings and participation in their height race. The aim of the Points Series is to recognise members who are performing well in their race and encourage them to progress in Pony Racing.
Participation in the RaceTech Points Series is automatic upon entry to any race day throughout the season. The series spans from January to December, culminating in an awards ceremony at Ascot in December.
Points are awarded as follows: 12 points for 1st place, decreasing incrementally to 2 points for 6th place. Additionally, combinations who complete races without placing will receive 1 point. Points are accumulated over the year, and the combinations with the highest totals in the 128cm, 138cm, and 148cm categories will receive an invitation to the prizegiving at Ascot in December.
Previous years’ Race Day results and full Points Series results can now be found in the Resource Hub.
Click here to view the 2025 results
The 2026 Points Series tables are listed below
To visit the main Pony Club website and find race results click here
For information about Pony Racing contact: Sally Bowman hubblesfarm@hotmail.com