Pony Racing - Berkeley South

Pony Racing Sport Manager – Trish

Berkeley South has a proud tradition of success in Pony Racing, with members achieving individual and team success. Pony Racing is a sport open to members who are at least 9 years old and less than 17 years old on the day of the race. Ponies race in three height classes; 128cm and below, 138cm and below and 148cm and below. Each class is split in up to 4 categories – Beginner, Novice, Intermediate and Open, with riders and ponies progressing through the categories depending on participation and results over previous races.

Ponies of all shapes and types can take place in Pony Racing, from Shetlands to Cobs and everything in between. Although there are some specific tack requirements for safety, you do not need to buy racing saddles or expensive equipment and so it is easy to give racing a try!

Training

Berkeley South is lucky to have Tracey Barfoot-Saunt running our Pony Racing sessions at Pritchards, Purton. These rallies are open to all members, whether you wish to Pony Race or not. They are wonderful for training for fitness, balance, control and for building confidence in our members. The rallies can be used to develop partnerships for effective dressage and eventing, in addition to general riding skills and having fun! They are run on an enclosed canter track, so provide a safe and welcoming space in which to train.

In order to qualify to Pony Race you must attend at least two training sessions or rallies, including at least one in open space, as the combination who will be racing, since the previous July. Alternatively, you can attend a PRA mounted training day as a partnership and qualify to race in this way. DCs must confirm that combinations have qualified in order to ensure safety for all members and their ponies.

Competitions

Pony Club Race Days are held around the country from February to October, with a break in the summer months. The races are held at Race Courses such as Cheltenham, Ascot, Haydock Park, Aintree, Exeter and Wincanton. Members have even travelled as far as Kelso in Scotland for races.

In recent years Berkeley South has achieved far above expectations for such a small branch, due to the wonderful training and support on offer. Former member Harvey is now achieving success racing under rules, in 2024 member Alexis won the 148cm National League, and in 2025 multiple members achieved success with Clara coming 2nd in the 128cm National League and Jacob finishing joint 3rd in the 148cm competition. As a team, Berkeley South finished 2nd in the National Clubs and Centres League, a fantastic achievement with 135 branches or centres competing. This achievement saw the team being awarded the Area 9 Racing Team Award and Clara the Area 9 Pony Racing Individual Award.