Do you know what pony racing is?
Are you interested in pony racing?
Do you fancy being a point to point rider one day?
Well you have your chance NOW.
Pony racing is for riders aged 9 to 15 years old to have a chance to ride ponies up to 148 cm tall, which are between 5 -20 years old, in a race on a race course. There are usually races for 148cm and under, then 138cm and under. You can go on Pony Club race days but there is no need to travel as there will be Pony races at the Pytchley, Fernie and Melton Hunt Club Point to Points in 2016.
The races are run on the flat, no jumping and are usually about 6 furlongs long. There are more details on the PRA web site: www.ponyracingauthority.co.uk
You do not need to have special tack or equipment just virtually the same things you would wear at for any PC activity. There will be up to 10 of you in a race and those that took part in their first race last year thought it was really exciting! You also do not need a special racing pony to enter these races, in fact you and your pony have to have attended 4 PC rallies with jumping, 4 days hunting or hunt rides together. If you want to learn more about it the Pytchley PC and Belvoir PC are holding some pony racing training sessions where you will learn how to sit, start, gallop and ride a finish etc!.
Look on your Pony Club web site or http://midlandspointing.com/resources for more details.
Also contact :Pytchley rallies bethrendle@btinternet.com
Belvoir rallies frankiefletcher@btinternet.com
Alex Hindmarsh Pony Racing 17th September at Wolverhampton
Alex had a super day, starting off in the morning with some instruction on the Equissor and then some balance and fitness exercises. We were able to have a look behind the scenes to see the Judges and Commentators’ boxes plus the tech room where they do the photo finish.
The race preparation started with a course walk which included explanations for the starting procedure and safe finishing! This was followed by getting changed and then weighed, including hat check. Then we were tacking up and into the Parade Ring. We had a tack check at that point and they they were off out onto the course which started at half way around the track.
Alex’s race was the 128cm and under novice race where neither pony or rider can have been placed in any race before. The starter organised them well and the ponies were well behaved so then he set them off. Alex wasn’t quite ready for Rupert to take off so fast, so slid back off the saddle and lost a stirrup! Fortunately he managed to get it all back together again and managed to come in 3rd out of the 5 entered.
He was absolutely thrilled and grinning from ear to ear as they walked back down the course. He definitely wants to do some more in the future.
Alex at the Finishing Post
A podium prize – Well done Alex
Sound like you had an amazing day Alex.
Oliver and Leo entered the novice pony race at haydock park race course yesterday. It was 4 furlong about half a mile up the long home straight in front of the stands and a enthusiastic Crowd. Oliver was 2nd on Rupert and Leo was 4th on Zelda out of 11 ponies. The day was a great experience with a lesson on the equisiser, getting changed in the jockeys room, being properly weighed and mounted in the perade ring, plus talks on technique from several jockey. Anyone interested please get in touch Emma Conway 07970827731
