Pony Racing Authority Training Days to Re Start
If your child has ever wanted to try pony racing, now is the perfect time to get involved. The Pony Racing Authority (PRA) have three Taster days left before the end of the year, supported by Racing to School.
These Taster days are perfect for those who think they might like to try their hand at pony racing as they are unmounted and involve sessions about tack and kit, time on the equicisers, and a chance to watch between three and nine pony races on the day. To find out more and get involved please visit the link here.
A previous graduate of the scheme said: “My dad saw the PRA Pony Racing Taster Day at Aintree advertised on Facebook and thought I might be interested, so he took me along. Fast forward two years and I’ve competed in several Pony Club and Point to Point races, with thrilling victories at both Haydock Park in Lancashire and Kelso in Scotland. I’ve now moved up to the 148 pony racing category with the intention of competing at Racecourse Series with my new Pony.
I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to start riding out at weekends for none other than trainer Donald McCain. I don’t come from an equestrian background, in fact none of my family ride, which makes me even more determined to be successful. I’m only 13 years old, but I have big dreams, and I’m working hard to make them a reality. I’m very grateful for the PRA Pony Racing Taster Day which started me off on the most amazing path that I am on today!”
For those who have a pony and are keen to start racing, the training days are for you. These are mounted and involve a whole day at various locations across the country. In the morning, the children are split into groups and spend time at three different stations. Session one will be in the arena, where they will learn to bridge their reins, develop their jockey position, and make sure they can stop and start safely and ride in a straight line!
They will then move on to work with a jockey coach on the equicisers, which are an invaluable training tool and give them the opportunity to really work on their seat, balance and technique under the supervision of trained jockey coaches.
Part three of the morning activities is an unmounted fitness session. This also develops their balance and demonstrates the fitness levels that are required of a jockey, even in pony racing, as it is so different from general riding.
They have a short break to refuel and will then get a taste for racing, as they go up the gallops. This will normally be done in pairs, matched up during the morning arena session, and, depending on the length of the gallop, they will either go up once or twice.
During the entire day the children and their ponies will be assessed to ensure they are ready to move forward into pony racing. It is not a test, but due to the nature of a pony race, the children’s safety is paramount.
The PRA will work with the children, at all levels, to put plans in place to get them to the level required, if this is not something initially achieved on the day.
Successful completion of a Training Day will qualify the pony and rider combination to race in PRA Training races, Pony Club races and the Point to Point Pony Racing series that restarts in January. For experienced and successful pony and rider combinations, the next step is the PRA Racecourse Series. Please bare in mind that every pony and rider combination have to re-qualify each year, qualifications cannot be rolled on from the years before.
For more information and to register for a place please visit the link here
