Pony Racing

 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 race courses such as Cheltenham and Ascot! Check the PC 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.

Please note:

Due to some races needing to combine multiple race categories, points for the Points Series have been awarded based on the level of the combined categories, where possible. As a result, you may notice that your points placement seems higher than your actual finishing position on race day. For example, you might see a “1st (Nov)” placement, even if the combination placed 6th overall in the race on the day against riders in different levels (e.g., amalgamated races with Beginners, Novices, and Intermediates).
Please note that it’s not always possible to identify and adjust for these instances. Therefore, if you believe there’s an error in your Points Series standings, please contact us by 17th November 2024 so we can correct it.
However, the placings and prizes awarded on race day will not be changed.