What are Pony Racing Training Days?
Training Days are an opportunity to bring along a pony and try pony racing, learn about the balance and fitness required, how to position yourself in a race, line up at the start and have a brilliant time. They are also an opportunity for each pony and jockey combination attending to qualify for the coming pony racing season.
You do not need to be a member of the PRA (or the Pony Club) to attend a Training Day. They are open to all.
Who can attend a Pony Racing Training Day?
You will need a pony to ride to attend a training day. All ponies must be aged 4 to 20 years old and measure under 148 cm.
Ponies above the age of 20 may attend days for children to try pony racing but they will not be able to take part in any pony races.
Ponies/Horses above 148cm may also attend with permission but, as with ponies who are over age, they will not be allowed to race. All ponies attending must be vaccinated for Equine Influenza – please see the details of the day you wish to attend for specifics.
Children must be aged 9 to pony race but we are happy for children to qualify from the age of 8 if they will be turning 9 during the next season of Point-to-Point Pony Racing. (If you have younger children wishing to attend, please get in touch as it may be possible for them to attend the day on foot or for us to run a taster day in your area for them and other children.)
Below you can see a description of the different types of Training Day on offer.
What type of Training Day should I attend?
PRA/PC Pony Racing Training Days
These are a joint training initiative run by the Pony Racing Authority and the Pony Club. Children DO NOT need to be a member of either the Pony Club or the PRA to attend. We aim to run one PRA/PC Pony Racing Training Day in every Point-to-Point Pony Racing Area each season.
Experienced Pony Club Coaches teach alongside accredited Jockey Coaches and provide the best possible introduction to pony racing. These days not only allow children to ride their own pony in a controlled environment and on the gallops but also provide an insight into balance and control in a forward seat with the simple use of wobble boards, space hoppers and stepping stones, running alongside the use of traditional racing equipment such as an equicisor.
In addition to riding tuition, the training programme includes advice on rider and pony fitness and nutrition, tack guidance and race day procedures and etiquette. These days can qualify the combination of the Pony and Rider to compete in a Pony Club or Point-to-Point Pony Race. They are also a fantastic opportunity to meet your local Point-to-Point Pony Racing Area Representative and other children pony racing in your area.
Watch the action from a previous PRA/PC Training Day here:
PRA Advanced Training Days
These days are designed for jockeys with at least 2 or more years of pony racing experience.
They focus on the riders’ race riding techniques, fitness and body conditioning. Successful completion of the above training day qualifies the rider/pony combination to take part in PRA Pony Races for the season.
These are run by the PRA and delivered by an accredited Jockey Coach. The groups are much smaller than the PRA/PC Training Days and therefore the focus is on the individual. Jockeys can also bring along digital copies of previous races to be analysed in the sessions in order to help them with their technique.
Both the British Racing School (Newmarket) and the National Horseracing College (Doncaster) run pony racing training courses and residential camps. The courses start at Level 1 which needs to be completed before taking Level 2; a Level 3 will qualify the rider/pony combination for PRA Pony Races and Pony Club Pony Races.
Level 1 & 2 are designed for beginners with no formal qualification being given for attending.
The Scottish Racing Academy also offers Pony Racing Training alongside the PRA. All BRS, NHC and SRA pony racing training opportunities will be listed on our Training Day fixtures list.
Please book all BRS, NHC and SRA training directly with the organisation.
Here are a list of dates with The BRS, where you will need to book directly with them.
BRS Training days.
Feb 17th Level 1&2
Feb 18th Level 3
May 30th Level 1&2
July 24th Level 1&2
July 25th Level 3
Oct 27th Level 1&2
Oct 28th Level 3
Dec 22nd Level 3
BRS Camps.
April 8th – April 12th Easter
July 29th – Aug 2nd Summer
Aug 4th – Aug 9th Summer
Do I need to train in my own area?
You can attend a day in any area around the country. You may wish to train closer to home as you will get to meet other pony racers near you and, if attending a PRA/PC Training Day, your local Point-to-Point Pony Racing Area Representative. They are your first point of call for any Point-to-Point Pony Racing queries.
How long does a Training Day Qualification Last for and how else can I qualify to pony race?
Any training after 1st July 2024 can be used to qualify to race in races in 2025. Children and Ponies can also qualify via 4 PC Rallies (1 to include jumping) or 4 days trail hunting attended from 1st July 2024 onwards. These are to be signed off by your DC or Hunt Master.
Booking Details for PRA Training Days:
Rider/pony combination withdrawn after entries close WITH a Vet Cert or Doctors Note - £10 admin fee retained
Day postponed and rider/pony combination unable to attend the new date or day cancelled - free transfer to a different Training Day OR £2.50 admin fee retained. Replies must be made within the specified time frame.
Please email us here if you need further information.
Find out about tack and dress for a Training Day in the document below.
Any questions? Please get in touch: trainingdays@ponyracingauthority.co.uk