A similar series of races to the fantastic 'Hairy Type' race held last year at the Melton Hunt Club Point-to-Point, will also take place at the Pytchley Point-to-Point meeting on Sunday 10th April, the Fernie at Dingley on Sunday May 1st, and the Melton Hunt Club meeting at Garthorpe on Sunday 8th May.

We have been asked to pass on the following detail:

• Would you like to experience the thrill of Point-to-Point Pony Racing, but have been put off in the past by not having the stereotypical racing–type pony?
• Are you a pony club member between the ages of 9 and 16 on 1st January 2016, and have a pony which is 14.2hh (148 cm) and under? (For any 16 yr olds you must not have ridden in a Point-to-Point)

If so, there are a number of pony racing fixtures at Point-to-Points throughout the country and some of these have races framed for the genuine Hunting/Pony Club–type ponies. The series of races at both the Fernie, Pytchley and Melton Hunt Club meetings in 2016 will have races specifically for this type of pony.

Most areas also run tuition rallies, giving instruction on the gallops, mechanical horse, space hopper races for balance, how to ride in a race, and advice on fitness levels for both Jockey and Pony. The rallies or ‘Junior Jockey School’ are great fun, and enjoyed by all! We will help you with every step and be on hand to offer advice and answer questions in the run up to the race.

You do not need to have expensive equipment. A Hunting/General Purpose type of saddle will do, and are perfectly acceptable complete with Safety Stirrups, Half Chaps and Jodhpur Boots. You will however need a Breast Plate and an Over girth.

In order to take part in a Race, you will need to have attended 4 Pony Club Rallies (one of which must have been jumping) or been out hunting a number of times. The Jockey will need to be registered with the Pony Racing Authority, not least for insurance purposes. Follow the Links from the Who’s Who section on www.midlandspointing.com and Click Pony Racing under “resources” heading for full membership requirements. The Jockey application form will need to have been received by noon on the Friday of the week before you want to race.

Race schedules can be found on www.midlandspointing.com under the Resources menu, or are obtainable from the Pony Racing Authority. Most of all come and enjoy Pony Racing and have fun! For more information on Rallies/Junior Jockey School for the Midlands Area or any other Area all relevant information is available on www.midlandspointing.com. Please email: secretary@midlandspointing.com for any questions.

Pony Racing Rallies

There will be a Pony Racing Rally this Thursday 18th February, by kind invitation of Stuart Morris MFH, himself a former top Point-to-Point Jockey, at West Haddon Hall in North Northamptonshire. To book please contact Bethen Rendle bethrendle@btinternet.com. The Pytchley will also hold some other Pony Racing rallies, and the Belvoir Pony Club will also be holding Rallies on 29th March, 5th April, 16th April by kind invitation of Chris and Antonia Bealby at their yard near Grantham. Contact Frankie Fletcher for more detail at frankiefletcher@btinternet.com