Applications now open for the Pony Racing Academy

The British Racing School (BRS) is taking applications for its Pony Racing Academy. The next 12-week course begins in December, following interviews on Saturday 26 October.

The Pony Racing Academy enables children aged between 13 and 15 to gain first-class tuition on the school’s racing ponies over 12 consecutive Saturdays.

The course is open to children who do not have their own ponies and would not otherwise have the opportunity to become involved with the fast-growing sport of pony racing.

Each session takes place at the BRS in Newmarket from 8am to 12pm. Besides race-riding lessons, students are tutored on horse management, feeding, and every aspect of preparing a pony for the races.

Students who have attained a suitable standard of riding by the end of the course may be offered the chance to take part in a pony race on one of the school’s ponies.

The course, which is funded by individual benefactors of the British Racing School, is free of charge and open to children who are already competent at walk, trot and canter. Applicants must weigh less than 9st 7lbs (60kg), be physically fit and be able to commit to attending each of the 12 weekly sessions.

“We’ve had a tremendous response since starting the Pony Racing Academy 2 years ago,” said BRS finance director Gemma Waterhouse.

“There are plenty of children out there who are cracking young riders that otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to get involved with pony racing, which has become so popular in recent years.

“The benefit to those children who have already been through the academy has been obvious, with a number of them now intent on pursuing a future career in the racing industry.

“We are immensely grateful to our individual sponsors who have provided the funding to make this happen.”

For information or to obtain an application form, contact Sarah Hayde-Salter on tel: 01638 665103 or Sarah@brs.org.uk

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