New point-to-point training scheme launched

Budding point-to-point riders can hone their skills in a new training scheme run by the British Racing School (BRS).

The course builds on the BRS’ current one-day point-to-point training courses and the pony racing academy for young riders.

Aimed at competent riders with lots of jumping experience, the course will be run over six to eight Sunday mornings at the BRS’ Newmarket headquarters.

The course includes schooling over steeplechase fences and a talk on buying a racehorse by a bloodstock agent and point-to-point commentator Matt Coleman.

There are also optional visits to local point-to-point meetings at Higham and Ampton with a supervised course walk.

Riders will be also given simulator training and video reviews of each of them in action.

“In addition to race-riding training, the course will include fitness assessments, briefings on rules and regulations and the required tack and equipment,” said the BRS’ Andrew Braithwaite.

“Our aim is to be able to give true amateur riders the chance to see if point-to-pointing is for them.”

Backing from the Point-to-Point Authority enables all riders who complete the course to be granted a free riders qualification certificate for either the 2014/15 or 2015/16 season – a saving of £200.

The new Point-to-Point Academy course costs £350 and starts in February 2015.

Anyone interested should contact Andrew Braithwaite at Andrew.Braithwaite@brs.org.uk or tel: 01638 665103.

Love pointing? Don’t miss the H&H point-to-point special, out Thursday 27 November.

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