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Pony Racing

Pony racing series gets under way

Pony Racing, open to riders between the ages of 9 and 15, will be coming to
10 point to points in the Devon and Cornwall area next season, starting
with the Mid Devon at Blackforest Lodge near Exeter in February.
Many young riders have their sights set on getting their ponies fit and
qualified to run. If you have thought about trying the sport with your pony,
why not give it a go.
It can be great fun and all you need to do is get your pony club or hunting
pony a bit fitter than usual to take part. Two things you need to think
about in advance though. Races are generally held in two divisions - under
148cm and under 138cm and if your pony is close to the upper limit of these
heights you will need a JMB height certificate. Also your pony will need to
have been vaccinated against equine influenza to take part.
This year the races will all be under the umbrella of the PRA, the Pony
Racing Authority, and riders will need to pay £20 to become a member before
they can ride in a point to point pony race. The £20 will include public
liability performance, and a copy of the new rule book.
To qualify the rider and their pony will need to attend at least four pony
club rallies or to have been hunting with a local pack. You will need to get
a form signed by your pony club District Commissioner or by your local hunt
master to say you have done so. This is to ensure that the combination are
competent to take part.
It isn't all about thoroughbred ponies-in-training. There will be various
spot prizes on the day for things such as 'best local' and there will be
two new trophies at the end of the season. One will be given for the rider
accruing most points during the season (points will be given from first
place to 10th) and another for the best effort during the season.
The entry for the race costs £15 and must be made to the secretary of the
point to point staging the meeting at least a week before the event takes
place. You will be notified by the hunt, after entries close, if you have
got a place..
On the day the host hunt will have a riders' briefing meeting and a course
when you will be shown where the start and finish will be and told what to
expect during the race. You will also be told where to declare your pony to
run and that you need to take along his/her passport so that the vaccination
details can be checked.
Tack will be checked prior to the ponies parading in the paddock before the
race to make sure that it is correctly fitted - if your kit is suitable for
pony club it is more than likely to be ok for racing - but check the rules
carefully before you turn up to make sure. The tack details are in the rule
book and on the PRA website.
You can ride in your usual cross country riding kit - your colours and
details of you and your pony will be printed in the racecard - and it is
advisable to wear goggles to protect your eyes from flying mud! Medical
armbands, as used for pony club cross country rallies and competitions must
be worn.
There will be 10 races in the Devon and Cornwall area this season - Dates
(to be confirmed)
Mid Devon on Sunday, Feb 3, (Emma Dixon 01647 432895);
South Devon at Ideford Arch, Kingskerwell on Saturday, Feb 9 (Julian
Greatrex (01822 880274); South Pool at Buckfastleigh on Sunday, March 9
(Eileen Ashby 01548 531490), Eggesford at Upcott Cross, nr Okehampton on
Saturday April 12 (David Gruncell 01363 83633);
Dartmoor at Flete Park, nr Modbury, Saturday April 19 ( Lee Glanville, 01752
830439);
Axe Vale at Stafford Cross, near Seaton on Sun, April 27 (Shirley Cork
01884 821752);
Modbury Harriers at Flete Park, Sat May 3 (Lee Glanville 01752 830439);
Dulverton West at Bratton Down, Exmoor, on Saturday, May 17 (Clare Wright
01598 710495);
South Tetcott at Upcott Cross on Monday, May 26 (Mike Clark 01409 231106)
Torrington Farmers at Umberleigh on June 14 (Judy Congdon 01271 858244).
Points accumulated go forward to the final meeting where trophies and
prizes to the winners will be presented.
Races are held over approximately six furlongs, and will vary from course to
course, often being run in an opposite direction to the point to point .
For general information look at the website - www.pra.gb.com - or for
Devon and Cornwall information contact coordinator Mrs Lee Glanville on
(01752) 830439.



Lee Glanville ( Mrs)
Sports Editor
Archant Devon
Midweek Herald
Sidmouth Herald
(01392) 888484

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