Pony Club Racing Day - Aintree
Tuesday, February, 14th, 2010

 

A good time was had by all Pony Club Centre members, attending the pony racing day held at Ainstree Equestrian Centre, where we were instructed in all apsects getting started in pony racing.

In the morning there were some representatives from Dengie (feed people) to talk us through the digestive system - with a life size model - and the importance of fibre in the horse's diet as well as people from the Nortnern Racing College to take us through how to compete. They also showed us footage of pony racing.

One of the many highlights of the day was definitely the equisimilator with a chance to try out riding like a racing jockey as well as a look around the jockey's changing rooms which is usally strictly out of bounds for everyone apart from jockeys and the valets.

To represent the "Champion" brand of safety clothing and to talk us through saftey equipment for riders, was Jo McCain, seasoned jockey and daughter of the famous Donald (Ginger) McCain, trainer of Red Rum, the horse which won the Grand National an unprecedented four times and trained at Birkdale, Southport, on the beach.

After a lunch break, there was a chance to see young pony club jockeys being taught a racing position and how to bridge their reins with an emphasis on keeping ponies in control, calm and focussed, showing that just about any pony can have a go at this fast and exciting sport.

 

Diana Counsell
February, 2010