Last week the British Racing School invited 12 young Pony Racing enthusiasts and their ponies for an action packed week.

The camp, which is a 5 day fully residential course for those aged 11 to 15 years old, has been formulated to help improve the skills needed to compete in this rapidly growing equine discipline. Daily tuition on body position, balance and riding to win was videoed in order that quality review and feedback could be given. The young jockeys use the 1st class equipment used by all the jockeys that are trained at the British Racing School including the 4 racehorse simulators and the 7 furlong gallop. Various educational tours took place during the week including a rare insight into Sir Mark Prescotts's yard, one of the oldest and most beautiful yards in Newmarket, as well as a comprehensive tour of the Rowley Mile Racecourse.

The mounted games, that took place towards the end of the week, were a highlight for many. "It is an intense week of tuition for these young jockeys and so it is important that, at some point in the week, they can have a bit of fun." Gemma Waterhouse, Finance Director of The British Racing School and a member of the Pony Racing Authority Steering Group.

The teams for Mounted Games were captained by 2 BRS Graduates; William Carson, grandson of Willie Carson and successful jockey in his own right, and Luke Morris, dubbed "Britain's Busiest Jockey" in the winter after a very successful All Weather campaign.


Both jockeys fully immersed themselves into the spirit of things riding the ponies and even doing the sack race! Luke's team emerged victorious with a narrow 4-3 win.


The fun didn't end there, on Friday morning the youngsters were joined on the gallops by Classic winning jockey William Buick.

"It is really wonderful that these jockeys are willing to give up their time and give something back. It is such a thrill for the kids to team up with the jockeys and they are always the most popular sessions of the week; we are hugely grateful to all three of them." Gemma Waterhouse

The week ended in a graduation and prize giving. Prizes were generously sponsored by Tattersalls, Weatherbys, The British Racing School and Gibsons Saddlery as follows:

Outstanding Performance sponsored by Tattersalls - Rex Dingle
Best Turned Out Sponsored by Gibsons- Francesca Ryde
Most Improved Rider Sponsored by Weatherbys - George Rigby
Best Racing Knowledge sponsored by The British Racing School - Tom Marquand