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Pony Racing Camp 2011
Our latest Pony Racing Camp took place from 2nd to 6th August 2011
It was a fabulous week and you can read the report from Harry Phipps, the winner of the British Racing School Outstanding Contribution Award.
Award Winners Easter Camp 2011:
Outstanding Contribution - Harry Phipps
(Sponsored by Tattersalls and Gibsons Saddlery)
Most Improved Rider - Robin Smith
(Sponsored by Weatherbys)
Best Knowledge of Racing - Cameron Noble
Best Turned Out - Lulu Stanford
(Sponsored by Gibsons Saddlery)
Harry's Summer 2011 report.....
Report from Summer Camp 2011 - by Harry Phipps
I was lucky enough to be given the chance to go to the British Racing School for a few days to try and improve on my riding skills and learn different aspects of horseracing.
We arrived on 2nd August. As we got nearer I got more excited. White railings, gallops and beautifully cut lawns. We were greeted by Jackie and Nici who told us where to unload all our tack, feed etc and where to put our ponies. We then went to meet Clare and Sarah who showed us our rooms. It was brilliant having our own rooms and televisions - it was like being on holiday. We were taken to the theatre where we were given an outline of the week to come. We said goodbye to our parents and now we were on our own!
Nici and Jackie had to assess just how bad we really were at riding in the outdoor school. I didn't disappoint, my pony Tennants Super (Mr T) got down and rolled with me on him. That broke the ice. Later that evening we did team building, tug of war and treasure hunt, all good fun.
We woke up each morning, 7am sharp, feeding the ponies before ourselves, quite hard for James Martin and I.
We went to Newmarket racecourse where we had a look round the weighing room, changing room and stewards room. We walked some of the course and ran the rest.
On another day we went to Newmarket Heath and watched some famous strings working - Ed Dunlop, Clive Britten and Sir Henry Cecil, from there we went to Sir Mark Prescott's beautiful yard. What stood out for me was the science behind the training and the way they look after the horses, which all looked happy and well and Sir Mark pointed out to us that all his horses are treated like individuals. Sir Mark gave us a few tips and we were all very grateful for him allowing us to look around his yard.
We worked our ponies on two different gallops. The round gallop was very testing for myself, Mr T really took a pull and everything I had been taught so far was being put into practise.
The simulator interested me a lot, a former jockey and BRS jockey Coach Richard Perham worked with James and I on our balance and posture in the saddle. My legs really ached, this was hard work.
The most exciting part of the whole week was riding out with Tom Queally. We went up the straight gallop at a strong pace with Nici driving the mini bus and Sarah filming recording a speed of 35mph. Brilliant fun, Mr T loved it.
We also did mounted games with Jamie Moore and Will Kennedy, some ponies went better than others. Jamie rode Mr T and definitely got more out of him than me.
On the final day we saw our parents arriving at 9.30am. We had to prepare our ponies for `Best Turned Out`. We were given a lesson on plaiting and quarter marks the day before, however plaiting was just not my thing, but well done to Robin, Chelsea and James who made a very good attempt.
We were judged by Michael Bell who was interested in all of us, our ponies and where we lived. Well done Lulu for winning.
We then worked our ponies up the gallop for the final time with our parents in the mini bus watching, all of them looking a bit nervous as our leathers had gone up considerably! Mr T did a great piece of work.
To finish the week we all went back into the theatre for presentations. Each pupil was given a brief account of their time at Newmarket by Jackie and a certificate.
We all had the most fantastic time at the British Racing School and I would like to thank everyone involved, but especially Clare, Nici, Jackie, Sarah and Sharon who all added to the brilliant time I had. I would advise anyone who is interested in Pony Racing to go. I have learnt so much and been allowed to visit some fantastic places and meet some amazing and inspiring people. I have also met some fellow riders that I am looking forward to racing against in the forthcoming season.
Thank you all so very much
Harry Phipps and Tennants Super