3 year 11 students on the Flexible Learning Programme (FLP) have been lucky enough to have a day's tuition with the BRS's resident jockey coach, Richard Perham.

The idea of the day was to give Robert Hooper, Shelley Birkett and Rachel Faulkner an opportunity to learn to jump racehorses. The day started off with a comprehensive lesson on the importance of a balanced body position. The students were shown examples of jockeys such as Tony McCoy schooling over fences, and then it was into the simulator room to try and re-enact the jockeys!

Each student had the opportunity to ride in an actual 2mile chase race using the simulator connected to the TV screen. They each took the role of Jimmy McCarthy aboard Flying Instructor at Aintree.

Robert Hooper Simulator

Unfortunately the simulator doesn't jump, but it gave them a chance to practice their positions on the approach to a fence, and also realise just how tiring it is to ride in a jump race like this.

Following a quick break for lunch it was out to the yard to put all this into practice on the BRS horses. Harlov, Tanager and Firlast who are all experienced jumpers were used to hopefully make life a little bit easier for the students.

Rachel Faulkner Schooling


After a brief period in the indoor school over some small poles it was out to the schooling ground, where they were able to take it in turns to go over the set of 3 fixed hurdles.

After a few goes at this each, the students then had the opportunity to have a go 'upsides'. It was then back to the classroom to review themselves on video.

The whole day was deemed a success and Robert, Shelley and Rachel will have all learned a great deal and had a very enjoyable day. Shelley was even heard saying "I want to be a jump jockey now" and she is back at the BRS next week for her Category A Permit Assessment. So watch this space!