advice on point to pointers/ race horses

Jeska

Jeska

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Im thinking about taking a job as a au pair/groom on a hunt/point to point yard. Im a capable rider but I have no experience of riding race horses at all and although i have hunted my pony dont have much experience in that field either. Do you think I should take this job or would i be a fool and end up getting hurt? The lady on the phone said the horses arent loopy but you do need to be firm with them. I just have visions of been galloped off with and never being able to stop!

Thanks in advance for any advice
 
It’s pot luck really, If you have a good boss they will start you off on the easier horses until you get a feel for it. Some P2P yards treat and exercise their horses the same as any other with a little extra galloping
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As it is a hunt/p2p you should even be able to start on the hunters which will hopefully be a little more sane. If your employer thinks you are up to it then you probably are.
 
Be honest about your lack of experience and ask if you can do a trial week (paid) to see if you can cope. Many yards now want everybody to do a trial week before taking them on as it is so difficult to assess capability /attitude in the space of an interview/ test ride.

P2pers may be sharper than your pony eg quicker to whip round if they spook; but if these go hunting in normal saddles, etc probably won't be that different to a normal competition horse to hack out (going by the ones I know!)
 
I was placed on a PTP yard as part of my training in 1992 when i was 17! yes i am now getting old! anyway,,,,,,, i had a great time! The pointers in my opinion were fabulous. I hunted them and galloped them and they were so good, in my experience they know how and when to go and also stopped when asked! whether they are all like that i dont know, but..... i know what flying on horseback feels like and its the greatest feeling on earth! lol!
 
I've just started riding TB's for my new landlord. They're point to pointers and some will go into training for jump racing under rules. Up until 2 weeks ago I was riding a welsh d (although have ridden lots of different types of horses before but prefer chunky ones). Now I've cantered up a stubble field on a TB in a racing saddle!! The ones we have are quiet and I don't think I would be put on anything too sharp or wild (yet). It's only a small operation so nothing slick but great fun - there is word about that I may get to go hunting on one of them later in the season and it may well be in the racing saddle (which I am highly suspicious about) - but the boss is a broad yorkshireman who says the only way to learn is to do it - so go and do it!

So long as you are honest about your expirience, I'm sure they'll want to see you ride anyway and then you can both make a decision.
 
Have been riding for a racing yard that has a few flat and NH horses and a lot of pointers. They mostly have 4-5yo p2pers and breakers. The "interview" I had was to turn up and ride out 2 lots (2 4yo fillies - one backed a this summer and one backed last summer) and then have a chat with the trainer. Yard and staff are lovely and the boss is really sound. First filly I sat on gave a few big bucks (it was monday morning) jumping off on the gallops so sitting those impressed him. Had stepped up by the 4th day to riding 4 lots on everything from 4yos to the flat racers doing work. All of ours are schooled in the arena and hack out through the farm and quiet lanes too. All of them ride really well in the school, but most are quite strong on the gallops - especially those currently returned in training. Most of the 4yos can throw quite a buck too. i had two turning themselves inside out on the gallop this morning - incidently, without dropping their head (one plunged and bucked twice jumping off and then settled, the other threw a buck at the top of the hill on every lap). Nothing dirty at all, just the weather was brutal today and one of them had only been ridden in the arena the day before.
I LOVE it, have had one fall since I was back which was quite serious (I really shouldnt be back riding yet but couldnt resist!) but tbh it could have happened on any horse - I was getting complacent.
Go for it, you might find it difficult strength wise for the first week but its good fun and very enjoyable. The only part I dislike is riding dressage(schooling) in a racing saddle - its not a pleasure when you have a boney a*se! I dont mind jumping or going cross country in one though.
And most imporantly dont jack your stirrups up too short the first week or you wont even make the second day!
 
milosgirl - I'm classed as a happy hacker but my friend and I's hacks are more like cross country races, so I can't really say anything of much use but I think you should go for it. It'll be an experience either way.

And glenruby made it sound pretty awesome. If I had the chance I totally would!
 
hi hun i rode p2p for years after working on a breaking yard, it is alot different from general hacking but we did used to hack out quite alot in the usual gp saddles, and hit the gallops about 4 times a week you will generally find the horses know when to start and pull up, its a fab experience go for it......
 
thanks guys I think I will definatlety take your advice and go for the weeks trial and hopefully i'll love it!! Everyone has definately made me feel more confident about going for it now
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