Please will someone explain P2P to me?

[_jetset_]

I know this is something I should know more about, but I am ashamed to say I do not know the differences between P2P and other types of racing. I am going to Tarpoley P2P with some friends, and I was wondering whether someone could shed some light on it for me as I know there are quite a few on here that do it themselves

Thank you so much,

Rebecca x x x

 

[Rambo]

Isn't it just like National Hunt Racing for Amateurs

Sorry if that is way off the mark, but i've been to watch a few and that's the way it looks

 

[AmyMay]

And it's called point to point because historically hunt members would race their horses against each other from one church spire to another designated one - so from one point to another.

 

[_jetset_]

Ok... thanks for that.

What height are the fences?

And how do they class a rider as an amatuer?

 

[burtie]

In the New Forest we still havae a more traditional Point to Point run on Boxing day, the finish line is known well in advance but the start is only told to the racers on Christmas Day evening, the racers can take any line across the forest they want and it's not uncommon for then to get lost!! It's great fun and a big event for the locals.

 

[Clodagh]

I think the fences are about 4 foot?
Amateurs as they don't get paid.
Its a great laugh, but P2P courses are the coldest places on earth, put on every thermal item you possess and take lots of booze.

 

[bandit]

They are normally held in farmers fields and not at a formal race course.

Technically horses have to qualify by hunting through the winter at least 4 times - although I know of quite a few that don't !!!

Jockeys are not paid, but given expenses.

You don't need to hold a jockey club licence to train your own horse - not sure when this changes as to how many you have in for training?

They are v sociable - run and organised by hunts, so alot of hunting people go and the huntsmen usually parade the hounds at some point. Depending on which one you go to, there are the usual catering and retail stands!!

Great fun, betting on the horses and seeing htem paraded etc.

enjoy and wrap up!