point to point???

[wench]

After a bit of inspiration from the Grand National this afternoon, I have been thinking about p2p. I have always fancied having a go at it, but dont really know all that much.

The only bit a do know is that you have to have been hunting 4? times on horse in question.

So if anyone knows the answers to the below, I would be much obliged:

1. Do you have to have a wetherbys registered tb?
2. Does rider have to have a jockey liscence?
3. Are there any flat ones, or are they all jumps?
4. How heavy are riders normally?
5. How far are the races, and how would i get my horse fit to do it?

There is probably loads of other stuff i need to know, but cant think of atm, so if anyone else has got any useful tips/hints please share them.

Thanks!!!

 

[vieshot]

Well if you go for the one in the New forest, you dont have to have a tb at all, you can race anything. No need for a jockeys liscence. Its on the flat but there are natural hazards such as ditches. Riders have to be a certain weight depending on the height of their horse, 14.2hh is 11stone 7 or more, it goes up in seven in inches so 14.3 would be 12stone, 15hh is 12stone 7 etc. The races are 1.5miles for the kids and veterans and 3miles for adults. And to get fit, you just have to ride LOTS. Twice a day if possible, build up from trotting a mile to going out for four miles just trotting the whole way and build up to being able to canter three miles straight until your horse is fit enough to gallop three miles. Normally need to start training by the end of september to be ready for boxing day!

 

[vicijp]

[ QUOTE ]

1. Do you have to have a wetherbys registered tb?
2. Does rider have to have a jockey liscence?
3. Are there any flat ones, or are they all jumps?
4. How heavy are riders normally?
5. How far are the races, and how would i get my horse fit to do it?


[/ QUOTE ]

1. For all races apart from a hunt members you need a weatherbys registered horse, whether it be TB or WNTR. For a hunt race you can ride a coloured cob if you so wish.
2. You will need to hunt to qualify for a riders certifcate, generally £50+. Then you will need to have a medical, £40 ish. The actual certificate costs around £130. If you only wish to have 1 ride in a hunt members (maybe on aforementioned coloured) its a lot cheaper.
3. All point to points are over fences. If you fancied riding without fences you could take a look at arab racing (tbs allowed in the open races), it is run in a similar way.
4. The weights are generally 11st for ladies and 12st for all other races. Horses can carry 4 - 7 ib penalties for winning, and have a 7ib allowance or 2 for sex or age. Riders can be whatever weight they like as long as under the required weight with tack, 7ib under weight leaves room for a nice saddle.
5. Most races are 3m, with the odd 4m championship race in each area. 4/5/6/7yo maiden races are generally 2m4f. To get your horse fit you would need to do loads of steady work, and a piece of fast work twice a week.