The PRA Pony Racing Academy Scheme is for riders aged 11 - 16 who do not have a pony and are unable to participate in pony racing due to financial or circumstantial reasons.

The PRA Pony Racing Academy Scheme courses are funded by The Racing Foundation and the Horserace Betting Levy Board and delivered at riding centres across the country. 

The PRA Pre Academy Scheme course consists of 6 sessions and is a great introduction to the sport. The mounted and unmounted elements of the training sessions and pony hire is funded. The courses are currently run in Birmingham, Liverpool and London. Riders to have been riding regularly (preferably weekly) at a riding school for at least a year. Limited spaces available on summer/autumn courses in 2026.

The PRA Academy Scheme course consists of 12 sessions that take place over a time range of 3 months to 12 months with the aim of riding in a pony race. The mounted and unmounted coaching sessions, pony hire and costs of the race day are funded.  Riders to have been riding regularly (preferably weekly) at a riding school for at least 18 months.

The PRA Academy Graduate Scholarship Programme 2026 is for Academy Scheme Graduates aged 13 to 16 who plan a career in the horseracing industry. Information about this opportunity is available to those who have successfully completed the Academy Scheme course. 

For all courses, the rider provides their own riding PPE including a skull cap and body protector to current standards and riding boots with a smooth sole and small heel.

Applicants need to:

• Be aged between 11 and 16 years old
• Have been riding regularly (preferably weekly) at a riding school for at least a year for Pre Academy courses and at least 18 months for Academy courses
• Have a level of riding experience that ensures the applicant is safe and confident to canter in a group in a riding arena and in open spaces
• Not have a pony or access to a pony apart from during regular riding school riding lessons. To be accepted onto and remain on any of the Academy courses, riders cannot own, loan, part loan, lease, share, borrow or have access to a pony or horse, including one belonging to a family member or friend, even if the pony is not suitable for pony racing
• Show 100% commitment to the course
• Please note, riders who attend fee paying schools may have the opportunity to self fund the course, or in some circumstances, may be offered a partly funded place

PRA Taster Days Attending a PRA Pony Racing Taster Day is part of the application process and best undertaken before applying so that the applicant and their family have seen pony racing in action. Taster Sessions run from late March to October.  https://ponyracingauthority.co.uk/tasterDays 

Attending a Point to Point with Pony Racing is also a great day out. https://ponyracingauthority.co.uk/ptpPonyRacing

The schemes are currently being run north to south around the country from Aberdeenshire to Cornwall and we work with the National Horseracing College in Doncaster and the British Racing School in Newmarket.

Over 450 children have completed the scheme. Each year we aim to enable more children to achieve their dream of riding in a Pony Race. Many have gone on to the Foundation courses at the British Racing School and the National Horseracing College At least 25 of our Academy Graduates are working in the racing industry and at least 4 have a Jockey Licence and ride ‘under rules’ in the UK

“The race at Cheltenham was one of the best days ever. I have always wanted to be a  jockey and it came true. I was so excited for the race and very grateful it happened. Not everyone gets that opportunity.”

“This will be a day I’ll never forget, if it wasn’t for this scheme I would never have got the opportunity. It’s something I will always be grateful for. The course has not only helped me but my family too as they have no clue when it comes to ponies!”

“The 12 session Academy run by the PRA is a wonderful opportunity for children without their own ponies to really experience Pony Racing. My husband and I still can’t believe that it was all provided free of charge to the children. They have been so lucky.”

“It has had a positive impact on her confidence and her riding in general. It has been an incredible experience and even more so because we don’t have our own pony.”

“Last Monday was a dream come true. My biggest dream is to become a flat jockey and being given the opportunity to be in a pony racing Academy and take part in a race was an incredible experience and I have learnt so much. Having the chance to race at Ascot itself was unbelievable and being able to experience what it’s like in the weighing room and getting weighed out and then weighed in again after the race was a real insight of what it’s like to be a jockey.”

Email the PRA, with the name of the riding school where you have your regular riding lessons, for an application form for the Pre Academy course or the Academy course: academy@ponyracingauthority.co.uk 

Thank you to The Racing Foundation and the HBLB (Horserace Betting Levy Board) for their generous and continued support.