2024 SPRING JUNIOR AND YOUNG RIDER DATES | |
The mission of the TGSF has long been to preserve and advance the sport through programs that promote Opportunity, Growth & Change. In an effort to build the base of amateur riders, we're focusing this edition of the TGSF newsletter solely on opportunities for Junior & Young riders for the spring season. We realize it can be difficult to track down all the opportunities out there, so we wanted to do it for you. | |
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USPR Mid-Atlantic Junior and Pony Racing Clinic:
Sunday, February 25th, Merryland Farm, Hydes, MD
This clinic is designed for those new to pony racing and the “old” pros to have the opportunity to learn new skills and improve their existing skills. The clinic will be divided into small groups based on ability and experience. ALL skill levels are welcome and encouraged to participate. No participant (mount or rider) will be asked to do more than they can handle. There will be NO RACING in this clinic. The purpose of this clinic is to gain a good foundation and understanding of the basics and to improve on existing skills of those who are more accomplished.
Register by February 22nd at the US Pony Racing website. Auditors welcome, see website for details. Registration fee is $35.
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TGSF / USPR Racing Clinic
Sunday, March 10
Mt. Harmon Plantation, Earleville, MD
For Juniors and Adults on their own mount. The clinic will be licensed trainers and riders and will give riders a chance to school over an actual point to point course in preparation for Field Master Chases and spring Amateur races. Junior and Adult flat participants also welcome.
Register at the USPR website. Registration closes on March 5. Entry Fee for mounted riders is $50.
This is a TGSF-sponsored clinic
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Piedmont Fox Hounds Point to Point:
Saturday March 23, Upperville, VA. Pony flat races, Leadline trot race.
Enter at the US Pony Racing website
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Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds Point-to-Point Meeting
Sunday March 31, Unionville, PA. Pony flat races, Leadline trot race.
Conditions and entries with the Central Entry Office
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Green Spring Valley Hounds Point to Point:
Sunday March 31, Cockeysville, MD. Pony flat races, Jr. Field Masters Chase.
Conditions and entries with the Central Entry Office
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Elkridge-Harford Hunt Point to Point Races:
Saturday, April 6, Monkton, MD. Pony flat races, Jr. Field Masters Chase.
Conditions and entries with the Central Entry Office
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Old Dominion Hounds Point to Point:
Saturday, April 6, Washington, VA. Young Rider Flat Race
Conditions and entries with the Central Entry Office
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Brandywine Hills Point to Point Races:
Sunday, April 7, Northbrook, PA. Pony flat races, Leadline trot races, Jr. Field Masters Chase.
Conditions and entries with the Central Entry Office
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Mini Manor Lead Line Trot Races:
Saturday, April 13, Monkton, MD. Leadline Trot Races.
Conditions and entries with US Pony Racing
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Mount Harmon Wicomico Hunt Point-to-Point Races:
Sunday, April 14, Earleville, MD. Pony flat races, Leadline trot races, Jr. Field Masters Chase.
Conditions and entries with the Central Entry Office
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Loudoun Hunt Point to Point:
Sunday, April 21, Leesburg, VA. Pony flat races, Young Rider Flat Race.
Conditions and entries with US Pony Racing for pony racing and with the Central Entry Office for the Young Rider Flat
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The Monkton Pony Derby
Saturday, May 4, Inverness Brewing, Monkton, MD. Pony flat races, Leadline trot races.
Conditions and entries with US Pony Racing
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Winterthur Point to Point:
Sunday, May 5, Winterthur, DE. Small pony and large pony flat races.
Conditions and entries with the Winterthur website, beginning March 1st
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Willowdale Steeplechase:
Saturday, May 11. Kennett Square, PA. Pony flat races.
Conditions and entries with US Pony Racing
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Radnor Hunt Races:
Saturday, May 18. Malvern, PA. Small pony and large pony flat races, Leadline trot races.
Conditions and entries with the Central Entry Office
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The Pony Preakness
Saturday, May 18, Inverness Brewing, Monkton, MD. Pony flat races, Leadline trot races.
Conditions and entries with US Pony Racing
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Potomac Hunt Races:
Sunday, May 19. Seneca, MD. Pony flat races, Junior Rider Flat Race.
Conditions and entries with the Central Entry Office
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Chasin’ for Children Pony Races
Saturday, May 25, Pimlico Racecourse, Baltimore, MD. Pony flat races, Leadline trot races.
Conditions and entries with US Pony Racing
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The Monkton Pony Stakes
Saturday, June 8, Inverness Brewing, Monkton, MD. Pony flat races, Leadline trot races.
Conditions and entries with US Pony Racing.
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There are also opportunities almost weekly for Novice (a rider, who has not won ten sanctioned or point to point races over fences prior to January 1 of the current year under any racing jurisdiction), Amateur and Apprentice riders, as well as year-end awards in these categories. Virginia also boasts a Good Hands and Heels award for an outstanding rider who shows excellence in riding skills. Please see the point to point condition books at Central Entry Office for more details. | |
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TGSF DEVELOPING RIDER INTERNATIONAL TRIP
To be considered for the experience the jockeys must first be nominated by a licensed NSA trainer via letter of recommendation. Nominated riders, typically between 17 and 23 years of age, must have race riding experience and provide a written essay stating why they would like to attend the trip.
The trip will be led by NSA licensed trainer Regina Welsh, the founder and director of U.S. Pony Racing, who has also led the four previous TGSF trips to Ireland. Welsh will see to it that the riders meet, ride, and work for top Irish trainers like Gordon Elliot, Edward O’Grady, Enda Bolger, and Fozzy Stack. The group will also tour top racing businesses and venues like The Curragh, Coolmore Stud, and Ballydoyle, as well as take in the first day of the Galway Festival.
Dates are TBD (tentatively planned for July) - please stay tuned!
TGSF DOMESTIC RIDER TRIP
The TGSF’s domestic trip, beginning in The Plains, VA, introduces juniors to steeplechase owners and jockeys and some of the top jump racing and flat racing trainers in the US. With stops in Maryland and Pennsylvania, it culminates with two days at the Saratoga races.
Dates are TDB (tentatively planned late July, early August) - please stay tuned!
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2023 Ireland Trip participants pose with 2022 Steeplechase Eclipse Award winner Hewick after riding out for trainer Shark Hanlon. | |
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OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES | |
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MARYLAND THOROUGHBRED CAREER PROGRAM, JUNE 3 - 7
Launched in 2017, the Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program is an educational program presented by the Maryland Horse Foundation (MHF) that aims to:
- Increase awareness of the diverse career options in the Thoroughbred industry
- Give participants access to leaders of the Maryland Thoroughbred community
- Highlight various paths for pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred industry
- Address a critical need to attract and retain experienced and devoted employees
Over the course of a week, participants are encouraged to fully engage in the Maryland Thoroughbred industry and explore a multitude of career options. Graduates of the MTCP are eligible to apply for Career Development Funds, one-time funding that can be used to further career pursuits within two years after the program ends.
Apply at the MHBA website.
Contact jeanne@marylandthoroughbred.com with questions
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GREEN SPRING VALLEY HOUNDS PONY CAMP
For over 40 years the Green Spring Valley Hounds Pony Camp has been developing young riders in to life long horsemen capable of riding both in and out of the ring. Camp is geared to boys and girls, ages 7 and older who ride now. The goal of Pony Camp is to further an interest in all equine sports with an emphasis on fox hunting, pony racing, and riding cross country. The program's focus is horsemanship, sportsmanship, land conservation, and the traditions associated with fox hunting. The camp runs for two weeks in mid-June. For more information see the GSVH website.
GREEN SPRING VALLEY HOUNDS CUBBING CAMP
Held in August, Cubbing Camp is a relaxed way to introduce horses and kids to hunting. Meet the hounds, tour the kennels, and go cubbing with the GSVH. Contact Anne Litz if you are interested in more details. Alitzphotography@gmail.com
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MR. STEWART'S CHESHIRE FOXHOUNDS PONY CAMP
"The camp you wish was around when you were a child!" Mr. Stewart's Cheshire Foxhounds' 2022 Kids Hunt Camp will run from Monday June 27 - Friday July 1, daily from 9am - 1pm. Kids will enjoy riding sessions with local equestrian stars. Past teachers have included Boyd Martin, Buck Davidson, jockey Michael Mitchell, and jockey / trainer Mark Beecher. Swimming and other fun activities are included too. For more information see the Cheshire Hunt Conservancy's website or email MFH Sanna Neilson.
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CANTER FOR THE CAUSE
Date TBD. Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, MD.
The Maryland Jockey Club is offering the opportunity of a lifetime to gallop over the ground where legends like Seattle Slew, Seabiscuit, and War Admiral made history. Entries will get the opportunity to experience “Sunrise at Old Hilltop” from the back of their horse! Details will be posted soon on US Pony Racing.
AMPLIFY HORSE RACING VIDEO LIBRARY
INTRODUCTION TO THE THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY
Watch the following videos for an overview of what it is like to work in the Thoroughbred industry. Learn more on the Amplify Horse Racing website.
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MARYLAND HORSE FOUNDATION'S WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
The Work Experience Program provides qualified applicants with the opportunity to gain work experience in the field of their choice. Hours worked by the participants in their internship are funded by the MHF, so that host sites can provide an engaging and educational experience with no financial burden. The MHF helps connect qualified applicants internship opportunities, based on their future career goals and what aspects of the Maryland Thoroughbred industry interest them most. Previous internship locations include:
- Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
- Fair Hill Training Center
- Maryland Horse Industry Board - Horseland at the Maryland State Fair
Interested? Contact Jeanne at jeanne@marylandthoroughbred.com.
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Did we miss your racing / fox hunting Junior or Young Rider-focused event? Please tell us about it - we would love to help you promote it!
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