I don’t know if I am searching in the correct spot online but I can’t seem to find the rules that govern Point To Points for jockeys and trainers, and also the small and large pony races? If anyone could point me in the right direction that would be fantastic.
I can only speak for Point to Points that I have run and or ridden at in VA, MD, PA. All of these meets pretty much run under the “Rules of Racing” as written by the NSA, National Steeplechase Association http://www.nationalsteeplechase.com/#1 and can be found by clicking on Racing then Rules.
Trainers, and riders do not have to be licensed by the NSA to run at Point to Points. Most are because most horses and riders use P to Ps as schooling and prep races for “money” races latter in the season. However not just anybody can enter and show up at the race meet and say “put me in coach”. Point to Point condition books usually state “all horses, trainers and riders have to be acceptable to the Race Committee” The jump community is a pretty small one so everyone pretty much knows everyone directly or indirectly through others. So if a somewhat “unknown” enters they may be required to give, get references from others that are known to the race committee that can speak of the persons abilities and qualifications and that of the horse being entered. This is pretty much SOP.
Check out Central Entry http://www.centralentryoffice.com/Default.aspx as Rustbreeches suggested also. If you have any specific questions happy to answer to the best of my ability. Don’t know much about pony racing other then the rules are a little bit looser.
Are you looking to hold a point to point as a fundraiser for a hunt? I have participated in one that was held outside of organized VA point to point racing. Much looser rules, etc. If this is what you have in mind, I can humbly offer suggestions. The first year we went, we were literally the only hunt racing people to show up.
