RV supports the next generation through Ride To Time

Racing Victoria (RV) has again partnered with Pony Club Victoria to support its Ride To Time program, which is designed to improve the riding skills of young riders across the state.  

Since March this year, Ride To Time sessions have been conducted at several pony clubs in Victoria, from Kilmore and Horsham in the north to Rosedale in the east and various other locations across the state. 

As part of her work with RV’s Workforce Development team, jockey Tayla Childs has assumed a mentoring role for the aspiring riders, educating them on pace, rhythm and the importance of riding to time, all within a safe environment. 

The Childs family is part of the fabric of Australian racing, with Tayla’s father Greg considered one of the country’s greatest riders and her brother Jordan a Group 1-winning jockey. 

With more than 80 wins in the saddle, Tayla has forged a successful riding career of her own and her first-hand experience of competing against some of Australia’s leading jockeys provides the young pony club members with an invaluable insight into the profession.

“I was doing a teaching degree before I decided to become a professional jockey, so it’s always something I’ve been interested in and when the opportunity came along, I jumped at the chance,” Tayla said.

“Working with kids and helping to bridge the gap between pony clubs and the racing industry is very rewarding, and I have loved my time so far in the program. I’ve done about 10 sessions so far, and we’ve got a fair few coming up over the next few months. There’s been a lot of interest and the sessions have been well attended and well received, which is great.      

“I started out riding at my local pony club, so it’s great for the kids to see that they too could become a jockey one day if they wanted to go down that path. A few of them have already made inquiries about working in stables and becoming trackwork riders, so it’s great to see that pathway into the racing industry. 

“I’ve seen some excellent riders during the sessions, some of them have really surprised me with how good they are in the saddle. I think I’ll have to watch out as they might be taking my job soon!”

Regional heats will be conducted ahead of the Ride To Time Series Final, which will be held at Moonee Valley Racing Club in September.

“It’s fantastic to see such strong interest from regional and metropolitan clubs alike, as they embrace the opportunity for these budding young riders to enhance their skills in the saddle,” said RV’s Workforce Development Program Lead, Danielle Smith. 

“We are very proud to partner with Pony Club Victoria to promote a program that not only supports grassroots equestrian development, but also provides a crucial link between pony clubs and the thoroughbred racing industry.”