A pony racing taster day is being held at Cheltenham racecourse, aiming to introduce more young people to the sport. The day, which is being run by the Pony Racing Authority and the Pony Club, is aimed at eight to 15-year-olds who are not currently involved in pony racing. The children will get the chance to meet champion trainer Paul Nicholls, visit the weighing room, dress up as a jockey, learn about the tack and ride a mechanical horse with tuition from a jockey. Pony racing has been a growing sport over the past few years, with graduates including Sam and Willy Twiston-Davies, Rhys Flint and Hadden Frost all now jockeys. The Pony Racing Authority's Rebecca Morgan said: "The results from pony racing speak for themselves. We are now looking to promote the initiative to children not currently involved and that may, until now, have had no knowledge of pony racing or how to get involved." The day runs from 10am to 1.30pm on Tuesday, April 3 and costs £5 per child. To apply, visit http://events.pcuk.org by Tuesday, March 27. For more details, contact info@pcuk.org or phone 02476 698301.

Two businesses reach national BETA finals

Two Devon businesses have reached the national finals of the 2012 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Business Awards. Leonard Coombe Master Saddlers (small business category), of Newton Abbot, and Clippersharp (mail order/internet retailer category), of Culmstock, will be in line to collect the BETA/SEIB Retailer of the Year Award at the BETA Gala Dinner at the National Motorcycle Museum, in Birmingham, on Sunday. "There were more than 4,000 nominations for the BETA/SEIB Retailer of the Year Award, so many congratulations go to both companies for reaching the finals," said BETA executive director Claire Williams.

Schooling day for pointers at Black Forest Lodge

A schooling day for point-to-pointers will be held at Black Forest Lodge after the cancellation of the Mid Devon meeting at this venue. The schooling day will take place on Tuesday, February 21 at 10am till midday. Cost is £20 per horse donation. To book, contact Lynda on 07879 668529 or email paulandlinda@live.co.uk

Junior riders take qualifiers to Hartpury Arena

West Devon Riding Club juniors clinched the area dressage qualifiers to the Riding Club championships. Competing at the Duchy College, Callington, Cornwall, Stacie Harrison (Hillam My Dudley); Brittany Dumbleton (Merriment William) and George Scott (Mericka) all won their arenas, while Lucy Scott (ChilliBean) finished third. They will now head to the championships at Hartpury Arena in April.

Spillers Horse Feeds to sponsor William Fox-Pitt

Spillers Horse Feeds has confirmed its ongoing commitment to the equestrian industry with the sponsorship of some of the UK's top riders during 2012. This year, Spillers has added the Westcountry's three-day event rider William Fox-Pitt to its portfolio. The feed company is continuing to sponsor the eventing team medallist Jeanette Brakewell and top international showjumper Tim Stockdale.