Youth and Pony Racing
The TGSF focuses much of its efforts on supporting the next generation of participants in the sport of American jump racing.
In 2013 NAPPA (North American Point-to- Point Association) closed its doors and passed along its mission to the TGSF. With the guidance of U.S. Pony Racing to spearhead the initiatives, the TGSF is helping junior racing gain increased popularity in the USA.
Your financial support helps pay for youth steeplechase camps, domestic and international trips for young amateur riders, the sponsorship of some races such as the Pennsylvania Junior Hunt Cup and the promotion of junior and pony racing at key events, including the Maryland Horse Expo.
More can be done with your continued gifts and guidance. Together, you can help junior and pony racing grow in the areas where it is already established and expand into other geographical areas.
Youth Trips
Developing Rider International Trip to Ireland
Hosted by the Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation (TGSF), the Ireland trip is be a hands-on experience for riders interested in a career in steeplechase racing.
Activities include visiting Coolmore and Ballydoyle, riding out for trainers (past trainers include Ende Bolger, Ted Walsh, Edward O’Grady, Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, Shark Hanlon, Pat Doyle and Jessica Harrington), attending meetings and discussions with industry professionals and attending the races including the Galway Festival. The trip attendees will be hosted by former TGSF President Sam Slater and Lornie Forbes at their Cahrvillahow estate in Co. Tipperary.
Potential participants MUST be nominated by a steeplechase trainer. The nominee must:
- Be a minimum of 16 years old as of January 1, 2023 and preferably not be more than 23 years of age
- Have experience working and riding with a steeplechase trainer who is not an immediate family member
- Have ridden in at least two flat or jump races, sanctioned or unsanctioned
- Be able to represent him or herself without the aid of a parent/guardian
- Have a valid passport
- Have solid galloping and schooling skills on a variety of types of horses
- Demonstrate good work ethic and high level of maturity
- Must work well with others in close quarters
Former TGSF Chairman Sam Slater and wife Lornie Forbes are the masterminds behind the trip, which is based out of Slater’s family Cahervillahow estate in the Golden Vale region of County Tipperary.
“The intention of this trip,” Slater says, “was to introduce young amateur American jockeys to how other parts of the world train flat and jump race horses. We want these up and coming riders to have a chance to make connections with Irish trainers that they normally would otherwise not come in contact with. A few of the past attendees have gone to work in Ireland after their experience on 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 six previous TGSF trips for developing riders to Ireland. Along with Slater and Forbes, Welsh will see to it that the riders meet, ride, and work for top Irish trainers. Previous years they have galloped for Gordon Elliot, Willie Mullins, Shark Hanlon, Enda Bolger, Pat Doyle, and Jessie Harrington. The group hopes to tour top racing businesses and venues like The Curragh, Coolmore Stud, RACE School, and Ballydoyle, as well as take in the first day of the Galway Festival.
A 2025 IRELAND TRIP WILL NOT BE RUN – WE HOPE TO BRING IT BACK NEXT YEAR.
For more information email youngrider@tgsteeplechasefoundation.org. Learn more about the 2023 trip HERE. Learn about our Ireland Trip Alumni HERE.
TGSF Domestic Rider Trip
The Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation (TGSF) is currently accepting applications for our Young Rider Domestic Trip. The 2025 trip will be a hands-on experience for riders interested in a career in steeplechase racing.
This trip is designed to give 14-18 year olds the opportunity to learn from top steeplechase barns in the mid-Atlantic region. Activities include hands-on visits to trainers’ barns in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia; attending lectures and discussion sessions with trainers, jockeys, owners and stewards; and attending races at Saratoga in New York.
The 2025 Young Rider Domestic Trip is scheduled for Friday July 25 through Thursday July 31.
Each applicant must have two letters of recommendation from professionals who have a first-hand familiarity with the applicant’s level of ability, work ethic and overall horsemanship. Letters should NOT be from a family member.
Applicants must email the TGSF, before June 2, 2025, a 500-word biographical essay that includes his or her riding experience and states what he or she hopes to achieve if chosen to participate. They should send an email immediately indicating their interest, followed by their essay. An application form will be sent to the Applicant after an email indicating their interest has been received.
The nominating professional must email a letter of recommendation to the TGSF by June 2, stating why this candidate is qualified and should be considered for the TGSF Young Rider Domestic trip.
There are four to six spots available for this trip. Participants will be interviewed and chosen by a TGSF committee. There will be a $600 camp fee per person. All lodging and most meals will be covered by the fee. Applicants must have previous overnight experience such as school trips, Scout outings, etc.
The TGSF is dedicated to amateur participation. Your funding gifts provide educational opportunities to aspiring steeplechase jockeys.
To learn more, contact us at YoungRider@tgSteeplechaseFoundation.org
