'It was full within a week' - link-up between Newmarket Pony Academy and Autism In Racing a hit with families

Morning rain in Suffolk did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm at the launch of a collaboration between Autism In Racing and the Newmarket Pony Academy at the British Racing School on Tuesday 

The link-up, which was hosted by Jane Buick, wife of the dual champion Flat jockey William Buick, offers pony riding for children who are autistic, with the hope they become regular events.

The 12 family places that were offered quickly filled and thankfully the rain had stopped by the time the children were able to groom ponies Polly and Rio before donning their skull caps to partner either Henry, Flossie or Jack in the lunge pit.  

Jane Buick, who was accompanied by her son, Thomas, said: “We did this at this time last year with a partnership between Autism In Racing and a mums' group I run in Newmarket called Detour, which was a great success, and the Pony Academy has kindly said they’d have us back. 

"We capped this at 12 families, but it was full within a week. They try to do these extra community projects anyway with kids that have ADHD etc, and they've found they've thrived from it.”

Six-year-old Thomas Buick, son of William and Jane, rides a pony at the Newmarket Pony Academy Credit: Edward Whitaker

On arrival, the families went into a classroom where there was colouring and even a Dubai World Cup wordsearch, as well as sensory equipment that Jane had brought along. 

“After that there was grooming of ponies and then riding in the lunge pit, which everyone has enjoyed," she said. "We're hoping to make it an annual thing, for which Godolphin have been a great help.”

One of the dozen families in attendance were the Arnels, who had brought along their son Raife. Raife’s father Ryan is a farrier, while his mother Jessica helps Jane Buick with her support groups.

Ryan said: “It’s been fantastic to come along here and for Raife to get to groom a pony and then ride him round the ring. We came along to this last year and we went on an Autism Awareness Colour Walk, which was at Newmarket Rugby Club last year and which raised around £8,000.”

Looking ahead to July, Jane Buick is also set to be involved in another Autism In Racing project in Newmarket.

Ryan and Jessica Arnel with their children Jonty, Rex and Raife at the Newmarket Pony AcademyCredit: Edward Whitaker

She said: “We've partnered with the National Stud to offer Autism In Racing days at their site, which will take place during the summer holidays and be hosted by me." 

This connection comes on the back of an Autism In Racing event held at Godolphin Rehoming last September.

Buick added: “One of the guys there that day was 32 and he'd never had anything to do with horses before, but now is on a course at the National Stud as he found he had an amazing connection with animals. We also now have someone exploring being a groundsman and another who is now working for a stud.”

The funding for Autism In Racing comes from the Racing Foundation, Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, Godolphin, Future Ticketing and Anne Duchess of Westminster Fund. A fundraising race is also due to take place at Chepstow in August, with participants including former jockeys Jimmy Quinn and Franny Norton.

Jane and Thomas Buick at the Newmarket Pony AcademyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Last July Spotlight Sports Group, the parent company of the Racing Post, announced Autism In Racing as its first annual community partner as part of the company's wider corporate social responsibility efforts to promote volunteering and community outreach.

Founded in 2021 through the collaboration of broadcaster Bobby Beevers, Racing Together and the Racecourse Association, Autism In Racing was created to promote awareness and inclusivity within the racing industry for those diagnosed with autism. 

Since its creation the organisation has overseen a number of initiatives, such as the installation of permanent sensory rooms at Aintree, Cheltenham and Ascot, designed to provide a calm, quiet and safe environment in which to fully enjoy a day at the races.

Read more here:

Former riders come together to support Autism In Racing in Chepstow fundraising race 

New mentoring scheme hailed 'a game-changer' for neurodiverse people seeking employment in racing  

'I’m blown away by what they've done for us' - William Buick and racehorse rock stars combine on 'awesome' Autism In Racing day  

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