I was contacted over a week ago by a great supporter of The Grassroots Gazette “Ray Galvin”. His excitement telling me about this talented little 10-year-old JOCKEY by the name of Lexi Everington was infectious! He forwarded me a picture of the first paragraph written in Lexi’s own handwriting. I was really intrigued by what I saw and couldn’t wait to share the finished piece with you all.

Lexi is a student at Harlscott Junior School in Shropshire, And after a copy of this article getting somehow leaked to Lexi’s all time idol and hero Rachel Blackmore who blew us all away with a personal video response, I’m sure that a lot of you are eagerly awaiting this one !!

Lexi is officially the youngest ever writer we have had for The Grassroots Gazette. We want to thank her mum Leanne for her support and permission to publish this. The Next Generation is one we need to both mind and nurture and if ever there was a sign of this, just give Lexi’s incredible piece a read.

‘When it rains it feels like I’m in heaven’ I love racing, I have always wanted to be a jockey,  when I was around the age of 4 I watched my mum and thought that’s what I want to do.  Racing feels like your flying you just keep going. There’s no other feeling than being at the  start with your heart racing waiting for the flag to fall. It’s scary but it’s so amazing. 

‘You don’t need a pony to pony race’ I’m currently racing my 5-year-old pony Mr Jerry himself he’s a 12.2 Welsh C X New Forrest. We are the most inexperienced combination on the course so each race is an educational day out for us. He can be a bit of a boy in the paddock, but acts a professional on the track. He has a lot to learn as he is only a baby and has only raced twice.

This was at Wolverhampton and Warwick racecourse which is a big day out for a young pony. Unfortunately, so far we have had to race in open sections due to me already previously being placed on a different pony, which is always very competitive. Hopefully, during next season we will find a couple of nice little races for him to pick up a placing or even better a win! After the race he bounces down the track back to the paddock, he doesn’t know he has been beaten he just absolutely loves the buzz of racing just as much as me.

Jerry is currently having some downtime in the field before the season starts again in February. Next season we will be attending point-to-point pony racing and the pony club pony racing which includes having the opportunity to ride at Cheltenham and Ascot. I would also love to have ago at the Isle of Wight Grand National.

‘Turn your idols into you rivals’ Believe and you’ll achieve, I’m always keeping my dreams alive this due to the determination of a very inspirational jockey. The one and only Rachel Blackmore she’s hardworking, dedicated, brave and a kind natural horsewomen. She has inspired so many young jockeys into the sport. I would love to be lucky enough to spend a morning at the gallops with her.

‘Racing is like a big family’ My first time racing I made a brilliant group of friends. They’re all so kind and supportive. We could go weeks without seeing one another until the next race meeting and it’s like we have never been apart. Hopefully, in 6 year’s time we will still have that same bound and we will be racing in point to points! Everyone is so supportive if you are ever unsure on something you know you can turn to anyone for advice or help. There are many supportive websites to look into pony racing, including PRA (Pony Racing Authority), Racing2learn, and The Pony Club. 

If you fancy having a go at pony racing my advice is to do it, you’ll absolutely love it!  However, just remember like in all sports sometimes things may not go to plan, but you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain!