What is the Riding A Dream Academy?

It’s an equestrian academy created to help teenagers from diverse and underprivileged backgrounds get into professional horse racing.

What does it do?

It runs a range of riding-based programmes for young people aged between 13-16. It is funded by the Racing Foundation so these riders do not have to pay to take part in the programmes.

So what are the different programmes?

There are three main programmes: The Khadijah Mellah Scholarship, the Residential Weeks and the Taster Days.

Tell me more about the Khadijah Mellah Scholarship…

It’s a year-long scholarship programme for aspiring riders aged 14-16 from ethnically diverse communities and disadvantaged backgrounds. The scholarship is named after Khadijah Mellah, who is the first hijab-wearing jockey to ride in a race in the UK. In 2019, she won the Magnolia Cup – an all-women charity race held at Goodwood – despite being the youngest and least experienced jockey taking part.

The scholarship is fully funded and there are spaces for eight young people each year. It starts with an introductory week at the British Racing School, followed by 10 monthly weekend sessions. The sessions include riding and horse care sessions, as well as mentoring, to help young riders follow in Khadijah’s footsteps.

What does the Residential week involve?

It’s a week-long fun introduction to horse racing aimed at 14-16 year olds and is open to complete beginners as well as those with riding experience. The teenagers will get a chance to ride horses as well as learning how to look after them. They will also visit top yards, meet some of the big names in horse racing, and get a chance to see the horses in action at a racecourse. That’s a lot of fun packed into one week. This programme is also funded, this time by the Alborada Trust.

How can I apply for either of these programmes?

There is an application process for both programmes. You will need to check the Riding A Dream Academy website here to find out when applications open. All applicants need parental/guardian permission to apply.

You mentioned Taster Days … what are they?

This is where schools and youth charities get involved. They are invited to bring up to 10 young people aged 13-16 to the British Racing School to experience riding and working with horses for the first time. They will get a chance to ride a horse or pony, take part in handling and grooming sessions, and even have a go on mechanical training horses. There is a focus on students from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Schools and charities can book a day by emailing [email protected]

What if I don’t have all the right kit?

Don’t worry, once you have been accepted on the Scholarship or Residential week, the Academy will be in touch to find out what kit you might need, and it will provide as much of it as possible, free of charge.