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Step into Competition

We are delighted to announce the launch of Step into Competition, a new nationwide series designed to support riders as they progress from retraining into their first competitions. Developed in partnership with the national governing body (NGB) qualified coaches, the series provides a clear, supportive pathway for riders looking to take the next step in their ex-racehorse journey.

Step into Competition bridges the gap between RoR’s successful ‘first step’ education programme and formal competition. Through a combination of expert-led webinars and practical, coached clinics, riders will gain the knowledge, confidence, and experience they need to enter the competition arena for the first time. 

Free discipline-specific webinars 

The discipline specific webinars took place in January and February 2026. Each one explained the affiliated competition structure, clarify the rules, and provided guidance on getting started in that specific discipline. A list of webinars can be found below. All the webinars can be viewed here.

Regional mock-competition clinics 

After the webinars, riders can attend practical clinics, that can be tailored to suit experienced competitors as well as those who are new to competition and will offer coached mock-competition experiences in a relaxed, educational environment. These sessions provide exposure to qualified NGB-aligned coaches and give riders a realistic taste of affiliated competition. A list of upcoming clinics, with additional dates still to be added, will be available in early January and featured on our events calendar, so keep an eye out for a Step into Competition clinic near you. 

Eligibility  

Open to all Thoroughbreds bred for racing. Riders must be 15 years or older on 1 January of the current year. When taking part in RoR competitions, it is the member’s responsibility to ensure they have RoR competition membership and to check the eligibility criteria for each individual class.