GRASSROOTS: BEVERLEY THOMAS. FROM BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS TO THE BEATING HEART OF GRASSROOTS RACING.

Beverley Thomas: From Badminton to the Beating Heart of Grassroots

For many people, Beverley Thomas is a steady and familiar presence, serving as Vice Chair of the Point-To-Point Secretaries Association (PPSA) and Joint Area Secretary for Wales. But her journey into the sport came long before committee meetings and area responsibilities; it began at the very top of eventing.

Thomas started out as an event rider and competed five times at the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials, while also representing her country at the Junior and Young Rider European Championships. It was a developmental period built on ambition, resilience, and an understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level.

When her eventing career came to a close, she returned home to Pembrokeshire in West Wales, where a visit to a local point-to-point would quietly change her focus. “I went to a point-to-point and thought it might be quite fun to train one”. That ‘one’ became a little mare called Baby Whale, who won three races and, in Thomas’ words, “that was when I got the bug.”

A true grassroots operation

Over the next few years, Thomas trained pointers from the family farm, running a yard of up to 14 horses without the luxury of private gallops. Alongside farming responsibilities, it was a very hands-on operation.

Eventually, a crossroads presented itself. To progress further would have meant significant investment, such as installing gallops, potentially taking out a licence and committing fully to the professional ranks. While trainers such as Rebecca Curtis and Peter Bowen have shown it can be done successfully from West Wales, Thomas knew the realities of life on the road did not suit her circumstances. So, rather than stand still, she stepped away for a short period – but not for long.

Two horses, Moral Hazard and Captain McGinley, pulled her back in. McGinley finished second in the Intermediate Final at Cheltenham – behind the well-known Latenightpass – when owned and trained by Thomas, before going on to win the race the following season when he was trained by Bradley Gibbs during Covid.

Those days remain particularly special. “I’ve always been a massive supporter of the Intermediate (series)” she explains. “That final, in many ways, is the pinnacle for many of the smaller trainers”. It is a telling sentiment that underlines her understanding of what success looks like beyond the very top tier.

Not every story needs to involve vast sums or big operations

Thomas has also enjoyed success sourcing and producing young horses. A £2,500 purchase won its maiden before selling on for £30,000 and later winning under Rules, which is proof that point-to-pointing remains a genuine pathway within the sport. Not every story needs to involve vast sums or big operations. Thomas explains, “Pointing is increasingly dominated by highly professional keepers associated with licenced yards (I am afraid that ship has sailed). We need to endeavour to provide opportunities for the grassroots participants who have historically been the backbone of our sport.  It is a challenge which becomes more and more difficult, but nevertheless, we need to make it a top priority to pursue that goal”

It’s a weighing scale for Thomas, who reaffirms that it’s not resistance to progress, but a reminder of balance. Thomas believes growth should not come at the expense of those who buy a maiden to enjoy, who aim for an Intermediate Final, or who simply want to be part of something welcoming and competitive.

The simple pleasures of Pointing

Thomas is asked what she truly loves about point-to-pointing, and the answer is very simple. “The picnic out the back of the car,” she says. “Enjoying the day, whatever the horse does, with your friends”. It is that sense of community that keeps her in love with the sport. Under rules, winners can sometimes celebrate in near solitude. In pointing, you are surrounded by familiar faces and friends. Success is shared with a community of people around you who have the same passion.

Thomas is now serving as the Vice Chair of the PPSA, which is a more administrative role compared with where she started, training horses, and her prior service as joint Area Secretary. Her priorities are clear: “protect the foundation while allowing the sport to evolve”. Grassroots participation is an experience she has lived from nearly every angle of the sport.

Why the sport is special

It is a sport defined by its warmth and inclusivity, welcoming a wide range of participants, ranging from ambitious jockeys aiming to progress to the professional ranks to those who simply want to enjoy riding around some of the country’s most picturesque tracks. It provides opportunities for individuals who wish to train one or two horses for the sheer enjoyment of it, as well as for those with aspirations of winning major races or even taking out a licence under Rules.

For those who prefer to stand on the other side of the rail, it offers a wonderful day out. In a non-intimidating, accessible environment, racegoers can learn about the horses, connect with participants, and witness firsthand the genuine love and dedication that trainers, riders, owners, and volunteers pour into the sport.

When asked why people should participate in a point-to-point, it was clear: “Do it, it will be a lot of fun. You’ll meet new people, and you’ll find that the sport is very welcoming”.

Because at its heart, point-to-pointing thrives not just on winners and finals, but on the people who choose to be part of it.