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Or... ponying up to play the game
Earning spurs is hardly ever more evident than with junior riders who specialize in pony racing, a long tradition on the Virginia spring steeplechasing circuit.
Pony race riders carry on the sporting tradition often long into adulthood. To that end, many Virginia race meets support the youthful introduction to racing by offering events tailored just for young riders. Many of today’s leading professional and amateur steeplechase jockeys indeed got their start on the race course in pony races. Virginia’s leading trainer last year, Jill Waterman, for one, had her hands-on introduction to racing by learning to prepare her own ponies for competition.
Divisions for ponies are limited to riders under the age of 16, and ponies are placed in races with competitors of like size. Small ponies, 12.2 high (50 inches at the withers or base of the neck) or less, typically race about a half mile. Medium ponies, those over 12.2 but less than 13.2 (54 inches) races a little farther, with large ponies, or those up to 14.2 hands high (58 inches) race at distances that approach five-eighths or three-quarters of a mile.
Junior jockeys participating in pony races at Virginia meets are expected to adhere to all rules and safety regulations, requirements that put them on a direct road to professional horsemanship. Silks or proper hunting attire are required, as is appropriate tack and equip
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