Page 56 - The Hunt - Spring 2024

Pony Racing continued from page 18
“THE P“URPOSE
OF PONY RACING IS TO GROW YOUNG RIDERS INTO JOCKEYS. THE HOPE IS THAT KIDS BECOME INVOLVED IN THE SPORT FOR THEIR WHOLE LIVES, EITHER AS JOCKEYS, OWNERS, TRAINERS OR SUPPORTERS.”
—ALISSA NORMAN, TEMPLE GWATHMEY STEEPLECHASE FOUNDATION
to cross the finish line first. At age 16, the jockeys move on to racing horses.
All young riders must wear an approved helmet, a protective vest, a yoke or neck strap, an overgirth, and safety stirrups. No whips, no spurs. Check reins, grass reins, blinkers or any other equipment besides a
standing or running martingale
(a device for steadying a horse’s head)
is not permitted. All ponies and junior horses must be at least five years
old. Fifteen-year-old Ellet Sharp got her first taste of competition aboard a pony, winning last year’s Winterthur Cup on
Fiona, a medium gray speedster owned by noted trainer Katherine Neilson. “Pony racing is a gateway into a great sport,”
the young jockey’s mother notes. “Kathy took Ellet under her wing and is a great mentor. She is so happy to help the
next generation.” continued on page 22
20 STEEPLECHASE LOOKBOOK 2024 | todaymediainc.com