Arabian Racehorses
If you've seen the Disney movie ''Aladdin,'' you may know that it is set in the Arabian Desert. Ancient Arabia is now present-day Saudi Arabia in the Middle East. It is here that a wandering people called the Bedouins bred and raced these mystical horses nearly 3,500 years ago. Arabian horses were eventually brought to England and France.
Today, purebred racehorses called thoroughbreds are the descendants of Arabian horses. They are known for their speed, jumping ability, and loyalty.
Triple Crown Champs
What do you think the chances are of one horse winning all three of the biggest horse races of the season? The Triple Crown consists of three races, all held in America. They include the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, and are open to horses that are at least three years old. If a horse can win all three of these races in the same year, he or she is awarded the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing!
In nearly 100 years of racing, only 12 horses have won the Triple Crown. The first horse to win was Sir Barton in 1919; American Pharaoh won in 2015.
Horse racing is not only popular in America but also throughout the world. Important races take place in England, France, Dubai, and Australia, to name just a few countries.
Profession of Bravery
Now, while a horse should get his or her fair share of credit for winning a race, it wouldn't be right to forget about the jockey. A jockey is a person who rides the horse during a race. Jockeys have a dangerous job—more dangerous than boxing, skydiving, or motorbike racing. Jockeys can be thrown from horses, have bones broken, and suffer other injuries.
Jockeys must be light in weight and shorter than average in height, from about 4'9 to 5'6; keep in mind that 4'9 is the average height of most 6th graders. Although there are more male jockeys, women can become jockeys, too.
Jockeys must learn to work with their horses, which requires understanding a horse's strengths. The best riders form a bond with the horses they are riding and demonstrate compassion.
Lesson Summary
Horse racing is an equestrian sport, in which horses compete. Thoroughbred horses can trace their ancestry back to the Arabian horses bred by the Bedouins of the Middle East. The biggest honor for any horse and jockey (the rider of a racing horse) is to win the Triple Crown, which consists of horse racing's three most respected races.
