Why are race horses led and taken away from the gate with escort horses whose riders carry the reins for both?

Question

Race horses ar escorted to the gate, and then taken away from the gate, each with an escort horse. The escort horse's rider holds the reins for both horses. Why doesn't each racing rider steer his own horse?

Answer 1

The race horses and jockey's always use a "lead pony" to keep the Thoroughbred under control for the Jockey. Without the gentle, calm lead horse, the racer may become too hyper and too dangerous to control. Because the Thoroughbreds are so hot headed and frisky, there would probably be plenty of trouble trying to steer the horses toward the gate and into it. Without the lead pony, the horses would take a lot more time loading into the gate. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

because they are so hot they will take off or be out of control. you dont see this done in lower class races because the horses arnt as good athletes and are easier to control.

Answer 3

TOO KEEP THE RUNNERS CALM....AND THEY DON'T HAVE CONTROL OF BOTH REINS, THEY HAD A LEAD ROPE, THAT CLIPS UNTO THE BRIDLE, AND JUST BEFORE THEY GO INTO THE GATE TO RACE, THEY RELEASE IT SO THE GATE-BOY WHO ALSO HAS HIS OWN LEAD ROPE TAKES THE HORSE INTO THE GATE..AND THEN THE FLAG IS UP...

Answer 4

The runners may be very fractious - geared up to race - and need what is a calming influence before being loaded into the gate. You will sometimes see runners who don't need an escort, but it is not very common. It is as much safety for the runner, as it is for the jockey - and all the runners, jocks and personnel - on the track.