Each racehorse and jockey is escorted out of the Paddock by a pony rider and lead pony onto the track for the post parade to the starting gate. These horse helpers are not really “ponies” but are called that because they “pony” the racehorses along and help the racehorse stay calm.

horse or pony that leads a horse from the paddock to the starting gate.

horse on which outrider or pony person escorts Thoroughbreds onto track and to starting gate

horse or pony that heads parade of field from paddock to starting gate. Also a horse or pony who accompanies a starter to post.

1. A horse which escorts racers onto the track and to the starting gate; 2. Any horse on th etrack which will not be racing.

See pony.

The horse and rider that accompanies a starter from the paddock to post (starting gate). Lead ponies are used to help quiet the runners. In Europe lead ponies are rarely used.