Are you ready for race day but not sure what all the words mean? Don’t worry! Percy and his friends have put together a handy list to help you learn the ropes.
Bay
Another fantastic horse color! Bay ponies have a brown body, but their mane, their tail, and the bottom parts of their legs are black—it almost looks like they are wearing long black socks!
Bridle
A very important piece of tack that goes gently over a pony’s head. It connects to the reins, which act a bit like a steering wheel, helping the jockey guide the pony safely around the track.
Bumper Race
A special type of race just for younger horses and ponies like Percy! In a bumper race, there are no jumps or hurdles to leap over—everyone runs on the flat. It is the perfect way for them to learn how to race safely.
Chestnut
A beautiful horse color! Chestnut ponies have a lovely reddish-brown coat, kind of like a shiny copper penny or a bright autumn leaf. Their mane and tail are usually the same red or brown color, too.
Dam
A special horse word for a pony’s mum! Just like human mums, a Dam takes wonderful care of her foal (her baby) and teaches them lots of important things before they grow up to be big, brave racers.
Fetlock
This is just like a pony’s ankle, right above their foot. Sometimes, ponies have extra fluffy hair growing around their fetlocks called “feathers.”
Forelock
A pony’s very own fringe! It is the cute tuft of hair that falls right between their ears and over their forehead. Sometimes it blows in the wind when they gallop!
Furlong
A racing measurement! Instead of miles or kilometers, racetracks are often measured in furlongs to tell everyone how long the race will be.
Going
The “Going” is a special racing word that describes exactly what the ground feels like under a pony’s hooves! Sometimes it is soft and squishy after a rainy day, and sometimes it is firm and fast if the sun has been shining. It helps the jockeys and trainers know just how bouncy the track will be!
Grey
A very special horse color that can change like magic! Grey ponies are often born quite dark, but as they grow older, their coats turn lighter and lighter until they look bright white or covered in beautiful dapple spots.
Hock
The pointy joint halfway up a pony’s back leg. It bends backward to help give them their super galloping power and big, bouncy strides!
Hooves
A pony’s strong, sturdy feet! They are hard just like our fingernails, and they make a wonderful clip-clop, clip-clop sound when Percy walks around the yard.
Jockey
The brave and skillful person who rides the horse during a race. They work as a team with the horse to guide them safely around the track.
Kelso Racecourse
Known all over as “Britain’s Friendliest Racecourse,” Kelso is a real-life track located in the beautiful Scottish Borders. Surrounded by gorgeous green countryside, it is the absolute perfect place for a pony’s first big bumper race!
Mane
The long, beautiful sweep of hair that grows all the way down the back of a pony’s neck! When Percy gallops super fast, his mane blows in the wind like a superhero’s cape. Before a big bumper race, a pony’s mane is often brushed out and plaited into neat little braids so they look incredibly smart for the crowd.
Muzzle
A pony’s nose and mouth! A muzzle is super soft and velvety, making it absolutely perfect for snuffling up treats like crunchy carrots and sweet mints.
Paddock
A safe, grassy field where horses and ponies can go to stretch their legs, play with their friends, and munch on some delicious grass after a hard day of training.
Parade Ring
Think of this as the pre-race runway! Before the big event begins, Percy and all the other ponies walk around in a big circle here so the crowd can admire their shiny coats and braided manes. It is also the spot where the jockeys hop into the saddle before heading out to the starting line.
Plaits
The pony version of braids! To get ready for a big bumper race, a pony’s mane is carefully folded and rolled into neat little bobbles all the way down their neck. Plaits make ponies look incredibly smart and show the crowd just how proud they are to be racing!
Saddle
A special, comfy leather seat that is safely strapped onto the pony’s back. It gives the jockey a secure place to sit (and sometimes stand!) while they ride at super-fast speeds.
Silks
The bright, colorful shirts and hat covers that jockeys wear. Every racing team has its own special colors and patterns, making it easy to spot your favorite pony as they zoom past the finish line!
Sire
The horse word for a pony’s dad! Sires are often big, strong horses who pass down their speedy legs, beautiful colors, or bouncy strides to their children.
Stud
A beautiful, peaceful farm where horse families begin! It is a special place where mums (Dams) and dads (Sires) live, and where cute little baby horses, called foals, are born and take their very first wobbly steps. (Fun fact: Percy started his own big adventure at a famous place called the National Stud!)
Tack
A special word for all the equipment a horse wears, like their saddle (the seat for the jockey) and bridle (the headpiece that helps guide them).
Tail
The long, swishy hair at the very back of a pony! Percy uses his lovely tail to swat away pesky flies during warm summer days in the paddock, and he gives it an extra big swish to show everyone when he is feeling happy and full of bounce.
The Yard
This is the neighborhood where all the horses live, eat, and sleep. It is full of cozy stables, bustling activity, and lots of friendly faces (including speedy little dogs like Pablo!).
Winning Post
The finish line! This is a big, brightly colored post that marks the very end of the racetrack. Percy and his friends always do their best to be the first one to zoom right past it!
Withers
The highest part of a pony’s back, right where their neck meets their shoulders. If you ever want to know exactly how tall a pony is, the withers are where you measure from!
