Buy TicketsIn the predawn hours, the dedicated team at Keeneland is already starting their day. Among the first to arrive each morning are the Keeneland outriders and their horses or “ponies”, whose mission is to safeguard horses and riders in training.
For outriders, the day begins with an early wakeup call, followed by a prompt arrival at the track. After tending to their ponies, outriders set out onto the track before it officially opens. This early start allows them ample time to inspect and prepare the track, ensuring it's safe for training activities to begin.
The primary role of Keeneland's outriders is twofold: to prevent incidents from occurring and to respond swiftly and effectively if they do occur. In the event of a loose horse or a distressed animal, it's their duty to intervene to help calm the situation to prevent harm to horse or rider. Relying on their expert horsemanship and quick reflexes, their goal is to bring any situation under control as swiftly as possible.
In their role, outriders must maintain compliance with all required safety equipment, ensuring they are prepared to address any situation. This commitment to safety extends to overseeing renovation breaks, after which the track is reopened for timed workouts. During this period, outriders are positioned to ensure the safety of all involved, particularly during the crucial first 10 minutes when horses are breezing. Their presence guarantees that safety protocols are followed, creating a secure environment for training.
Outriders and their ponies also play a crucial role as a team in supporting confused or young Thoroughbreds at the start of their racing career. Each horse, like people, has unique needs, and the outrider can provide support tailored to those needs—a process similar to how personal trainers provide human athletes with specialized attention while in training. From guiding them to the starting gate to providing tailored support based on individual needs, outriders serve as mentors during this transition period. This assistance helps ease the transition for horses learning to race.
Whether on the main track or training grounds, the collaboration between outrider and horse, as well as among fellow outriders, is paramount. Their vigilance and readiness to act at a moment's notice in essential to upholding Keeneland’s standards and helping keep the equine and rider community safe.