Preakness Lead Horses

by Jo Steele

U.S. Horse Racing

In watching the Preakness, I notice in the post parade that the person holding the rein of the horse that is racing had what appeared to be like a shield on the right side of their horse.

Can you tell me what it is and what it is used for.

Answer: The person leading the race horse is called an Outrider and his horse is a Lead Pony.

The shield is a shoulder bite pad to protect the pony from over anxious or aggressive horses.

Sometimes they'll wear a rear guard too.

Answer supplied by Laurie Ross of www.ironmaidensthoroughbreds.com/