Kid Jockeys

Indonesia, Sumbawa Island. Once a game between neighbors to celebrate a good harvest, horse racing in Sumbawa was transformed into a spectator sport by the Dutch in the 20th century to entertain officials and nobility. The unique features of Sumbawa racing, are the notoriously small horses and the fearless child jockeys, aged 5-10, who mount bareback, barefoot and with little protective gear. Today, Maen Jaran takes place during every important festival and holiday throughout the year at racetracks across the island and remains a favorite pastime Sumbawans.