Kid Jockeys - PhMuseum

© Alain Schroeder - Image from the Kid Jockeys photography project

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Every jockey is accompanied onto the track by his Sandro where he, the numbered jersey he’ll wear and the horse he will ride are blessed before each race. The boy is then handed off to the trainer who will carry the young jockey down the long straightaway to the starting gate

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Sandro, Haji Abdul Latif (69) gently rests his forehead against his horse’s cheek, transmitting his spiritual energy to the animal. He ends the ritual by gently blowing on him.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Horse racing or Maen Jaran, is a favorite pastime in Sumbawa, Indonesia. Kid jockeys, 5 -10 years old, mount bareback, barefoot and with little to no protective gear, racing at speeds of up to 80 kms per hour. They will mount 5 to 6 times a day for several consecutive days. For 3,50 to 7 euros per mount.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, After a day of racing, horses are taken for a cooling bath. All the kids in the neighborhood take adavantage of the moment to play with the horses in the river. Here a young jockey playfully bonds with his horse outside the serious atmosphere of the racetrack.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Men watching the races in the tribune.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Horse racing or Maen Jaran, is a favorite pastime in Sumbawa, Indonesia. Kid jockeys, 5 -10 years old, mount bareback, barefoot and with little to no protective gear, racing at speeds of up to 80 kms per hour. They will mount 5 to 6 times a day for several consecutive days. For 3,50 to 7 euros per mount. The trainers release the jockeys from the starting gate.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, A jockey prepares for the gate to open as his trainer leans over him to make some final adjustments.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Onlookers, protect themselves from the sun with whatever is at hand.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Every jockey is accompanied onto the track by his Sandro where he, the numbered jersey he’ll wear and the horse he will ride are blessed before each race. The boy is then handed off to the trainer who will carry the young jockey down the long straightaway to the starting gate

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, After a day of racing, horses are taken to the sea for a cooling bath followed by a fresh water rinse.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, After a day of racing, horses are taken for a cooling bath. All the kids in the neighborhood take adavantage of the moment to play with the horses in the river. Here a young jockey playfully bonds with his horse outside the serious atmosphere of the racetrack.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Hands waiting for the trucks to take the horses home after a day of racing.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Sandro, Haji Abdul Latif (69) holds a jimal (amulet) over his grandson’s head and recites a prayer to give 6 year old Aldiansah strength and keep him safe. The Sandro is the spiritual healer who protects young jockeys by performing elaborate rituals and guiding them in training. Aldiansah, who started riding at age 3, eats a hearty breakfast in preparation for 5 races today. He is not afraid.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, A child kockey straddles the starting gate in anticipation of mounting his horse. Behind, trainers prepare to position the horses in the blocks.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Horse racing or Maen Jaran, is a favorite pastime in Sumbawa, Indonesia. Kid jockeys, 5 -10 years old, mount bareback, barefoot and with little to no protective gear, racing at speeds of up to 80 kms per hour. They will mount 5 to 6 times a day for several consecutive days. For 3,50 to 7 euros per mount.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Two jockeys walking on the racetrack.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Sandro, Haji Abdul Latif (69) pours water over his grandson’s head as he recites a prayer to give 6 year old Aldiansah strength and keep him safe. The Sandro is the spiritual healer who protects young jockeys by performing elaborate rituals and guiding them in training.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, People climb into the trees along the track for a good view of the race.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, In an unsual twist, a trainer also whips the horse as his jockey passes by.

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Indonesia, Sumbawa Island, Moyo, Boys climb into the trees along the track for a good view of the race.