by Amber Lesovoy

Created on: March 17, 2009   Last Updated: March 20, 2009

Best of Both Worlds

Steeplechasing combines the raw power of the flat racing Thoroughbred with the precision and impulsion of high speed cross country jumping, creating a sport that is thrilling to horse racing fans the world over. Steeplechasing guarantees thrills, spills, and tons of fun for everyone involved.

Steeple to Steeple, to Saint Marys We Go!

This fast paced sport got it's name as a result of a famous two horse race between Irish fox hunters in 1752. They ran a race from the steeple of Buttevant Church to that of Saint Marys Church in Doneraile, County Cork, Ireland. From there, the sport took off and the first steeplechase here in the United States was hosted by the Washington Jockey Club in 1834, in Washington DC. Modern steeplechasing occurs in 12 states, at an assortment of different sites, and is enjoyed by everyone from working class folks like you and I, horsemen, politicians, and even royalty.

Steeplechasing comes to the United States

August Belmont, H. DeCourcy Forbes, Samuel S. Howland, James O. Green, Frederick Gebhard, A.J. Cassatt, Foxhall P. Keene, John G. Follansbee and Frederick H. Prince founded the National Steeplechase Association, which promotes racing, licenses jockeys and trainers, and oversees race meetings. Over the years, their mission has really not changed much, and the association still stands strong.

Thrills and Spills

A steeplechase is typically two to four miles long, over a course of jumps.There are two distinct types of steeplechase, the brush race and the timber race. Brush races are run over courses with jumps made of soft, forgiving, natural hedge-type material and are much gentler on the legs. Timber races use jumps made of wood, much like the fences a fox hunter would encounter, and are far more solid and unyielding.

Unlike flat racing, jockeys are not tiny people, and the minimum weight for a steeple race jockey is 140 pounds. The additional weight provides more security and better balance for the horse, as he gallops and jumps. This opens the sport up to many more people than flat racing, where height and weight need to be minimal.

Equipment

Steeplechasers use slightly different tack and equipment than regular flat race horses do. Tack consists, of course, of a saddle and a bridle, but often other equipment is used.

The saddle is a lightweight racing saddle, with an elastic or leather breastcollar or breastplate that encircles the chest and holds the saddle in place, keeping it from sliding backward. Shadows rolls on

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