16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Gunning for the finish line

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. 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.  

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2017
Date Uploaded: 11.2018
Photo Location: Sumbawa Besar, Indonesia
Copyright: © Alain Schroeder