On January 29 the Mongolian government lifted a ban on spring horse racing that had been in place since 2019. The change allows races from March 1, but wintertime races remain banned. The vice prime minister said local authorities will take responsibility for organising spring races.
The decision followed a protest in Ulaanbaatar where horsemen asked for races to return and said the ban harmed equestrian traditions. Critics worry most about child jockeys, who often take part because they are small. People also point to possible effects on schooling and to low or unclear pay for many child riders.
Difficult words
- ban — official rule that stops something from happening
- organise — plan and run an event or activityorganising
- protest — public action to show disagreement with something
- jockey — person who rides a racing horsejockeys
- equestrian — relating to horses and horse riding
- schooling — formal education at school for children
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Should children be allowed to ride in horse races? Why or why not?
- How could local authorities make spring races safer for children?
- Why do you think people said the ban harmed equestrian traditions?
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