The Mongolian government announced on January 29 that it would lift a ban on spring horse races that had been in place since 2019. The prohibition originally followed two Supreme Court rulings in 2017–2018. Those rulings ended the government-sanctioned spring race Dunjingariv and banned training child jockeys for winter and spring races, after which the government issued a decree banning all winter and spring races.
The recent change allows races from March 1 while winter races stay banned. Vice prime minister S. Amarsaikhan said "the authority and responsibility for organizing" spring horse races will go to local authorities. The move came after a protest on January 25 in Sukhbaatar square in Ulaanbaatar, where horsemen asked for the ban to be lifted to protect traditions.
Critics say child jockeys are at greatest risk. It is customary for boys aged five to thirteen to race because of their small size. Between 1996 and 2024, 53 child jockeys died after falling from horses, and between 2017 and 2024 about 3,070 children fell and 16 became disabled. Organisers set an age limit of 12 for spring races, but many say this does not adequately protect children.
Difficult words
- prohibition — an official rule that stops something from happening
- decree — an official order from a government or leader
- authority — the power to make decisions or control
- responsibility — a duty to take care or be in charge
- jockey — a person who rides horses in racesjockeys
- organiser — people or groups who arrange eventsOrganisers
- adequately — in a way that is enough or sufficient
- tradition — a custom or practice passed through generationstraditions
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Discussion questions
- Do you think the age limit of 12 is enough to protect children? Why or why not?
- How should local authorities balance traditional events and child safety when they organise races?
- If you were in charge, what rule would you change to reduce injuries to child jockeys?
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