Kid Jockeys

(click on the picture to see more images and then click miniatures to enlarge the photos) Indonesia, Sumbawa Island. 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.   The series has been awarded 1st prize at World Press Photo 2018 in the Sports Stories category.