Chariot Racing
There is one equine sport practiced predominantly in the Western half of the U.S. that has gone under the radar in the horse world but boasts enthusiasts throughout Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Idaho…plan to step back in time, way back if you attend a meet. I’m Susan Allen stay tuned for the story. Ancient Rome in Ritchfield Idaho? From December through February residents of this rural farming community head out to the race track to test their gladiator skills in the extreme sport of chariot racing. But it’s not just Ritchfield, in Idaho’s Magic Valley and throughout the west in small communities tucked into the foothills of Utah, Colorado and Wyoming you’ll find chariot racing in all kinds of weather, snow, rain and sleet and wind. A typical race consists of teams of quarter horses but since 1999 a new phenomena developed that would shake up the sport and become a favorite with the crowd after two young sisters showed up to compete with ponies. Today some meets like the one in Rupert Idaho feature miniature horse races. That up my alley. They consists of two minis (tiny ponies) pulling one hopefully “petite” driver for 200 yards, trophy's and a chance to go the world championship. Chariot racing has it’s celebrities like darling Ashley Kintzler who was youngest female racer and now has her own chariotchick.com web site . Reminds me of team roping, can’t be too old or too young, Hart Grover of Idaho Falls was still winning chariot races two years ago at age 80. I’m Susan Allen